What's Happening?
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is actively recruiting a Principal Technical Program Manager for its Security Technology Operations department. This role is critical for leading major cross-functional programs and strategic initiatives aimed at protecting
PG&E's employees, partners, customers, communities, and assets from physical and electronic security threats. The position involves managing complex physical security technologies and integrations, including enterprise video surveillance, network video recorders, physical identity and access management, intrusion detection, and advanced security solutions. The Principal Technical Program Manager will be responsible for establishing program strategy, goals, metrics, governance, and operating plans, while also solving complex operational and technical problems. This hybrid role requires travel within the service territory and involves collaboration with Corporate Security, IT, Cybersecurity, project teams, and vendors to improve the health, security, availability, and lifecycle management of physical security technologies.
Why It's Important?
This hiring initiative by PG&E underscores the increasing importance of robust physical and cybersecurity infrastructure within critical utility sectors. The Principal Technical Program Manager will play a pivotal role in safeguarding essential services and assets, which directly impacts the reliability of electricity and natural gas supply for over 16 million people in Northern and Central California. Effective management of security technologies helps prevent disruptions, protect sensitive data, and ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks such as NERC CIP, FERC, TSA, CPUC, and ISO 55001. The role's focus on integrating various security systems and coordinating across multiple departments highlights a proactive approach to risk management, which is crucial for maintaining public trust and operational continuity in a sector prone to both natural and man-made threats. The successful candidate will contribute to enhancing the resilience of California's critical infrastructure.
What's Next?
The recruitment process for the Principal Technical Program Manager is underway, with PG&E seeking candidates with a Bachelor's degree and at least 10 years of experience in program management, technology operations, or physical security technology. Desired qualifications include a Master's degree, PMP certification, and experience with enterprise physical security platforms. Once filled, this position will immediately begin leading major security technology programs, focusing on strategic decisions, operational improvements, and cross-functional alignment. The individual will also be responsible for managing program budgets, vendor relationships, and ensuring compliance with security standards. The ongoing efforts in this role will contribute to PG&E's continuous improvement in security posture and its ability to respond to evolving threat landscapes, ultimately enhancing the safety and reliability of its services.
Beyond the Headlines
The emphasis on advanced physical security technologies and cybersecurity coordination within PG&E reflects a broader trend in critical infrastructure protection. Utilities are increasingly facing sophisticated threats, necessitating a holistic approach that integrates physical and digital defenses. This role's requirement for expertise in areas like drone and shooter detection, ground-based radar, and user behavioral analytics indicates a move towards predictive and proactive security measures. The integration of these technologies, coupled with adherence to stringent regulatory frameworks, highlights the complex interplay between technological innovation, regulatory compliance, and operational resilience. The success of this role will not only secure PG&E's assets but also set a precedent for best practices in utility security, potentially influencing industry standards and investment in similar protective measures across the U.S. utility sector.
