Consultant - Transmission & Substation Services - Akron FirstEnergy Headquarters

FirstEnergy; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 111,350 - 157,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) savings plan with matching contribution

Tuition reimbursement

Health insurance programs

Job summary

FirstEnergy is seeking a dedicated resource for the Compliance & Industry Engagement group in Akron, Ohio. This position will focus on driving engagement with the Electric Power Research Institute and maximizing information utility for research and development activities. The ideal candidate must have a Bachelor's in Engineering or Computer Science, eight years of experience, and strong project management skills. Benefits include competitive salary, a pension plan, and a commitment to safety and diversity.

Qualifications

• Minimum of eight years of experience in relevant fields.
• Demonstrated leadership in R&D programs with budgeting and delivery accountability.
• Direct experience at an electric utility or as a trusted utility contractor.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate EPRI engagement with SMEs.
• Manage program funding and execution.
• Conduct technical searches and perform complex analysis.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

Microsoft Office

Power Apps (PowerBI and PowerAutomate)

Job description

FirstEnergy at a Glance

We are a forward‑thinking electric utility powered by a diverse team of employees committed to making customers’ lives brighter, the environment better and our communities stronger.

FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, FirstEnergy includes one of the nation's largest investor‑owned electric systems, more than 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid‑Atlantic regions, and a regulated generating fleet with a total capacity of more than 3,500 megawatts.

About The Opportunity

This is an open position with FirstEnergy Service Co., a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. All employees who apply for a posted position must notify their supervisors that they have applied. Employees who have not been in their current positions for at least one year or who are in a position with specific requirements beyond one year, must obtain approval from their supervisor before applying.

The Compliance & Industry Engagement group in Transmission & Substation Support is responsible for driving FirstEnergy’s involvement in the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) for research and development activities. This role will serve as a dedicated resource to get involved with the latest research on grid modernization, energy storage, transmission, distribution, generation, and end‑use technologies, ensuring that the identified subject‑matter experts are properly engaged in EPRI groups and maximizing participation benefits. The position will also be responsible for maximizing the usefulness of information gathered from these EPRI activities while communicating and tracking progress on using gathered information to implement new strategies in FE. The position can be sited at any location within FE service territory.

Responsibilities

• Facilitating EPRI engagement across FE with the appropriate subject‑matter experts.
• Serve as co‑administrator of the EPRI program (METT).
• Responsible for the annual portfolio including program funding and administration, project funding execution, and annual product credit utilization.
• Understand other programs at EPRI and how specific program work fits into the FE portfolio.
• Perform complex analysis with minimal direction and supervision, working directly with EPRI staff and engaging in supervised interaction with members and industry.
• Conduct technical searches and analyze information in support of the project team.
• Conduct independent research with support from technical leads.
• Work directly with relative subject‑matter experts to optimize the use of industry information and utilize opportunities to improve FE’s methods of operations.
• Assist technical research leads in assessing customer needs, formulating technical approaches, preparing proposals, technical publications/papers, and making presentations with minimal supervision.
• Manage SME list from FE departments for EPRI participation.
• Maintain industry participation schedules, ensuring proper subject‑matter expert attendance.
• Analyze available information from industry entities for FE SME applicability.
• Disseminate available industry information to the proper FE SME(s).
• Plan and present at meetings for SMEs, providing FE engagement metrics and key/new group materials presented by team or SMEs.
• Provide periodic updates to senior leadership on EPRI activities.
• Manage FE EPRI SharePoint site.
• Develop key metrics and data‑use tools for efficiency.
• Maintain a safe workplace for coworkers and the community based upon a developing knowledge of potential hazards, industry regulations/requirements, and company practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field.
• Minimum of eight years of experience.
• Demonstrated leadership of research and development programs or portfolios, including planning, budgeting, and delivery accountability.
• Direct experience at an electric utility (transmission, distribution, or operations) or as a trusted utility contractor/consultant with extensive utility engagement.
• Strong utility‑facing communication: executive presence, clear writing, and strong project management and facilitation skills.
• Strong analytical skills, critical thinking, data analysis skills, and the ability to integrate these skillsets and concepts into effective research and development opportunities for FE.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to develop and maintain relationships across FE, with outside firms and manufacturers that further facilitate the cooperation needed to complete assigned tasks and inspire others to achieve or exceed goals.
• Ability to execute technical tasks and creative solutions.
• Ability to work with staff to organize, prioritize, and complete milestones and deliverables.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills to clearly define and articulate both objectives and outcomes of research.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work effectively under deadlines, unexpected developments, changes in project scope, and budget constraints.
• Must be self‑directed and not dependent on detailed instruction from others.
• Proficient in applicable computer software necessary to fulfill job duties, including Microsoft Office.
• Experience in Power Apps (PowerBI and PowerAutomate) preferred.
• Must possess a safety culture and maintain a safe work environment for co‑workers and the public.
• Minimal travel to company locations (may include overnight travel).
• Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.

Benefits, Compensation & Workforce Diversity

FirstEnergy proudly supports workforce diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.

Benefits include a competitive pay plus incentive compensation, a company‑sponsored pension plan, 401(k) savings plan with matching employer contribution, a choice of medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance programs, as well as skills development training with tuition reimbursement.

Safety

Safety is a core value for FirstEnergy and is essential to all of our business activities. We ensure employees have the tools, information, and processes to perform their duties in a manner that assures safety for themselves, their co‑workers, our customers and the public. Our goal is to provide a safe work environment, to maintain an accident‑free, injury‑free workplace, and promote and maintain public safety.

Pay

FirstEnergy takes a market‑based approach to pay, which may vary depending on location. The estimated pay range for this role is $111,350–$157,200. In certain locations, including the state of New Jersey, a 20% differential is added, resulting in a pay range of $133,620–$188,640.