Designer (Protection and Control)

American Electric Power; New Albany (OH); On-site; USD 36,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power in New Albany, OH seeks a Protection and Control Designer to create protection system designs, electrical schematics, and substation drawings. You’ll use AutoCAD Electrical and MS Office to support engineering development and document control.

The role involves reviewing vendor drawings, assisting in testing and commissioning, and ensuring safety and compliance with AEP standards. Overtime and travel may be required, with opportunities for advancement.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in AAS CAD drafting or equivalent experience; 1–2 years preferred.
• Equivalent experience without AAS: high school grad with 6+ years drafting/CAD in electric utility.
• Overtime and travel may be required.

Responsibilities

• Design protection systems to detect and isolate faults.
• Create electrical schematics and wiring diagrams for AC/DC connections.
• Use CAD software to develop and maintain substation drawings.
• Review vendor drawings and specifications for standards compliance.
• Collaborate with engineers and field staff during testing and commissioning.
• Maintain engineering drawings and related records per company procedures.

Skills

Protection design

Schematic drafting

CAD software

Vendor reviews

Collaboration

Education

AAS CAD drafting or related engineering technology (or equivalent)

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Posting End Date

10-24-2026

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

Job Summary

In this role, you'll perform daily work activities with general supervision. Work activities to be performed include: computer aided drafting to prepare maps, sketches, schematics and other engineering related drawings. The position includes associated clerical work to properly manage and document the work activities performed, as per AEP requirements for the position.

Job Description

We're seeking a Protection and Control Designer to join our team in New Albany, OH.

Designer (Protection and Control)

• Assist in designing protection systems to detect and isolate faults in electrical power networks.
• Design electrical schematics and wiring diagrams to ensure proper AC and DC circuit connections.
• Use engineering software tools (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical) to support design development and ensure accuracy in substation drawings.
• Help perform electrical studies- to ensure proper electrical connections for a safe, secure, reliable power grid.
• Help review vendor drawings and specifications for compliance with standards and project requirements.
• Collaborate with engineers and field staff during equipment testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting.

What You'll Do:

• Create, revise and maintain engineering and record drawings, and sketches.
• Support the creation, revision, and maintenance of facilities and equipment documents; including but not limited to construction, equipment, property documents and records.
• Obtain information required to perform work from verbal communication, sketches, marked drawings, listings, field notes, vendors' catalogs and technical reference manuals and site visits.
• Perform mathematical calculations required to accomplish assigned work.
• Proficiency in the use of computer aided design software.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office software.
• Work with other organizations of the Company to coordinate the work and assure that it is performed in a safe and efficient manner.
• Read vendors' prints, shop and other drawings and equipment operating instructions, and incorporate that information into the work being performed.
• Assist in training AEP employees in basic skills of the position.
• Promote and support the Company's Accident Prevention and Safety and Health programs.
• Demonstrate ethical behavior as outlined in the AEP corporate policies
• Support the AEP Corporate Compliance policies.
• Assume other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Note: This position is posted at multiple grade levels and offers a range of opportunities for advancement. The minimum qualifications outlined below apply to the Designer level, with increased educational, skill or experience requirements for higher level Designers.

What We're Looking For:

Education and Work Requirements are listed below:

• Associate degree in applied science (AAS) drafting and computer aided design (CAD) or in civil, electrical or mechanical engineering technology, or relevant equivalent experience and/or education, with one to two years of relevant equivalent experience. OR:
• Equivalent experience without AAS degree - high school graduate and six (6) years of experience in electric utility and/or related industrial drafting and/or computer aided drafting work.

Other:

• Must be available to work overtime, call-out overtime and shift work, as required.
• Travel requirements are expected > 10 % of the time.
• Must be familiar with conventional drafting symbols and drafting methods and have the ability to distinguish colors.
• Must be able to operate a motor vehicle and possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.
• Must meet all vehicle operation requirements as designated by federal and/or state law.
• Occasional overnight travel to and work within a substation or power plant environment in obedience to all safety regulations and use of personal protection equipment.

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

SP20-004

Compensation Range

$25.99 - $52.67

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.