Operational Technology, Architect and Database Administrator

Position Description

The DMSO (Distribution Markets and System Operation) Operations Systems Support (OSS) team is seeking to fill the role of SCADA Specialist. The role of the OSS team is to support and maintain ESB Networks critical Operational Technology (OT) systems which include SCADA, Network Management System (NMS) and Geographic Information System (GIS). 

NMS is the real time operations system include the Outage Management System (OMS) and the Distribution Management System (DMS) The DMS includes applications such as Power Flow, Network  Optimisation, Load Forecasting, Fault Location, Isolation and Service Restoration (FLISR) and Distribution Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS).

SCADA is the real time operations system used in the National Distribution Control Centre (NDCC) to control and monitor the distribution network. It enables the NDCC to operate the network under maximum safety, isolating faults and restoring supply in the event of an outage.

The OT Architect and Database Administrator will be responsible for supporting, maintaining and developing the NMS, and related OT architectures and databases across Operations Systems. The role will cover a range of activities including the delivery of new OT systems to address evolving operational needs while also supporting the existing OT systems ensuring delivery of service and continual improvement to these systems. They will support the delivery of new projects required to meet the strategic objectives of the DMSO , including the development of the NMS to support the constantly evolving needs of the Operations function and the wider ESB Networks business. 

The OT Architect & Database Administrator will work closely with the Operations Systems Support team, OT Delivery, NMS and SCADA vendors, and ESB’s Enterprise Services, Cybersecurity, Telecoms and ITS teams..

Key Responsibilities

•    Subject Matter Expert in OT Architect and Database Administration.
•    Provide 24x7 support for NMS including the monitoring and management of system hardware and databases.
•    Support the delivery of new projects required to meet the strategic objectives of the DMSO , Operations Systems Support and other cross-functional teams.
•    Planning and delivery of enhancements projects for existing NMS solution.
•    Governance of managed services provided by NMS Vendor, including addressing any system problems, approval of change requests, direction of strategy, directing new feature implementation, and liaising with support staff at all levels.
•    Hardware estate management, e.g. backup tapes, disk and other hardware replacement co-ordination with NMS Vendor, privileged access to data centers to conduct site tests, liaison with Data Centre Manager and Enterprise Services.
•    Supports the delivery of NMS system upgrades, problem resolution, tuning of processes, and support of Operations Systems with any issues in the technology stack.
•    Database administration for NMS databases.
•    Provision of specialist advice on hardware and software required to deliver proven High Availability (HA) and Disaster Recovery (DR) capabilities for ESB Networks critical OT systems.
•    Administration of NMS interfaces to 3rd party systems and data users.
•    Management of software licensing, ensuring that hardware and service contracts have appropriate cover.
•    Provide detailed troubleshooting and performance tuning work on a range of database and SQL query related issues.
•    Continuous improvement of processes and procedures for the operation of NMS.
•    Monitoring of systems and proactive management of issues taking technical control of unexpected situations if they arise.
•    Risk Management of any IT changes impacting NMS services.
•    Oversight and control of firewall rule requests and firewall protection mechanisms such as deep packet inspection. Liaison with ESB’s networking team staff on firewall and networking related issues.
•    Planning and delivery of NMS cyber security projects to increase ESB’s security posture.
•    Contribute to ESB Networks strategy in the deployment of technologies for enhancing quality of service to customers.
•    Ensure compliance with industry and legislative regulations, standards, and safety protocols. 
•    Responsible for regular engagement and communication with all team members as well as wider network of stakeholders
•    Support other parts of the business and work closely with stakeholders to understand and their requirements and system issues.
•    Develop and maintain NMS training documents, job aids and support documents.
•    Carry out risk assessment of the various systems as required and contribute to the development of a contingency plan in accordance with best industry practice.
•    Develop functional specifications, procedures and process for the operation of the NMS. 
•    Contribute to the definition of the OT strategy and OT systems roadmap.
•    Ensure NMS compliance with Corporate, NIS Directive and international cyber security standards as appropriate. Risk Management of any changes impacting NMS system and GDPR compliance.
•    Provide support to the OT Cybersecurity Manager.
•    Supervise and mentor junior team member, fostering collaboration and skill development.

