IT Network Specialist IV

Title: IT Network Specialist IV
Sector: Information Technology / Electric Utility Operations
Seniority: Mid-Level
Location: Concord, CA
Job Type: Hybrid – 2 Days Onsite per Week
Contract Length: 4 months
Compensation: $60.80 - $84.60/hour

Role Overview

Pivot Point Solutions is seeking an experienced IT Network Specialist IV to support production Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), SmartMeter technologies, and related utility communications systems. This position is focused on maintaining the performance and reliability of an electric SmartMeter environment spanning meters, Itron technologies, RF communications, access points, relay devices, data networks, and Meter Data Management Systems (MDMS).

The ideal candidate has previously worked directly within an electric utility AMI/SmartMeter environment and can quickly contribute to operational troubleshooting, incident resolution, system improvements, and technology initiatives with limited ramp-up time.

Your Day-to-Day Activities

• Monitor SmartMeter and AMI systems to identify operational, connectivity, device, and performance issues.
• Troubleshoot issues involving Smart Meters, Itron technologies, access points, relay devices, RF/wireless communications, data networks, and MDMS.
• Investigate incidents and outages, perform root cause analysis, coordinate escalations, and help drive issues through resolution.
• Work with IT, utility operations, business teams, vendors, contractors, and field personnel to maintain AMI system reliability.
• Support SmartMeter projects, system upgrades, technology deployments, testing, and implementation activities.
• Participate in technical design reviews, User Acceptance Testing (UAT), equipment evaluations, and technology trials.
• Evaluate operational trends and recurring issues to identify opportunities for improved reliability and performance.
• Develop operational documentation, procedures, troubleshooting guidance, and knowledge-transfer materials.
• Provide technical guidance and training to team members supporting SmartMeter operations.

The Job Requirements

• Direct professional experience supporting electric SmartMeter or Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) environments.
• Hands-on experience working with Itron SmartMeter/AMI technologies.
• Working knowledge of Smart Meters, access points, relay devices, and supporting field communications infrastructure.
• Experience with RF/wireless communications and data networks used within utility metering environments.
• Familiarity with Meter Data Management Systems (MDMS) and the movement of meter information through AMI environments.
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting production SmartMeter or AMI operational issues.
• Ability to investigate incidents, identify root causes, coordinate escalations, and work across technical teams.
• Previous experience working within an electric utility environment.
• Ability to support a hybrid work schedule requiring one day onsite per week.

You'll Stand Out If You Have

• Experience supporting a large-scale electric utility SmartMeter deployment.
• Broader Smart Grid technology or operations experience.
• Experience supporting field-based RF communications infrastructure and connectivity.
• Experience with relay device lifecycle management or large-scale SmartMeter device deployments.
• Experience participating in AMI upgrades, equipment evaluations, pilots, UAT, or technology implementations.
• Strong knowledge of the relationship between field devices, communications infrastructure, head-end technologies, and downstream meter data systems.

About Pivot Point Solutions

Pivot Point Solutions delivers technology consulting and support services to organizations across California's construction and utility industries. Our consultants work alongside clients on critical technology environments ranging from field infrastructure and operational systems to enterprise applications and cybersecurity.

We focus on providing knowledgeable professionals who can contribute quickly, collaborate effectively with technical and business teams, and deliver reliable solutions in complex operational environments.