Senior Enterprise Architect Utility Industry

Senior Enterprise Architect— Utility & Energy Sector Location: Columbus, OH Type: Contract: up to 12 months plus Onsite or remote with travel. Travel is estimated to be once a month. Project Scope: AI Engineering & Architecture Role Summary Quasent, Inc. is seeking a Senior Enterprise Architect for our utility client. Enterprise-wide architecture strategy across grid modernization. IT/OT convergence, and AI-enabled operations. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in a utility or comparable critical-infrastructure enterprise. 10 plus years in enterprise architecture roles, including at least 5 years inside a utility, energy, or other critical-infrastructure environment. Direct working experience with NERC CIP and regulated OT/IT environments. Deep knowledge of enterprise integration patterns, cloud architecture (Azure or AWS), and data architecture. Key Responsibilities: Define and own the enterprise architecture roadmap across grid operations, customer systems, and enterprise IT, aligned with the utility's regulatory and reliability obligations (NERC CIP, FERC). Serve as the architectural bridge between OT environments (SCADA, ADMS, DERMS) and IT environments (ERP, CIS, data platforms). Lead architecture governance boards, technology standards, and reference architectures across business units. Partner directly with the client's CIO/CTO and program leadership to translate business strategy (grid capacity buildout, DER integration, AI adoption) into technical architecture decisions. Evaluate and select platforms across cloud (Azure, AWS), data, and cybersecurity/governance domains. Ensure every architecture decision accounts for security, regulatory compliance, and long-term maintainability. Required Qualifications: 12+ years in enterprise architecture roles, including at least 5 years inside a utility, energy, or other critical-infrastructure environment. Direct working experience with NERC CIP and regulated OT/IT environments. Deep knowledge of enterprise integration patterns, cloud architecture (Azure or AWS), and data architecture. Demonstrated experience advising and presenting to C-level technology executives. Preferred Qualifications: Direct experience at a major utility (AEP, NextEra Energy, Duke Energy, Southern Company, Exelon, or comparable). TOGAF or equivalent enterprise architecture certification. Experience with AI/ML platform architecture and AI governance frameworks. Prior delivery experience in a consulting or advisory environment.