Manager, Operations Technology

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The Operations Technology "O.T."Manager for Network Operations position directly supports all the AES Clean Energy Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards and requirements in line with AES Global Standards. The Network Operations Manager will be responsible for leading and managing the assigned network engineers and field network engineers.

Specifically, this position will work in support of AES Clean Energy compliance requirements and company risk tolerance while ensuring that adequate and effective security processes and controls are implemented as well as deliver compliance with security policy and regulatory requirements. The O.T.Manager for network operations serves as a key point of contact and technical expert supporting the AES Clean Energy Assets. They will work with the infrastructure team to support the Datacenter and Project Networks, supplying and updating supporting documentation, remediation activities, and communicating compliance results to O.T. Management Team.

This position is a NERC (North American Electric Reliability Corporation) regulated position. As such, a background check in the form of a Transport Workers Identification Credential (TWIC), is required for this position.

The candidate must have advanced knowledge of network project design, implementation, and the use of fiber topologies. In addition, concepts in network security are required knowledge. An understanding of the NERC CIP Standards would be beneficial.

The primary duties and responsibilities include Position will handle overseeing AES Clean Energy "OT" networks, ensuring their best performance, security, and reliability. Responsibilities for this position include:

• OT Network design and planning: Develop and support network architecture, including the layout of routers, switches, firewalls, and other networking equipment, while considering performance, cost, and scalability including renewables fiber, network design and installation / troubleshooting.
• OT Network implementation: Oversee the installation, configuration, and integration of network hardware and software components to ensure seamless connectivity and functionality.
• OT Network maintenance: Regularly check, diagnose, and optimize network performance, implementing upgrades and updates as necessary to support reliability and efficiency.
• OT Security management: Implement and support network security measures, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption, to protect against unauthorized access and cyber threats.
• Disaster recovery and backup: Develop and implement disaster recovery plans and backup procedures to ensure network resilience and minimize downtime in case of a failure or security breach.

• Capacity planning: Monitor network usage and capacity, forecasting future needs, and planning for network expansions or upgrades accordingly.
• Vendor management: Coordinate with vendors and service providers to obtain network equipment, software, and services, negotiating contracts and ensuring timely delivery.
• Budgeting and cost control: Develop and manage network-related budgets, tracking expenses, and implementing cost-saving measures when possible.
• Policy and compliance: Establish and enforce network usage policies, ensuring compliance with relevant industry standards, regulations, and best practices.
• Team management: Lead and manage the network team, providing guidance, setting goals, and evaluating performance.

• Documentation and reporting: Develop and maintain comprehensive network documentation, including topology diagrams, configuration files, and performance reports, for both internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain proper change management documentation for all hardware and software modifications.
• Participate in the Cyber Incident Response Team (CIRT)

• Conduct routine hardware and software audits of all supported security devices to ensure compliance with established standards, policies, procedures, and requirements.

Lead and ensure the fulfillment of team responsibilities including:

• Perform all required operational maintenance and troubleshooting of supported network assets.
• Participate in disaster recovery planning, development, exercises, and actual events.

• Evaluate and test software updates supplied by vendors, prior to installation.
• Work with vendors, application developers, database administrators, corporate IT (Information Technology), and other technology groups to resolve any problems.
• Participate in budgeting and purchasing processes.
• Other duties as assigned**

This position will require excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills, the ability to work with minimal supervision, and the ability to perform duties effectively in emergency situations. The candidate must possess competency in the following security-related areas:

Firewalls, IDS (Intrusion Detection Systems), network switches, network routers, network design, VPN (Virtual Private Network) implementation, TCP/IP communication, writing information security policies, performing network security assessments, patch evaluation, virtual environments, and network analysis. Strong LAN/WAN infrastructure knowledge, technical writing skills and comprehension of technical manuals. The incumbent must have excellent planning, organizational, verbal, and written communication skills, and the ability to express complex technical concepts effectively, both verbally and in writing. The incumbent must have the ability to work well with people from varying disciplines with varying degrees of technical experience. This position requires a thorough understanding of diverse system and network architectures.

Preferred: An ideal candidate would have experience in the Energy or Utility industry, experience supporting a secure network infrastructure, experience supporting networking systems subject to regulatory compliance requirements.

Bachelor's degree in computer science or Minimum 10 years related experience.

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.

The expected salary for this position, at commencement of employment, is between $120.000 and $144.500/Annual; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements such as annual bonus, in addition to a full range of medical, dental, vision, life, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if a candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Safety comes first at AES. To protect the health and safety of our people, customers, communities and partners, and to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards, AES requires all newly-hired people or current AES people applying for U.S.-based role(s), to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or be willing to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by their date of hire. Except where prohibited by law or not specifically covered in a collective bargaining agreement, new hires and transfers will be required to provide proof of vaccination during onboarding and periodically thereafter. This policy will comply with all applicable laws and is based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health authorities, as applicable.