Coordinator

AEP Service Corporation; United States; On-site; USD 99,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power (AEP) is seeking a DSO Real-Time Reliability Coordinator Principal to serve as a subject matter expert and strategic reliability resource for AEP's centralized Distribution System Operations.

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.

Qualifications

• Two-year technical degree or high school plus extensive power system operations experience.
• Four+ years in distribution/transmission operations or reliability coordination.
• Valid driver's license; NERC/EPRI/RTO/ISO certifications may be required as roles evolve.

Responsibilities

• Monitor real-time DER/DERA impacts on distribution reliability and operating limits.
• Coordinate with DDCs, SCC, Transmission to reflect DER impacts in real-time actions.
• Identify reliability risks and communicate mitigation strategies during normal and critical conditions.
• Perform real-time and look-ahead reliability assessments to aid decisions.
• Support grid service operations including voltage support and resiliency applications.
• Maintain records and improve DERMS/ADMS/distribution automation related docs.

Skills

DER/DERA coordination

Experience in distribution/transmision

Ability to work with stakeholders

Knowledge of ADMS/DERMS

Education

Two-year technical degree in Electrical/Electronic engineering or equivalent OR High School with 2+ years power system operations experience

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

• 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.
• 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 making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you! American Electric Power (On-Site) #LI-Onsite #AEPCareers #realtime #distributionsystemoperations

Compensation

Compensation Grade: SP20-008

Compensation Range: $98,993.00 - $128,688.00

The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S – Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Equal Employment Opportunity

It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.

At American Electric Power, we provide more than electricity to our millions of customers - we energize possibilities. We're redefining the future of energy by reducing our carbon footprint, empowering the communities we serve and building an engaged, talented workforce. All while delivering the reliable service our customers expect. It’s an exciting time in the energy industry. Are you ready to be part of it? We’re looking for team members to help create the grid of the future. Learn more about our commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive work culture that values different experiences.