Customer Design Manager

American Electric Power; Benton Harbor (MI); On-site; USD 116,000 - 151,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power in the Benton Harbor area seeks a leader to provide direction for the Customer Design team engaged in designing power system electrical facilities. You will build relationships and communicate effectively with stakeholders, and with internal and external customers.

The role emphasizes ensuring design progress aligns with budgets and codes, developing staff capabilities, and enforcing Equal Employment Opportunity, while coordinating with the Incident Command System when

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, civil, or industrial engineering, or an associate's degree with two years of relevant experience.
• Six years of utility experience or related engineering supervision experience.
• Professional Engineering (PE) license is a plus.
• Demonstrate ethical behavior and be available outside normal hours; strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Customer Design team responsible for designing power system electrical facilities.
• Build relationships and communicate effectively with stakeholders, internal and external customers.
• Oversee design progress, control costs within budget, and ensure compliance with codes, policies and schedules.
• Develop employee skills through training and knowledge sharing; support career development.
• Enforce Equal Employment Opportunity and wage/salary administration; manage performance and resources.
• Participate in Incident Command System as needed and coordinate with teams.

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, civil or industrial engineering

Associate's degree plus two years of relevant experience

Job description

Job Posting End Date

09-22-2026

Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

Responsible for providing leadership and direction for the Customer Design team engaged in the design of power system electrical facilities. Develop relationships and effective communication with all stakeholders, and internal and external customers.

Job Description

What You’ll Do:

Essential Job Functions & Tasks

• Ensure the contribution of all employees within the Customer Design group in developing methods and approaches by maintaining close involvement with the employees and listening to their ideas, needs and recommendations.
• Ensure that each employee maintains a customer focused attitude by conveying a thorough understanding of customer expectations and instill the importance of achieving superior customer satisfaction.
• Understand and advise on the design, material and work progress of department projects to control costs within estimated budget and to ensure codes, policies, standards, internal and external design requirements and schedules are met.
• Develop employee skills/knowledge by providing training opportunities for employees to learn and share knowledge, strengthen skills, and deepen and broaden technical and professional capabilities.
• Administer and enforce the company's approved personnel policies and effective wage and salary administration program, including performance management and employee career development.
• Carry out the Company's program of Equal Employment Opportunity, including its affirmative action obligations, within the assigned area of responsibility.
• Accomplish results by managing staff, including communicating job expectations, assigning responsibilities, establishing accountabilities, setting performance objectives (goals), establishing priorities, providing feedback, and ensuring that staff has required resources to accomplish work.

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Industrial Engineering, or a related field; or an associate's degree in electrical, Mechanical, Civil, or Industrial Engineering, or a related field, plus two years of relevant experience.
• Minimum of 6 years' utility experience or other relevant experience in engineering, construction, construction management or engineering supervision.
• Licenses/Certifications: Registered Professional Engineering License (PE) is a plus
• Demonstrate the highest standards of ethical behavior and support the Company's Corporate Compliance policy. Actively fill assigned role in the Incident Command System as necessary including being available outside normal work hours. Demonstrate effective interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with team members and clients. Sit or stand at computer station or desk. Drive to work locations or alternate office locations.

What You Will Get

• SG 09: $116,255-$151,132

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.

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!

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

SP20-008

Compensation Range:

$116,255.00 - $151,132.50

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.

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.