Utility & Smart Grid Solutions Architect

My motto is “Move Fast, break things, then fix them”.  I’m an Innovative problem-solver with expertise in power quality, grid analytics, and cross-functional team leadership. Adept at bridging technical and non-technical gaps to drive agile solutions for complex grid challenges. 

Professional Experience

2025-Current - Manager, Technical Field Engineering, Smart Grid

2024-2025  - Utility Solutions Architect

Ubicquia | Ft. Lauderdale, FL | 2024–Present

• Subject Matter Expert (SME) for smart grid hardware, software, and data analytics.

• Lead power quality diagnostics, waveform analysis, and field installations of DTM+ units on distribution transformers.

• Design and administer training for utility line crews and engineering teams, ensuring seamless deployments.

• Drive customer engagement during evaluations, providing actionable insights on transformer/grid performance.

• Advise firmware/software teams on priority fixes and enhancements based on field data.

• Develop, test and implement customized solutions for utility challenges (primary metering, vault monitoring, step-down transformers).

• Support sales team as technical SME, fostering strong relationships with a wide variety of customers from utility engineering groups, line crews and executives alike.

General Manager

Laptop Computers Technology | Tampa, FL | 2013–2023

• Achieved R2/RIOS certification for e-waste recycling; streamlined processes to boost annual output from 14K to 48K units.

• Named Microsoft Global Rookie of the Year (2015) as a top Authorized Refurbisher (1 of 18 in North America).

• Spearheaded business growth via process optimization, digital marketing, and Microsoft partnership management.

Smart Grid Consultant

SAIC (Leidos) | Lakeland, FL | 2010–2012

• Designed/delivered training for Lakeland Electric’s AMI/MDM smart grid systems using Panopto and SharePoint.

• Created business process flows and documentation to support IT/CSR teams in grid modernization.

Sole Proprietor

TechEffect FL | Tampa, FL | 2007–2010, 2012–2024

• Provided utility consulting for grid projects, hardware/software upgrades, and emergency system support.

• Translated technical concepts for non-technical audiences, building client trust through clear communication.

Skills & Expertise

Technical: Power Quality Analysis | Smart Grid Deployments | API/Custom Coding | Microsoft Office Suite (Visio, Project) | Solution Architecture | Grid Health and Load Management

Leadership: Cross-Functional Training | Business Process Optimization | Stakeholder Engagement

Soft Skills: Public Speaking, Relationship Building | Abstract Problem-Solving | Agile Methodology

Education

University of South Florida
Information Technology | 2008–2010

Pasco-Hernando Community College
Associate of Arts (AA) | 2005–2007

Achievements

• Multiple patents held for power quality and transformer health monitoring.

• Published author for articles in T&D World, hosted webinars and hosted industry trade show panels.

• Design and implemented customized solutions at utilities all over the world (North/South America and Europe) to address their unique issues that most affected them by working with multiple tools from varied manufactures and data sets and integrating that data to a fully functioning solution.

• Built strong friendships and mutual trust with a varied support system, from reliability and standards teams to asset management leads, from worldwide utilities ranging from major IOUs down to local utilities, granting me a massive knowledge base and support to draw from.

References

Available upon request (e.g., Jow Ortiz – CTO, RMS Energy).