At PGE, our work involves dreaming about, planning for, and realizing a smarter, cleaner, more enduring Oregon neighborhood. Its core to our DNA and we haven’t stopped since we started in 1888. We energize lives, strengthen communities and drive advancements in energy that promote social, economic and environmental progress. We’re always on the lookout for people passionate about leading and being a part of teams that are advancing innovative clean energy solutions that are also affordable and accessible to all.

Summary

PGE has been selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for a 5-year, $50 million grant to deploy grid edge computing (GEC) across 10% of its service area at approximately 90,000 locations (“Accelerating and Deploying Grid Edge Computing (https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2023-11/DOE_GRIP_2123_Portland%20General%20Electric%20Company_v4_RELEASE_508.pdf) ”). As the primary Program Manager for this large and complex program, you will lead a multi-workstream approach overseeing the planning, design, integration of technical systems, field installation of grid edge computing devices (e.g., meters, collars, sensors, etc.), deployment of software apps, community benefits delivery, and demonstration of key benefits. The total program budget is valued at $108+ million, with a team of 30+ personnel anticipated at its peak. This position will be accountable for all aspects of program delivery, including scope, schedule, budget, contracting, reporting, and risk/issue mitigation.

PGE’s GEC technology solution includes field grid devices incorporating a high-end computing processor and a suite of software platforms built on advanced analytical models, including artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML). The program will use real-time information from edge computing devices to improve visibility of the electrical system, provide operational insights and improve outage response, and ultimately help to anticipate and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather on grid resiliency. Key benefits of the program include clean energy acceleration through distributed energy resource (DER) integration and optimization, more reliable and clean energy for disadvantaged communities (DACs), including 40% deployment in DACs, and AI/ML workforce development. This is an amazing opportunity to shape the energy future in the Northwest, support our customers, and unlock a multitude of opportunities to transform the electrical grid.

Career Level Summary

Principal Technical Program Manager 6974

Grade 9

Career Level: P5

Master: Requires a recognized expert within the company

Anticipates internal and or external business challenges and vendor and/or regulatory issues; recommends process, product or service improvements

Solves unique and complex problems that have a broad impact on the business

Progression to this level is restricted on the basis of business requirements

Key Responsibilities

Program Delivery Leads the execution of a program of multiple complex projects that include engineering, operations, electric grid operations, process improvement, Construction Department, strategy implementation, training, feasibility studies and pilots.

Serves as an industry expert on related initiatives; develops industry best practices; anticipates industry needs and consults with business unit managers and executives to ensure (1) strategic alignment of program portfolio, (2) understanding of dependencies and constraints, (3) cost effectiveness and (4) mitigation of negative operational and/or customer impacts of business initiatives and projects; consults with project sponsors to develop objectives and scope; utilizes technical expertise to assist in or develop business case/justification.

Oversees development and standardization of project plan(s), including work breakdown structure, schedule and cost baselines, overall budget management, dependencies, project roles and resource requirements; identifies individual project and portfolio risks to PGE and its customers and mitigation strategies; partners and strategizes with Supply Chain, Legal, IT, other business units and project sponsors on vendor contract negotiations.

Strategy and Team Leadership Develops program strategy that includes multiple enterprise projects/initiatives to complete strategic projects; provides team leadership; facilitates program and industry meetings; cultivates and reinforces group values, norms and behaviors; guides and motivates team on performance and productivity; ensures compliance with established project management methodologies and standards; takes corrective action as needed.

Project Controls Establishes and maintains formal controls to ensure proper management and monitoring of budget, scope, quality, schedule and risks across the portfolio of projects and overall program completion that is on time and within budget; negotiates project changes with project managers and project sponsors; maintains, adjusts and updates overall program plan as needed; researches and creates best practices for future smart grid systems of PGE, external customers and the utility industry.

Stakeholder Engagement Develops communication plans and strategies; coordinates with project managers, business unit managers and change managers to provide timely, accurate communication of program plan and status to internal and external stakeholders; develops and promotes adherence to communication and reporting standards to reduce inefficiencies and potential inaccuracies resulting from developing customized communications, reports or materials for different audiences on demand.

Process Improvement Leads and/or facilitates business process improvement activities; assists in improving processes, practices and policies and in establishing process controls to measure baseline and post-improvement performance to monitor success of improvement initiatives; serves as a change agent, systematically driving continuous improvement using state-of-the-art improvement techniques.

Project Reporting and Documentation Develops program-level governance to ensure standards, methodologies and policies are adhered to and proper documentation is maintained; ensures all project documents are catalogued and archived in a secure and efficient manner; documents and files all “lessons learned” along with project artifacts.

Internal Collaboration Develops and maintains key relationships across the business, including with senior executives; provides subject matter expertise for project management and/or process improvement; collaborates with, mentors and assists in training other project managers or leads to continually improve project standards and methodology.

External Relationships Develops relationship strategies and actively partners and participates with customers and/or other utilities and vendors to strengthen and create opportunities to share best practices.

Qualifications

Education Requires a bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, computer science, business, or communications or other related field or equivalent experience. Master’s degree preferred.

