Customer Design Technician Associate - Technician

AEP; South Bend, Northern (IN, KY); Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

AEP is seeking an entry-level Customer Design Technician in Indiana to assist with planning, design and analysis of distribution facilities. You will prepare orders, obtain rights of way, and design solutions to meet customer needs while evaluating costs billed to customers.

You’ll interact with residential, commercial and industrial customers and join a team focused on safety and accuracy. Responsibilities include coordinating with the Project Design Group, assisting with easements, and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with 2 years utility industry experience or an Associate degree in engineering technology.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Technical knowledge and willingness to learn standards, codes, and safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Contact the Project Design Group for advice on system improvements needed to serve new loads and other issues.
• Obtaining simple easements for projects and consulting with the Right of Way Agent for complex easements.
• Participating in storm restoration work as field experience grows and may require travel within/out of Indiana.

Skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Associate Degree in Engineering Technology

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

CAD

GIS

Outlook

Distribution Design Studio

Job description

**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 applicationsESSENTIAL 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 LicenseSG 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 - $38.16The 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