Data and Systems Architect

Who We Are 

Clean Power Alliance (CPA) is Southern California’s locally operated not-for-profit default electricity provider for 35 communities within Los Angeles and Ventura counties and the 4th largest electricity provider in the State of California. We provide clean renewable energy at competitive rates to over three million residents and businesses through approximately one million customer accounts.  

What You’ll Do 

CPA is seeking an experienced, detail-oriented, and enthusiastic professional to join our growing team as Data and Systems Architect. The Data and Systems Architect will design and manage data systems, sets policies for how data is stored and accessed, coordinate various data sources within the organization, integrate new data technologies into existing IT infrastructures, and optimize solutions to be as cost-effective as possible. The Data and Systems Architect will be integral in the deployment of CPA’s Data and Systems Strategic Plan, developing technology requirements for RFPs, evaluating responses and working with vendors and consultants to deploy new systems (e.g. Data Analytics Platform, Forecasting and Analysis, CRM, ETRM, Financial Management & Accounting, Financial Modeling, Budget, and Planning Analysis).   

Who You’ll Work With 

The Data and Systems Architect reports to the Director, Data & Systems and is supported by a team of technology professionals, along with external stakeholders, consultants, our data manager, and our business partner, Southern California Edison (SCE). The Data and Systems Architect works closely with the Finance, Power Supply, and Customer Care teams and will stay current with CPA’s core business by continuously collaborating with teams overseeing Communications and Marketing, Government Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, and Strategy.   

Commitment to Diversity  

At CPA, we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We represent a diverse customer base and intend to hire employees that reflect our communities. Clean Power Alliance provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.  

Culture  

CPA fosters a culture of open communication, responsibility, intellectual curiosity, and exceptional judgment. As a small team that has quickly built the largest Community Choice Aggregation program in the country, high levels of trust, collaboration, and mission alignment are key factors in success. We value fact-based creativity in our work, accountability with our stakeholders, and promote ethical engagement and diversity with our brand.

Successful Candidates Must Demonstrate the Following Abilities: 

• Enjoy engaging with passionate internal and external stakeholders 
• Be a strong communicator who can write compellingly and clearly 

• Have a strong understanding of big data management and analysis including expertise in database design, data warehouses, and data processing
• Have a high tolerance for uncertainty but know how and when to bring things to resolution 
• Have a strong work ethic and be comfortable taking initiative in a fast paced, start-up environment 
• Work well on diverse teams and with consultants 
• Be able to interpret and explain policies, procedures, and regulations 
• Translate complex technical information into non-technical messages for business users 
• Be able to organize and carry out projects with minimal instruction, compose correspondence independently based on policy and guidelines and maintain complex records 
• Must be able to sit at a desk and work on a computer for prolonged periods

Requirements

Required Skills 

• Well-versed in cloud environments, data engineering, systems engineering and operations, best-practice data governance and security, data privacy regulations, and interface strategies
• Deep understanding of the interactions between systems and how business processes are enabled and impacted by those systems
• Experience or course work with Cloud platform data services including Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure; cloud platform data storage and management tools; Linux configuration; SQL databases 
• Familiar with SQL and preferably at least one scripting language (Linux shell or windows PowerShell scripting)
• Mastery of at least one modern Software language like java, C++/#, Python, GO, etc.

• Experience with energy trading or financial transaction systems (preferred)
• Experience in major technology transformation initiatives
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational, scheduling, time management skills and attention to detail
• Snowflake experience preferred 
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality

Duties and Responsibilities 

Data & Systems Strategic Planning:

• Engage in data and systems strategic plan development, implementation, and periodic review and updating to support evolving business needs
• Analyze business requirements and identify technology solutions to meet business needs
• Identify data sources, both internal and external, and establish a plan for data management that is aligned with organizational data strategy
• Engage in overall technology discussions and ensure that technology decisions align with data and systems strategic plan

Architecture, Systems Design, and Deployment:

• Lead design and deployment of overall enterprise architecture including but not limited to system interfaces, data security, and maintenance
• Create design documentation including Concept of Operations, Architecture and Component Documentation as appropriate
• Provide input to technology evaluation and selection and assist throughout the deployment process

• Lead large IT projects, including the design and deployment of new IT systems and services

Systems Management & Oversight:

• Monitor performance of IT systems to determine cost and productivity levels and to make recommendations for improving the IT infrastructure
• Administer cloud-based infrastructure including identity and access management, user permissions, and billing optimization 
• Manage and design data warehouse
• Manage data storage and access needs, create and maintain databases, and upgrade database systems and software. 
• Manage data storage and backup and recovery operations 
• Manage individual product updates, cybersecurity and IT policies, and management and control of data throughout the enterprise.
• Source project staff and consultants and oversee performance evaluation

Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications 

• Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, information systems, or a related field and a minimum of 5 years of experience in data design, management, and storage work 
• OR 9 years of experience in information technology, computer science, and/or information systems 
• A Master’s Degree and start-up experience is highly desired

Work Location 

This position is eligible for either Hybrid or Remote options. The Hybrid option requires 2-3 assigned days in the Downtown Los Angeles office and includes a transportation allowance. The Remote & Hybrid options require in-person attendance at organization or team-wide events 3 times per year for 3-5 days per event. Full-time staff are required to work during CPA’s office hours Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:30pm PST. 

Benefits

The salary range for this position is $153,885.43-$221,594.65, with exact compensation to be determined by Clean Power Alliance, dependent on experience.  Benefits include health care, a 401(k)-like match program, paid vacation, and sick leave. This is not a civil service position; however, all CPA employees are required to submit a Statement of Economic Interests form, also known as the Form 700. 

How to Apply 

Candidates should apply on CPA’s Career Page. The start date for the position is as soon as possible and will remain open until filled.