Associate System Operator

AES Indiana; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

AES Indiana is seeking an Associate System Operator to support the safe, stable operation of the Bulk Electric System under the Lead System Operator. This role covers generating stations through distribution substations, ensuring compliance with NERC, FERC, RFC, IURC and MISO requirements, and directing field personnel in switching operations.

Responsibilities include assisting in training, coordinating with operators and management on emergencies, and monitoring conditions to maintain system

Qualifications

• Associates degree showing aptitude for math and electrical theory, or equivalent experience.
• Pass NERC certification exam within 6 months after start.
• Ability to work 24/7 shifts in a real-time operations environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in training for direct operation of the bulk electric system.
• Support field switching operations with qualified personnel.
• Work with management during emergencies to protect transmission system integrity.
• Coordinate with Lead System Operator and other teams for 24/7 operations.
• Monitor system conditions and suggest corrective actions when needed.

Skills

NERC Certification

Electrical theory

Communication skills

Teamwork

Real-time operations

Education

Associate degree in electrical utility field

Tools

SCADA

One-line diagrams

Electrical schematics

Job description

Are you ready to be part of a company that's not just talking about the future, but actively shaping it? Join The AES Corporation, the largest US-based global power company with a team of 8,300 employees across 12 countries.

AES has been ranked #1 by BloombergNEF in renewable energy sales to corporations in the US and Americas for five consecutive years, providing electricity for millions of people worldwide.

We are proud to foster a strong workplace culture, earning prominent positions in Great Place to Work rankings across the markets where we operate. AES was also named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the 13th consecutive year in 2026, highlighting our dedication to integrity, transparency, and responsible business practices.

Our spirit of innovation continues to earn industry recognition. AES is the only seven-time winner of the Edison Electric Institute’s Edison Awards in the twenty-first century, a distinction honoring global leadership in advancing the electric power industry.

If you're ready to be part of a company that's not just adapting to change, but driving it, AES is the place for you. We're not just building a more sustainable future, we're powering it.

Under the general supervision of the Lead System Operator and Team Leader of System Operations, the Associate System Operator acting under the direction of the Lead System Operator is responsible for the safe, stable, reliable, economical and environmentally correct operation of the Bulk Electric System.

This responsibility extends from the generating station substations through the distribution substations. The Associate System Operator is responsible for complying with NERC, FERC, RFC, IURC and MISO requirements and directing field personnel through switching operations involving the Bulk Electric System.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assists in a training capacity for the direct operation of the bulk electric system.
• Assists the field switching operations performed by authorized personnel including Substation Inspectors/Switchmen, Substation Mechanics, Electricians, line Techs, Relay/SCADA Specialists, Trouble Techs and any other classification that may be required to operate equipment on the bulk electric system.
• During emergency operating conditions, the Associate System Operator works with department management to take the necessary actions to protect the transmission system integrity, prevent loss of life and minimize damage to transmission system components.
• Participates in conferring with the Lead System Operator and other System Operations management personnel regarding matters affecting the operation of the bulk electric system and with the operation personnel of the interconnected utilities on a twenty-four hour basis, exchanging information necessary to maintain good interconnected procedures.
• Monitors system conditions for issues affecting bulk electric system reliability and recommends immediate corrective actions when abnormalities are detected to department management.

Basic Requirements

• Associates degree showing an aptitude for math and electrical theory, to include previous work experience demonstrating basic electrical utility knowledge, or equivalent combination of education and/or experience related to the discipline.
• High degree of electrical and mechanical aptitude.
• Available for all System Operations shifts (24-7).
• Ability to pass NERC Certification exam within 6 months

Preferred Skills

• Current NERC Certification
• Electric Utility experience in transmission and/or distribution operations.
• Computer proficiency and effective verbal and written communication skills are requirements.
• Ability to work in a real-time operations environment on all shifts and as a team member.
• Understanding of power substation equipment, power system electrical fundamentals, and the ability to interpret substation one-line diagrams and electrical schematics.
• Successfully pass pre-screening EEI exam System Operator/Power Dispatch (SOPD) preferred.
• Electric utility job related experience or training

AES is an Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed to building strength and delivering long-term sustainability through diversity and inclusion. Respecting all backgrounds, differences and perspectives enables us to improve the lives of our people, customers, suppliers, contractors, and the communities in which we live and work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, race, national origin, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. E-Verify Notice: AES will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.