Entry Level Computer Hardware Engineer Jobs in Conway, AR

Southwest Power Pool (SPP) is about more than power. We’re about the power of relationships. Our employees have the opportunity to work together to ensure electricity is delivered reliably and affordably to the millions of people living in our service territory. We have been voted one of Arkansas’ Best Places to work by Arkansas Business and we are looking for a member of our team who is passionate about our mission to keep the lights on!

We have a core ideology here at SPP that we stand by: Do the right thing, for the right reason, in the right way.

We believe in supporting our employees through a fantastic benefits package:

• Competitive and transparent pay with bonus opportunities
• Excellent insurance package including three great medical plans to choose from, employer-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance
• Relocation bonus (if applicable)
• Hybrid working environment for positions that are eligible
• Fantastic contributions to your retirement through a 401(k) savings plan with employer-match benefits and a pension (defined benefit plan) fully funded by SPP

PLEASE NOTE: SPP is not able to sponsor employment visas or student-work authorizations (STEM OPT) for this position. Please ensure you are eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship prior to applying.

COMPENSATION INFORMATION
The salary range(s) represents our good faith estimate for the role at this time. While we strive to provide competitive and transparent compensation, there may be circumstances where an offer is above or outside of the listed range. We are open to discussing salary expectations with qualified candidates considering factors such as the candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, experience and geographic location will all be considered during the hiring process.

Applications Analyst I Pay Range: $64,060 – $78,465

Applications Analyst II Pay Range: $77,900 – $99,325

Sr. Applications Analyst Pay Range: $87,950 – $112,190

Overview
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.

Required Qualifications (by Level)
Applications Analyst I

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, related field, or equivalent work experience.

Applications Analyst II

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 3 years of Information Technology Development/Support experience.

Sr. Applications Analyst

• 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.

Other Requirements

Applications Analyst I

• 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.

Sr. Applications Analyst

• 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.

SPP is an equal opportunity employer that makes employment decisions without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status, age, disability status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Further, SPP makes good faith efforts to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans and qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact us at HR@spp.org and let us know the nature of your request. We will only respond to messages left that involve a request for a reasonable accommodation in the application process.

 At SPP we believe in a culture of belonging. Learn more here: Culture of Belonging - SPP.