Associate Software Engineer

Job Overview

Responsible for developing, maintaining, and optimizing comprehensive software systems under the guidance of the Senior Software Engineer. This includes designing and implementing front-end interfaces, backend services, databases, APIs, and data pipelines that support power scheduling, telemetering, billing, settlement, and forecasting functions. Performs software and database design, coding, testing, debugging, documentation, and deployment of web-based applications and services. The Associate Software Engineer also documents development activities, supports end-user training, and ensures timely access to systems and data to enable effective decision-making. Reports progress and issues to the Senior Software Engineer and Managing Director of IT as needed.

The current technology stack includes Python (FastAPI), JavaScript/TypeScript (React and Next.js), MongoDB, Docker Swarm, nginx, GitHub, and REST and SOAP integrations with energy-market and metering systems. UAMPS is actively migrating its legacy Universe MultiValue (Pick) system to these modern services.

Responsibilities and Duties

1. Assumes responsibility for the effective performance of assigned software development functions.
   
   
   
   1. Designs, develops, and maintains full-stack applications using Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, and modern frameworks such as FastAPI, React, and Next.js.
   
   
   2. Maintains integrated software systems supporting power scheduling, telemetering, billing, settlement, and forecasting.
   
   
   3. Builds and maintains REST APIs and, where required, integrations with legacy SOAP services to connect front-end, back-end, and third-party systems, including energy-market, metering, and enterprise resource planning platforms.
   
   
   4. Works with MongoDB to store, retrieve, and manipulate data efficiently, including data pipelines that ingest meter and market data.
   
   
   5. Creates intuitive and responsive user interfaces using modern front-end frameworks and component libraries.
   
   
   6. Assists with the ongoing migration of legacy Universe MultiValue (Pick) system functionality into modern services, including reviewing and understanding existing legacy code as needed.
   
   
   7. Writes clean, maintainable, well-documented, and reusable code in accordance with team standards. Writes and maintains unit and integration tests.
   
   
   8. Tracks and resolves technical problems. Gathers information from users and outside organizations to define problems and implements solutions promptly.
   
   
   9. Participates in code review, Docker-based deployment and continuous integration processes, and service monitoring.
   
   
   10. Investigates new software technologies and industry trends, including artificial intelligence-assisted development tools, and recommends improvements to systems and processes.
   
   
   
   


2. Assumes responsibility for effectively performing analyses, maintenance, and upgrades of application programs and information systems.
   
   
   
   1. Identifies interactions between related systems and predicts the impact of changes. Recommends adjustments as appropriate.
   
   
   2. Gathers data and assesses user information, reporting, and system needs. Analyzes business functions and proposes more effective solutions.
   
   
   3. Analyzes, reviews, and enhances existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to changing information needs.
   
   
   4. Prepares test data, analyzes test results, and specifies data-control procedures for modified and enhanced programs.
   
   
   5. Ensures compliance with established standards, policies, and procedures.
   
   
   6. Maintains system security, integrity, and backups and protects the confidentiality of sensitive data.
   
   
   
   


3. Assumes responsibility for establishing and maintaining professional working relationships with members, suppliers, and outside contacts.
   
   
   
   1. Tracks and resolves problems promptly and effectively.
   
   
   2. Obtains and conveys information as needed.
   
   
   3. Promotes goodwill and a positive image of UAMPS.
   
   
   
   


4. Assumes responsibility for establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with area staff and management.
   
   
   
   1. Coordinates activities under the direction of the Managing Director of IT.
   
   
   2. Trains users and members on software applications.
   
   
   3. Provides support with data reconciliations and operating problems.
   
   
   4. Keeps management well informed of area activities and significant problems.
   
   
   5. Completes assigned documentation accurately and timely.
   
   
   6. Attends meetings as required.
   
   
   
   


5. Assumes responsibility for related duties as required or assigned.
   
   
   
   1. Performs miscellaneous projects as assigned.
   
   
   2. Keeps technical skills current.
   
   
   
   

Performance Measurements

1. Programming functions are effective and timely. Programming operations support the evolving requirements of software systems throughout the organization.


2. Users and members can effectively utilize established systems.


3. Current applications are continually and effectively analyzed to ensure that information needs are met. Programs are updated, enhanced, and customized as needed.


4. Software and operational problems are effectively researched and resolved.


5. Company information needs are met. Suggestions for improvements are made.


6. Programming goals and projects are completed on schedule. Programming functions are completed in accordance with established policies and procedures.


7. Data integrity and quality programs are maintained. Programs are efficient.


8. Good working relationships exist with area staff and with management. Requests for help are responded to promptly.

Qualifications

Education/Certifications

Associate’s degree in computer science or an equivalent combination of education, training, and computer experience. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is preferred.

Required Experience

One to two years of related software development experience. With a preference for full-stack experience.

Required Knowledge

·         Full-stack development principles and practices

·         Proficiency in Python and JavaScript/TypeScript

·         Hands-on experience with a modern front-end framework, preferably React

·         Experience with MongoDB or another document or NoSQL database

·         Understanding of REST API design and integration with third-party APIs

·         Version control using Git and GitHub, including branching, pull requests, and code review

·         Working knowledge of Docker and containerization concepts

·         Comfort using the Linux command line

·          Ability to write unit and integration tests for code components and applications

Preferred Knowledge

·         FastAPI or similar asynchronous Python web frameworks

·         Next.js

·         ETL and data-pipeline development, including time-series data

·         SOAP API integration

·         Continuous integration and continuous deployment pipelines, such as GitHub Actions, and container orchestration using Docker Swarm or Kubernetes

·         Observability tools such as Grafana, Loki, or similar platforms

·         Artificial intelligence-assisted development tools and workflows

·         Enterprise resource planning integrations, such as NetSuite

·         Energy or utility industry experience involving metering, supervisory control and data acquisition, market data, or power scheduling

Required Skills/Abilities

·         Solid organizational skills.

·         Strong communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative environment.

·         Attention to detail.

·         Excellent analytical abilities.

·         Good interpersonal skills.

·         Strong project management abilities. 

·         Willingness to assist others and support others.

·         Able to operate all related computer applications including Microsoft Office.

Will Learn on the Job

·         UAMPS operations, utility metering, power scheduling, and settlement processes

·         The legacy Universe MultiValue (Pick) system and its migration to modern services

Physical Activities and Requirements of this Position

Repetitive Motions

Movements frequently and regularly required using the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.

Talking

Especially where one must frequently convey detailed or important instructions or ideas accurately, loudly, or quickly.

Average Visual Abilities

Average, ordinary, visual acuity necessary to prepare or inspect documents or products or operate machinery.

Average Hearing

Able to hear average or normal conversations and receive ordinary information.

Physical Strength

Sedentary work; sitting most of the time.   Exerts up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally. (Almost all office jobs.)

Working Conditions

No hazardous or significantly unpleasant conditions. (Such as in a typical office.)

Additional Details

This position follows UAMPS’ hybrid work policy and requires a minimum of three days per week in the office (Monday-Wednesday).

Benefits

• Employer-paid medical, dental, life, and AD&D insurance for employees and their family


• Employer-funded 401(a) pension plan


• Bonus program


• 11 paid federal holidays


• Paid time off (PTO)


• Parental leave