Customer Design Technician Associate - Technician

American Electric Power; South Bend (IN); On-site; USD 54,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power seeks an entry-level Customer Design Technician to support planning, engineering, design, analysis, testing, construction and operation of company equipment and facilities. You will interact with customers and design facilities to meet their needs while considering costs and billing implications.

Responsibilities include coordinating with design groups, obtaining easements, and assisting in storm restoration.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with 2 years utility industry work experience; or
• Associate Degree in Electrical/Electronic/Civil/Mechanical Engineering Technology or related fields.
• Valid Driver's License
• Ability to travel within Indiana and potentially beyond as needed.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with Project Design Group for system improvements and load growth.
• Obtain simple easements and consult with Right of Way Agent for complex ones.
• Participate in storm restoration assessments and travel as needed.
• Learn and apply AEP standards, NESC, OSHA, tariffs and safety rules.
• Gain proficiency in Design Studio, GIS, CAD and related Microsoft applications.

Skills

Problem solving

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Associate degree in Electrical/Electronic/Civil/Mechanical Engineering Technology

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Distribution Design Studio

Electric Office

GIS mapping system

PDS

EEMS

TLM

STORMS

OPS

JERI

CAD

Job description

Job Posting End Date

10-04-2026

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

Job Summary

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

Customer Design Technicians are responsible for preparing required orders, obtaining right of way, etc. to implement recommended system improvements, such as capacity improvements, pole replacements, recloser reconditioning, etc.

Technicians establish service for and interact with residential/commercial/industrial customers and collaborate to determine customer needs with respect to new services, service upgrades, and facility relocations, among others. Once customer's needs are determined, the technicians design facilities required to meet the customer's needs while determining what, if any, costs are to be passed onto the customer and bill accordingly.

What you will do:

• Contacting the Project Design Group for advice on system improvements needed to serve new loads and other issues as needed.
• Obtaining simple easements for projects and consulting with the appropriate Right of Way Agent to obtain more complex easements.
• Participating in storm restoration work, specifically assessment of storm damage (once adequate field experience has been gained). This may require travel within and outside of the State of Indiana.
• Learning and understanding AEP Distribution Standards, NESC Codes, OSHA Rules, AEP Accounting Practices, CIAC Rules, AEP Tariffs and Safety Rules and Procedures.
• Learning and becoming proficient in the use of: Microsoft Outlook, Distribution Design Studio, Electric Office, GIS mapping system, PDS, EEMS, TLM, STORMS, OPS, JERI, CAD and other Microsoft applications

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• 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 are looking for:

SG 04: $54,063-$67,578

• High school diploma or equivalent plus 2 years or related utility industry work experience; or
• Associate’s degree in electrical/Electronic/Civil/ Mechanical Engineering Technology or related fields.
• Valid Drivers License

SG 05: $63,496-$79,369

• Associate Degree in Electrical/Electronic/Civil/ Mechanical Engineering Technology or related fields plus 2 years of related utility industry work experience; or
• high school diploma or equivalent and 4 years of related utility industry work experience.
• Valid Drivers License

Other Requirements:

• Possesses technical knowledge gained through an Associate Degree in Electrical, Electronic, Civil, or Mechanical Engineering Technology.
• Develops an understanding of applicable standards, codes, and regulations related to assigned work.
• Gains knowledge of relevant equipment, materials, systems, and business processes.
• Assists employees with defined portions of routine technical problems when beneficial to AEP.
• Demonstrates basic computer literacy, including foundational knowledge and technical skills.
• Applies acquired technical knowledge to support daily work assignments and operational needs.
• Physical Demands -Varies by location or territory. In some locations or territories, technician 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.

In addition to a 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

SP20-004

Compensation Range

$25.99 - $38.16

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.

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.