_Consumers Energy is Michigan’s largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. Consumers Energy knows job number one is to keep the lights on for customers. We are committed to delivering reliable, clean, and affordable energy to our customers 24/7. _ **Location** : This is a hybrid (virtual/onsite) position with required onsite days on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday assigned to One Energy Plaza located in Jackson, MI.  The selected candidate must be within a commutable distance or willing to relocate (relocation package is available for those that qualify). **General Summary of Job Responsibilities** The Associate Software Engineer performs analysis, design, configuration, development, testing, and debugging of computer software with guidance from higher level software engineers. Assists with users to define system scope and objectives and establish baselines. Performs activities based upon established standards and processes. Helps develop technical specifications using functional and/or business requirements as a starting point to create solutions that meet the business need. **Essential Duties and Responsibilities** + Find/create test data, writes test plans/scenarios and utilize testing tools to execute testing including automated test configuration with the guidance of intermediate level or above Software Engineers + Assist with capturing/evaluating requirements, considering alternatives, and establishing timelines + Help create designs involving systems or components contained within one functional area that comply with regulatory requirements, and are consistent with current and planned infrastructure and data environments + Observe and perform administrative tasks related to incident management and support for current applications/solutions + Prepare solution delivery artifacts such as: solution designs, test plans, security diagrams, etc. to support solutions as well as to document activities + Provide limited technical expertise for enhancements and IT Projects in the areas of solution alternatives, design, configuration, testing and documentation + Utilize change and release tools and processes to implement solutions across multiple teams and technologies + Participate in collaboration activities with other business and technical teams to ensure solutions meet requirements from various governance teams + Support prototyping, design, development, testing, debugging, documentation and implementation of software applications in an agile environment + Other duties as assigned or may be necessary **Knowledge/Skills/Abilities** + Verbal and written communication skills and be able to work with all levels of the organization + Knowledge of project planning/full lifecycle delivery using Agile framework + Understanding of database management principles and methodologies, including data structures, data modeling, data warehousing, and transaction processing + Knowledge of change and release tools and processes utilized to implement solutions across multiple teams and technologies Knowledge of change and release tools and processes utilized to implement solutions across multiple teams and technologies + Proficient in establishing and maintaining good working relationships (business and IT teams) + Understanding of software test methodologies, test scripting and testing tools + Ability to work effectively with contract employees and vendors + Knowledge of software design principles, methods, and approaches, applying systems engineering concepts such as: structured design, supportability, survivability, reliability, scalability, and maintainability **Education/Experience** + Bachelor's degree in computer, engineering or related discipline with basic software configuration management, software architecture/design, user requirements definition, software specification development, software development, understanding of basic coding and compilation, basic testing aptitude, and/or understanding of software deployment processes experience + [OR] Associate's degree in computer, engineering or related discipline with two (2) or more years of experience with basic software configuration management, software architecture/design, user requirements definition, software specification development, software development, understanding of basic coding and compilation, basic testing aptitude, and/or understanding of software deployment processes + [OR] High School Diploma/GED with four (4) or more years of experience with basic software configuration management, software architecture/design, user requirements definition, software specification development, software development, understanding of basic coding and compilation, basic testing aptitude, and/or understanding of software deployment processes **Why should you join our team?** At Consumers Energy, we offer more than just a place to work. We foster a culture that supports career development, growth, and stability, and we take pride in offering our co-workers excellent benefits and compensation packages. We are deliberately creating an inclusive culture that makes our diverse team of co-workers feel valued, supported, and empowered every day. We're a company made up of thousands of people, all with different stories to share and work to do, but we stand united in our company purpose: world class performance delivering hometown service. **What we offer:** + Competitive compensation packages + Medical, Dental and Vision + 401k with company match + Paid parental leave + Up to 13 paid Holidays + Paid time off + Educational Assistance Program **Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:** We, at CMS Energy, value Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. It is part of our DNA. We treat our employees with respect, we treat each other fairly and we value the opinions of others. We are passionate about building and nurturing an environment where everyone feels included. We don’t discriminate. We seek to learn about each other and better understand our unique differences. Our uniqueness makes us authentic. We create safe spaces where everyone can be who they truly are. We invite difficult conversations and uncomfortable topics. We value diverse perspectives; this is what makes us great together. We harbor an inclusive environment where employees feel empowered to share their backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. Our Employee Resource Groups, Women in Energy (WE), Minority Advisory Panel (MAP), Pride Alliance of Consumers Energy (PACE), GENERGY, capABLE, Interfaith and Veterans Advisory Panel (VAP) are key enablers to living the values of our company culture: Caring, Empowered, Deliberate, Agility, and Ownership. _All qualified applicants will not be discriminated against and will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability, race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin._