Applications Analyst

The Applications Analyst (I, II, Sr.) is responsible for the support, maintenance, and performance of computer applications and databases that enable the daily operations and services of Southwest Power Pool (SPP). These systems are critical to market operations and grid reliability, with significant economic impact and implications for the safety of life and property. Ensuring accurate, reliable, and secure system performance is essential.

Across all levels, this role applies business and technical expertise to troubleshoot software issues, support end users, and maintain system stability. Analysts collaborate closely with internal departments, IT teams, and external vendors to ensure business needs are met while maintaining operational excellence.

As analysts progress from Level I to Senior, they take on increasing ownership, technical depth, and leadership responsibility. This includes developing system improvements, guiding architecture and design discussions, mentoring team members, and driving process optimization. Senior-level analysts are expected to operate with minimal supervision, act as subject matter experts, and contribute to strategic system enhancements.

Core Responsibilities

• Install, configure, maintain, and support assigned application systems.
• Monitor, investigate, and resolve system issues to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
• Respond to and remediate customer-reported issues in a timely manner.
• Participate in a 24/7/365 on-call rotation.
• Engage in SDLC and project lifecycle activities including requirements, design, testing, environment support, and release deployment.
• Create and maintain technical documentation.
• Recommend and implement system, process, and documentation improvements.
• Develop and maintain understanding of business and technical requirements for supported systems.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to support system functionality and enhancements.
• Ensure compliance with corporate policies and regulatory requirements (SOC1, FERC CIP).

Additional responsibilities by level

• Level II: Develop centralized, efficient methods for managing systems to minimize downtime, utilizing IT standards; provide guidance to other members of the Applications Teams based on experience.
• Senior: Demonstrate detailed knowledge in specific IT technical areas, assigned applications and interfaces; provide technical training, coaching and guidance to other members of the Applications Teams; work with Programmer/Developers and Architects to review system architecture and design and recommend hardware/software acquisitions, process improvements, and design changes; function as liaison with SPP Departments, IT, and external vendor staff; work with minimal supervision.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, related field, or equivalent work experience., * Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 3 years of Information Technology Development/Support experience., * Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 6+ years of IT application administration, development, or support experience.

Preferred Qualifications (by Level)

Applications Analyst II

• Two (2) or more years applicable utility industry experience.

Sr. Applications Analyst

• Two (2) or more years applicable utility industry experience.
• Basic understanding of SPP’s core business model., * Competent working knowledge of Microsoft Windows, Unix or Linux operations systems, application development and support methodologies, and database management systems
• Competent troubleshooting, problem solving, and analytical skills
• Competent written and oral communication skills
• Competent understanding of SDLC and project lifecycle methods and processes
• Good customer service and organization skills
• Understanding of, compliance with and enforcement of SPP Policies and Procedures

Applications Analyst II

• Effective working knowledge of Microsoft Windows, Unix or Linux operating systems, application development and support methodologies, and database management systems
• Effective troubleshooting, problem solving, and analytical skills
• Effective written and oral communication skills
• Effective working knowledge of SDLC and project life cycle methods and practices
• Good customer service and organization skills
• Understanding of, compliance with and enforcement of SPP Policies and Procedures
• Competent in scripting, SQL, deciphering error and event logs, data analysis., * Effective working knowledge of Microsoft Windows, Unix or Linux operating systems, application support, and database management systems
• Effective troubleshooting, problem solving, and analytical skills
• Effective written and oral communication skills
• Effective working knowledge of SDLC and project life cycle methods and practices
• Good customer service and organizational skills
• Understanding of and compliance with SPP Policies and Procedures
• Proficient in scripting, SQL, deciphering error and event logs, data analysis.