Coordinator

AEP Service Corporation; New Albany (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Job summary

AEP Service Corporation is seeking a DSO Real-Time Reliability Coordinator Principal to lead DER/DERA coordination, develop procedures, and partner with stakeholders to enhance reliability and resilience of the distribution system.

The role requires expertise in DER operations, real-time analysis, and grid service support, including voltage support and market participation needs. Location and relocation considerations apply as needed.

Qualifications

• Two-year technical degree in Electrical/Electronic engineering or equivalent, or equivalent experience.
• Four years or more experience in distribution operations, transmission operations, dispatching, system operations, reliability coordination, or related utility operations.
• External experience in dispatching, system operations, or reliability coordination will be evaluated.

Responsibilities

• Monitor, assess, and communicate real-time impacts of DERs/DERAs on distribution system reliability, including voltage, loading, protection coordination, backfeed, and operating limits.
• Coordinate with DDCs, SCC, Transmission, and other partners to incorporate DER impacts into switching, restoration, planned work, grid services, and other real-time operating actions.
• Identify DER-related system constraints, emerging reliability risks, and mitigation strategies; communicate recommendations clearly during normal and critical system conditions.
• Perform real-time and look-ahead reliability assessments and contingency analyses to support operational decision-making.
• Support DER/DERA grid service operations, including voltage support, load management, restoration support, resiliency applications, and evolving FERC Order 2222/market participation needs.
• Maintain accurate operational records and support process, tool, and documentation improvements for DERMS, ADMS, distribution automation, FLISR, Volt/VAR, and related capabilities.

Skills

DER knowledge

DERAs knowledge

Grid operations

Real-time coordination

Emergency response

Education

Two-year technical degree in Electrical/Electronic engineering

Tools

DERMS

ADMS

FLISR

Volt/VAR

Job description

Job Posting End Date 11-21-2026 Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

The DSO Real-Time Reliability Coordinator Principal serves as a subject matter expert and strategic reliability resource for AEP's centralized Distribution System Operations (DSO) function. This role leads complex DER, DERA, and ADER coordination activities; develops work practices, procedures, training, and operational documentation; and partners with internal and external stakeholders to improve technology, processes, and operating models. The Principal level represents AEP in industry groups, gathers best practices, provides industry advisory support, and helps shape the future of DER-enabled distribution operations while supporting system reliability and resilience.

Job Description

What you'll do:

• Monitor, assess, and communicate real-time impacts of DERs/DERAs on distribution system reliability, including voltage, loading, protection coordination, backfeed, and operating limits.
• Coordinate with DDCs, SCC, Transmission, and other partners to incorporate DER impacts into switching, restoration, planned work, grid services, and other real-time operating actions.
• Identify DER-related system constraints, emerging reliability risks, and mitigation strategies; communicate recommendations clearly during normal and critical system conditions.
• Perform real-time and look-ahead reliability assessments and contingency analyses to support operational decision-making.
• Support DER/DERA grid service operations, including voltage support, load management, restoration support, resiliency applications, and evolving FERC Order 2222/market participation needs.
• Maintain accurate operational records and support process, tool, and documentation improvements for DERMS, ADMS, distribution automation, FLISR, Volt/VAR, and related capabilities.

What we're looking for:

DSO Real Time Reliability Coordinator Principal SG8

Education:

• Two (2) year Technical degree in Electrical/Electronic engineering or equivalent OR High School and two (2) years' experience operating a civil or military power system.

Experience:

• In addition to the experience requirements included in the education requirements, Four (4) years or more experience in distribution operations, transmission operations, dispatching, system operations, reliability coordination, DER operations, technical customer support/service, or another relevant utility operations capacity.
• External experience in dispatching, system operations, or reliability coordination will be evaluated.

License/Certifications:

• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.
• Certifications associated with NERC, EPRI, or RTO/ISOs may be required as the AEP DSO and industry requirements evolve.

In addition:

• Experience as a Distribution Dispatcher Level 3.2.1 or Electric System Operator preferred for this role
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced operations environment, communicate clearly, follow instructions, and make sound decisions during critical system conditions.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, including operations personnel, customers, management, technical writers, and subject matter experts.
• Willingness to work rotating shifts, accept on-call responsibilities, respond to callouts, and occasionally travel for training or cross-exposure opportunities.
• Must successfully complete required training, testing, and progression requirements established by the business.
• Must reside within, or be willing to relocate within, two hours of the reporting location if required by the business.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of distributed energy resources (DERs), distributed energy resource aggregations (DERAs), virtual power plants, utility grid operations, real-time protection and control, cybersecurity, and DER communications.
• Familiarity with ADMS, DERMS, distribution automation, FLISR, Volt/VAR optimization, overcurrent coordination, islanding strategies, wholesale energy markets, RTO/ISO operations, and FERC Order 2222 impacts on distribution operations

Benefits:

• In addition to competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well‑being of our employees.

Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do

At AEP, we're more than just an energy company – we're a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about mak