Application Analyst

 

JOB SUMMARY 

Application Analyst, Operations Data Solutions - This job will be filled as an Exempt Level 4, 5, or 6, depending on the qualifications of the successful candidate. Primary responsibilities for this position include the implementation and on-going technical support for the Aveva/OSIsoft PI vendor software suite and tools used in support of operations, performance, and maintenance. The application and associated tools are used to collect, store, find, deliver, analyze, and visualize operational data. The real-time and historical data is used to support critical business operations, analytics, and planning efforts. Additional duties include software solution evaluation, system integration within business processes, software implementation and upgrade, interface with other systems, end-user technical support, and software product lifecycle management; While ensuring solutions are implemented, operating, and supported to attain high availability and business effectiveness; And while working closely with business partners, peers throughout the Technology Organization (TO) and vendor partners. This position will work within a team providing primary and backup support for this suite of application software solutions. 

Job Experience & Education 

 Education and Experience: 

 • 4-year bachelor’s degree in a Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Business, Engineering, or related degree is strongly desired. Consideration will be given to highly qualified candidates that have comprehensive experience in the administration of data historians in industry. 

• One or more years of experience with the installation, configuration, and monitoring of Aveva/OSIsoft PI System servers, interfaces, and user tools preferred 

• One or more years hands-on experience implementing and supporting application software solutions preferred 

Technical Skills 

Required 

• Experience with Windows system administration version 2016 and above 

• Fundamental knowledge of networks, firewalls, and related hardware and software 

• Demonstrated ability to resolve complex technical issues that require significant freedom of action and sound judgment 

• Demonstrated knowledge of software delivery life-cycle processes and the ability to apply solution delivery best practices 

• Experience supporting application software solutions running on Windows based client and server operating systems 

 

Preferred 

Experience as a system administrator of the Aveva/OSIsoft PI System or other data historians 

Experience with PI Data Archive, PI Asset Framework, PI Asset Analytics, PI Event Frames, PI Vision, and PI Notifications 

Experience with performance optimization and monitoring technical assets 

Experience in scripting languages (PowerShell, SQL) 

Experience working with data analytic tools such as Power BI 

Non-Technical Skills: 

• Able to provide periodic 24x7 on-call support 

• Demonstrated ability to work with external vendors of software packages and coordinate deliverables between internal and external teams 

• Excellent diagnostic, troubleshooting, analysis, and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify, document, and communicate issues, business requirements, and training material 

• Ability to research solutions to problems with the discipline to follow up on anomalies and problem situations 

• Ability to assess the impact of changes and quantify risk to ensure appropriate business and technical decisions are made 

• Flexible, can work under stress with changing direction and with minimal supervision 

• Effectively organizes tasks, manages multiple shifting priorities/details, and meets tight deadlines 

• Takes initiative to understand issues and take corrective actions or make system changes where necessary 

• Ability to learn in a dynamic and fast paced environment. Must also be capable to learn applications in a quick and efficient manner 

• Capacity to learn and apply new technologies, skills and concepts 

• Excellent communication skills (both oral and written) fostering open & proactive communication 

• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with the Technology Organization and business unit stakeholders with a focus on cooperation & teamwork 

 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities 

Strong written and oral English communication skills with the ability to tailor communication as appropriate for the audience. Capable of building productive relationships with teammates and business partners focused on teamwork and cooperation. Often solving problems for end-users, but more frequently equipping them or other partners with knowledge and necessary tools for self-service problem resolution. Familiar with modern software development, source control and change management methodologies. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, and ability to diagnose and resolve problems to meet customer service level expectations. Excellent organization and time management skills, to manage time and priorities to effectively respond to the support needs of multiple users, meet upcoming deadlines and commitments. Able to work in a professional environment with limited direct supervision. Strong customer service skills with the capability to manage customer expectations, fulfill commitments and meet project deadlines. Capable of identifying and implementing technical and business orientated process improvements. 

Behavioral Attributes 

• Safety First – Accepts responsibility for the safety of yourself and co-workers 

• Positive Can-Do Attitude – Must be willing to take ownership and full responsibility for duties and work effectively under the pressure of deadlines and shifting priorities 

• Self-Starter – Able to work in a professional environment with limited direct supervision 

• Results-Oriented – Acts with speed and decisiveness; takes initiative does what it takes to meet commitments 

• Commitment to continuous learning and improvement – Stays abreast of new technologies and techniques in the market; Looks for opportunities to improve through strategy and innovation. Other Requirements 

• Some travel will be required 

• Signature of Intellectual Property Agreement is required for all Southern Company Technology Organization employees 

• Participation in random drug/alcohol testing is a requirement for employment 

• Work Location – The Energy Center, 3535 Colonnade Parkway, Birmingham, AL, 35243.