Customer Design Technician Associate

American Electric Power; Ashland (KY); On-site; USD 44,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power seeks an entry-level Customer Design Technician Associate to support planning, engineering, design, analysis, testing, construction, maintenance, and operation of company equipment and facilities.

The role requires proximity to the Robert E. Matthews Service Center in Ashland, KY, and a degree in a related engineering technology field or equivalent experience. Eligible candidates must live within 45 minutes of travel time and have a valid driver's license.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent plus two (2) years of related utility industry work experience.
• OR Associate's Degree in Electrical/Electronic/Civil/ Mechanical Engineering Technology or related fields.
• Valid Driver’s License

Responsibilities

• Technical Proficiency: Possesses technical knowledge acquired from an Associate Degree in Electrical/Electronic/Civil/Mechanical Engineering Technology; gains knowledge of standards, codes, and regulations relevant to area of assignment; assists in handling defined portions of routine problems; basic computer literacy.
• Leadership & Guidance: Performs work activities as assigned and coached by higher level employees; demonstrates ability to work with others in supplying information and seeking assistance as necessary.
• Planning & Organization Ability: Plans work in accordance with AEP standard planning practices; prioritizes routine work to meet the demands of the company; maintains accurate records.
• Problem Solving & Initiative: Applies technical knowledge and experience in resolving problems; uses initiative to improve processes and increase knowledge; analyzes information to perform work and solve problems.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Communicates effectively with internal and external customers; assists in preparing technical reports; demonstrates ability to be a team player.
• Decision Making & Business Awareness: Develops decision-making skills based on sound judgment and job knowledge; understands roles of local organizational unit; refers to attached matrix for qualifications.

Job description

Job Posting End Date

11-05-2026

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

Job Summary

The Customer Design Technician Associate is responsible for performing entry level technical work and related activities associated with the planning, engineering, design, analysis, research, development, testing, construction, maintenance, and operation of Company equipment and facilities.

Job Description

The selected candidates must live within 45 minutes of safe travel to the Robert E. Matthews Service Center (12333 Kevin Ave. Ashland, KY 41102).

What You’ll Do:

Essential Job Functions & Tasks

• Technical Proficiency: Possesses technical knowledge acquired from an Associate Degree in Electrical/Electronic/Civil/Mechanical Engineering Technology. Gains knowledge of standards, codes, and regulations relevant to area of assignment. Gains knowledge with pertinent equipment, material, systems, and business processes. Assists employees in handling defined portions of routine problems when beneficial to AEP. Possesses basic computer literacy, knowledge, and skills.

• Leadership & Guidance: Performs work activities as assigned and coached by higher level employees. Demonstrates ability to work with others in supplying information and seeking assistance as necessary.

• Planning & Organization Ability: Plans work in accordance with AEP standard planning practices. Prioritizes routine work to meet the demands of the company. Maintains accurate records.

• Problem Solving & Initiative: Applies technical knowledge and experience in resolving problems encountered in assigned work. Uses initiative in looking for opportunities to improve the process and increase job knowledge/technical skills. Seeks out, compiles, analyzes, and interprets information necessary to perform work activities and solve problems.

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Communicates effectively, both orally and in writing with internal and external customers. Assists in the preparation of technical reports and papers. Demonstrates the ability to be a team player. Relates to people in an open, friendly, and sincere manner.

• Decision Making & Business Awareness: Develops decision-making skills based on sound judgment and job knowledge. Develops an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the local organizational unit. Refer to attached matrix for required qualifications.

What We’re Looking For:

Minimum Requirements

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent plus two (2) years of related utility industry work experience.

OR

• Associate's Degree in Electrical/Electronic/Civil/ Mechanical Engineering Technology or related fields.

Licenses & Certifications

• Valid Driver’s License

Other Requirements

• Physical Demands -Varies by location or territory. In some locations or territories, technicians must be able to:

• Walk right ways of various terrain in adverse conditions to patrol distribution power lines to determine damage.

• Carry and handle telescopic measuring sticks and switching sticks that weigh 11 pounds.

• May be required to use a brush axe (approx. 6 pounds) or machete (approx. 2 pounds) to clear brush for walking and staking in survey work.

What You’ll Get:

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!

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

U057-124

Compensation Range:

$31.72 - $32.76

The Physical Demand Level for this job is: L – Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or 10 to 12 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 5-6 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for sedentary work. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job should be rated Light Work: (1) When it requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or (2) when it requires sitting most of the time, but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg c ontrols; and/or (3) when the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible. NOTE: The constant stress and strain of maintaining a production rate pace, especially in an industrial setting, can be and is physically demanding of a worker even though the amount of force exerted is negligible

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.