Customer Design Manager

Indiana Michigan Power Company; Benton Harbor (MI); On-site; USD 116,000 - 151,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power (AEP) is seeking a Director-level professional to lead the Customer Design team responsible for the design of power system facilities in Michigan. You will build relationships with stakeholders and customers while guiding project design and progress to meet budget and schedules.

The role emphasizes strong ethical standards, professional communication, and the ability to manage a team across multiple projects, with a focus on delivering safe, reliable energy solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, or Industrial Engineering or an Associate's with relevant experience.
• Minimum 6 years of utility or related experience in engineering, construction, or supervision.
• Registered Professional Engineering License (PE) is a plus.
• Strong ethical standards and customer-focused communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Customer Design team for power system facility design.
• Develop relationships and communicate with stakeholders and customers.
• Oversee design, material, and work progress to control costs and schedules.
• Provide training to develop employee skills and knowledge.
• Enforce wage/salary policies and performance management.
• Support Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action initiatives.
• Manage staff performance and ensure resources are available.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Leadership

Customer focus

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering

BS in Mechanical Engineering

BS in Civil Engineering

BS in Industrial Engineering

Associate's degree in Engineering

Tools

PE license

Job description

Job Posting End Date09-22-2026Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.Job SummaryResponsible 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 DescriptionWhat You’ll Do:Essential Job Functions & TasksEnsure 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 plusDemonstrate 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 getSG 09: $116,255-$151,132In 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 DataCompensation Grade:SP20-008Compensation Range:$116,255.00 - $151,132.50The 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.Hear about it first! Get job alerts by email. Log in to your Candidate Home Account today! If you don't have an account, you can create one.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.