Director, Operational Technology

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The Director of Operational Technology (OT) provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the utility’s mission-critical operational technology systems. This role encompasses responsibility for the Outage Management System (OMS); multiple Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) platforms including the Energy Management System (EMS), Generation Management System (GMS), and Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS); the private OT telecommunications network (fiber, microwave, and wireless); private network asset management; and the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) drafting department. The Director ensures these integrated systems operate securely, reliably, and efficiently in support of safe and dependable electric utility operations. 

 

Key Responsibilities 

Leadership & Strategy 

• Provide overall leadership and strategic oversight for the utility’s OT environment, ensuring alignment with organizational mission and regulatory requirements. 

• Establish policies, procedures & standards that ensure system reliability, cybersecurity, & interoperability across OT platforms. 

• Lead and develop multidisciplinary teams across SCADA, OMS, Telecom, GIS, & private network asset management functions. 

OMS & SCADA Management (EMS, GMS, ADMS) 

• Direct the operation, maintenance, and modernization of OMS and SCADA platforms. 

• Ensure availability, redundancy, and security of EMS, GMS, and ADMS to support real-time monitoring and control of generation, transmission, and distribution systems. 

• Drive integration across OMS, SCADA, GIS, and other Enterprise Digital Systems to improve situational awareness, outage response, and customer service. 

• Advance analytics, automation, and forecasting capabilities to support operational excellence. 

OT Telecommunications & Network Management 

• Oversee the design, operation, and maintenance of the private OT communications network, including fiber optic, microwave, and wireless technologies. 

• Ensure telecom infrastructure reliability, scalability, and resilience to support system operations. 

• Lead telecom asset management including lifecycle planning, inventory tracking, and capital investment strategies. 

GIS Drafting & Mapping 

• Provide direction to the GIS drafting department, ensuring accurate, timely mapping and records of utility assets. 

• Enable integration of GIS with OMS and asset management systems. 

• Maintain compliance with data governance, quality assurance, and operational standards. 

 

Governance, Risk, and Compliance 

• Ensure adherence to all applicable federal and state regulations, including NERC CIP, FERC, and FCC requirements. 

• Implement and oversee OT cybersecurity best practices in coordination with corporate security teams. 

• Maintain disaster recovery and business continuity planning across all OT domains. 

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement 

• Partner with Operations, Digital/IT, Engineering, and Customer Service to align OT capabilities with enterprise goals. 

• Translate technical issues into actionable insights for executives, regulators, and governing boards. 

• Represent the utility in industry forums, regulatory proceedings, and vendor negotiations. 

Performance Metrics 

• Reliability and uptime of OMS, SCADA platforms, and OT telecom systems. 

• Speed and accuracy of outage response and system restoration enabled by OMS and GIS integration. 

• Compliance with cybersecurity and regulatory requirements. 

• Accuracy and usability of GIS and asset management data. 

• Successful delivery of modernization and capital improvement projects. 

• Employee engagement, retention, and department performance. 

Qualifications 

Education & Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field. 

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in utility OT, with significant leadership in SCADA, OMS, or telecommunications. 

• Experience managing EMS, GMS, ADMS, OMS platforms, and private telecom networks. 

• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary technical and support teams. 

 

Knowledge & Skills 

• Strong understanding of utility operations, grid control systems, and OT/IT integration. 

• Expertise in OMS, SCADA platforms, OT telecommunications (fiber, microwave, wireless), and GIS systems. 

• Knowledge of regulatory compliance frameworks, especially NERC CIP. 

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and change management skills. 

• Strategic thinker with ability to manage both immediate operational needs and long-term technology planning. 

AES is an Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed to building strength and delivering long-term sustainability through diversity and inclusion. Respecting all backgrounds, differences and perspectives enables us to improve the lives of our people, customers, suppliers, contractors, and the communities in which we live and work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, race, national origin, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. E-Verify Notice: AES will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.