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience 
•    Minimum of 7 years post graduate experience in OT architecture and database administration.
•    Proven ability to deliver on the “key responsibilities” outlined above. 
•    Experience with 24x7x365 critical system infrastructure.
•    Strong Oracle DBA experience, including RAC, ASM, Dataguard, Partitioning, RMAN, Grid HA infrastructure, and MAA architecture.
•    Expert level of knowledge with Oracle datapump export and import processes.
•    Strong Unix operating system skills, including understanding of filesystems, services, user administration, and excellent shell (bash, ksh) scripting capabilities.
•    Ability to track, trace, and resolve performance issues within the architecture stack, including:
o    SQL performance tuning using tkprof, sqltrace
o    Database tuning using AWR / ASH and related reporting tools
o    O/S resourcing using ps, dtrace, top, vmstat, netstat, etc
o    Thorough understanding of syslog and alert log messages
•    Enterprise storage architecture knowledge and ability to direct configuration, e.g. RAID levels, pool separation, traffic management, replication, and snapshots. Preferably with ZFS storage, though not essential.
•    Ability to understand firewall rules and policies, and to be able to write rules as needed.
•    Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.  
•    Understanding of Oracle software licensing requirements and framework.
•    Knowledge of cybersecurity within OT systems.
•    Ability to work independently and in a team environment to pinpoint root causes and devise solutions with minimal oversight.
•    Knowledge of cybersecurity within OT systems.
•    A strong work ethic with a clear focus on delivery to ESB Networks safety, time, quality and cost objectives. 
•    Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities.
•    Self starter with ability to manage own work and support others within project team.
•    The ability to technically mentor junior team members.
•    A flexible approach to work, especially where necessary to deliver excellent customer  service.
•    Strong interpersonal skills. 
•    Excellent communication and report writing skills.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience
•    Oracle engineered system experience, i.e. Exadata
•    Experience in NMS and other critical Operational Technologies. 
•    Middleware / message bus technology experience, e.g WebLogic, LEC, SOA technologies
•    Oracle Apex administration and configuration
•    Solaris 11, including virtualisation into LDOM / Zone configurations
•    Solaris Cluster / GeoCluster awareness 
•    Oracle Enterprise Manager 13c
•    An understanding of security frameworks e.g., NIS Directive. 
•    Understanding of security principles and knowledge of cyber security technologies
•    Understanding of network architecture and topologies
•    Ability to understand, and have awareness of, other technologies outside of the installed stack, and be able to comment on / integrate them into the environments as necessary.

Location
This position will be based in ESB Networks, Leopardstown Road, Dublin 18
 

ESB is committed to smart working – combining digital tools with a culture of trust and empowerment to enable flexible ways of working. The successful candidate may work flexibly within their jurisdiction with attendance at the workplace for in-person collaboration on at least one anchor day per week. All smart working arrangements are subject to manager approval and ongoing review, based on the operational requirements of the role, the team, and the individual.

Reporting to
Network Mangement Systems Manager

Why Work with Us?
•    Opportunity to lead Ireland’s transition to net zero carbon future
•    Career development through mentoring and training 
•    Corporate Social Responsibility Opportunities
•    Sports and Social Clubs
•    Networking opportunities
•    Credit Union
•    Generous Pension
•    Access to staff well-being programmes
•    Generous parental leave entitlements
•    Strong values-based and inclusive culture 
•    Strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion 
•    Great team environment working to our Core Values: Courageous, Caring, Driven and Trusted

Salary 

€69,000 - €81,000 per annum

Closing Date

9th April 2025