Experience Typically 12 or more years in areas such as Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), utility IT/OT field deployments, distribution control systems (e.g., EMS, ADMS, DERMS, etc.), or related.

Certifications, Licenses and Training Specialized licenses, certification and training may be required. PE and/or PMP certification preferred.

Driver’s license Required

Competencies

Functional Competencies

Advanced knowledge of distribution systems.

Advanced knowledge of IT and infrastructure program delivery.

Advanced knowledge of principles, practices, methods, technology and tools for securing personnel, facilities and information.

Advanced knowledge of distribution automation.

Advanced knowledge of IT risk management principles, practices and techniques.

Advanced knowledge of external regulatory onsite and offsite audits.

Advanced knowledge of NERC/FERC regulations and reliability standards and regulatory processes related to the development of NERC Reliability Standards.

Advanced knowledge of corporate and operational compliance and risk management principles and protocols.

General Competencies

Advanced consulting skills

Advanced decision-making skills

Advanced enterprise/business awareness skills

Advanced negotiation skills

Advanced organization and prioritization skills

Advanced presentation/facilitation skills

Advanced team-building skills

Advanced written and oral communication skills

Physical, Schedule/Attendance and Cognitive Demands

Cognitive Level

Substantial: Consistent use of logic or scientific thinking to define problems, collect information, establish facts and draw valid conclusions (for example, engineer, HR director, plant manager, etc.).

Cognitive

Ability to adhere to set response times, deadlines and time-sensitive tasks

Ability to follow accuracy standards

Ability to follow through on decision-making tasks

Ability to interact effectively and collaboratively within a team environment

Ability to communicate and problem solve when under stress

Ability to respond and adapt to frequent change

Ability to accept and demonstrate self-awareness when provided constructive feedback

Ability to discern feedback and acknowledge ownership of areas of improvement

Ability to avoid future mistakes by applying reasonable skills to new but similar work situations or tasks

Ability to successfully collaborate with peers, managers and others within the organization Demonstrates sound memory

Ability to process new information to be applied consistently to work tasks

Schedule/Attendance:

Ability to adhere to pre-established schedule, including start/stop time and break/lunch schedule

Ability to work long hours

Ability to work a variable schedule

Ability to report to work and perform work during periods of severe inclement weather

Ability to consistently meet attendance standards for regular, reliable, predictable, full-time attendance [for part-time positions, change to part-time attendance]

Ability to work shift schedule

Ability to work on-call schedule

Physical Capabilities:

• Driving/travel/commute

• Daily within service territory: Occasionally (one to two times a month or less)

• Overnight inside/outside the service territory

• Occasionally (one to two times a month or less)

• Computer use (use computer regularly for entire work shift)

• Lifting/pushing/pulling: Up to 10 lb

• Carrying: Up to 10 lb

Environment: Office environment & Field environment

PGE supports hybrid flexible work arrangements; and will have a combination of in-the-office and working offsite. However, these arrangements may change due to business needs or changes in responsibility. 

#LI-CD1, * * #LI-Hybrid, * * #LI-Onsite

Compensation Range:

$109,800.00 - $225,680.00

Actual total compensation, including a performance based incentive bonus, is commensurate with experience, skills, qualifications, education, training, and internal equity. While we anticipate the selected candidate for this position will fall towards the middle or entry point of the compensation range, the decision will be made on a case-by-case basis.

PGE believes in rewarding dedicated performance. We provide a total rewards package that is designed to reward your contributions to the company, and, at the same time, support your well-being and professional development, both now and into the future. To find out more, click here (https://portlandgeneral.com/hrcs5511) .

Join us today and power your potential!

Assisting with storms or other Company emergencies is a part of all positions at Portland General Electric.

PGE is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. PGE will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

PGE does not discriminate on the basis of disability. We recognize individuals have a variety of abilities to offer and we believe there is much to value and celebrate by incorporating different abilities into the work we do. One very important way we live this out is in our application and interview process. We work hard to support individuals who may need an accommodation to fully participate in these processes. If you feel you may need an accommodation, or would like to request one, please notify the Talent Acquisition Specialist (Recruiter) associated with the job posting. You may also make this request by contacting talentacquisition@pgn.com or by calling 503-464-7250. The Recruiter will provide information and next steps for the accommodation process. Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) team is also available for support. You can contact them at dei@pgn.com .

To be considered for this position, please complete the following employment application by the posting close date. Posting closes at midnight (Pacific Time) on the closing date below. If no date is listed, job is open until filled.

At Portland General Electric, we’re innovators, builders, and achievers. We’re committed to powering our customers’ potential and making a difference for our community and the planet. Today, that commitment includes developing an intelligent and resilient electric grid, electrifying transportation and de-carbonizing the energy sector.

We’re proud to deliver an exceptional experience to help our customers thrive. Our mission is to make clean, reliable and affordable energy services available to all. We obsess over serving customers and are committed to growing employee career paths with purpose. Equity and inclusion are core business values; we celebrate our differences and are committed to developing teams that reflect the communities we serve.