Distribution DER Program Engineer-Principal

aep; New Albany (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

AEP's Distribution Modeling and Analysis Department is seeking a motivated engineer to work on DER interconnections and planning, applying engineering knowledge to deliver safe, effective, and economical outcomes.

You will read regulatory requirements and technical docs, contribute to DER policy development, automate interconnection capabilities, and collaborate with Planning, Operating Company, IRP, and forecasting teams to advance DER integration.

Qualifications

• Intermediate knowledge of applying theory and analytical techniques to solving problems.
• Ability to interpret regulatory interconnection requirements and technical documentation (one-lines, equipment specs).
• Experience with DER interconnections, distribution planning, or regulatory support is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate new technologies and participate in industry forums related to DER for Distribution Planning and Analysis.
• Develop and maintain DER interconnection policies and TIIR.
• Lead efforts to enhance and automate DER interconnection capabilities.
• Support development and implementation of federal, state, and RTO interconnection requirements.
• Document process and software changes to support evolving requirements.
• Provide regulatory and policy support for DER interconnections and operations.
• Serve as technical lead for enhancements to key internal tools including PowerClerk.
• Collaborate with Distribution/Transmission Planning, DER interconnection, Operating Company, and IRP teams.

Tools

PowerClerk

Job description

Job Posting End Date

08-24-2026 Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

Responsible to the assigned supervisor for performing intermediate level engineering work activities and projects requiring the application of engineering knowledge in a safe, effective, efficient and economic accomplishment of assigned objectives.

Job Description

What You'll Do:

The Distribution Modeling and Analysis Department is seeking a motivated team member to perform the engineering functions of the Distribution Distributed Energy Resource (DER) Program group. The team is looking to expand as the complexity of the interconnection process grows with the increasing integration of DERs, the adoption of DER aggregation, and evolving regulatory requirements.

Candidates with experience in DER Interconnections, Distribution Planning, Distribution Engineering, Transmission functions, or Regulatory support are encouraged to apply. Ability to read and interpret both regulatory interconnection requirements and technical documentation (electrical one-lines, equipment specification sheet, etc.) are key functions of this role. Familiarity with PowerClerk is desired, though candidates without these skills are still encouraged to apply.

Key responsibilities include:

• Evaluating new technologies and participating in industry forums related to DER for the Distribution Planning and Analysis function.
• Developing and maintaining AEP Distribution's DER interconnection policies, standards and requirements; including AEP Distribuition's DER Technical Interconnection and Interoperability Requirements (TIIR).
• Leading efforts to enhance and automate DER interconnection capabilities.
• Supporting the development and implementation of federal, state, and RTO level interconnection requirements.
• Identifying and clearly documenting process and software changes needed to support evolving technical and regulatory requirements.
• Providing regulatory and policy support regarding issues related to DER interconnections and operations.
• Functioning as the technical lead for enhancements to key internal software tools including PowerClerk.
• Collaborating with Distribution/Transmission Planning, DER interconnection, Operating Company, and Operations Engineering, IRP, and Economic Forecasting teams.

Technical Expertise :

Possesses intermediate level knowledge and performs varied assignments with proficiency in the application of theory and analytical techniques to solve diverse problems and complete extensive analysis. Demonstrates competency in analytical techniques necessary to handle assignments of moderate complexity (e.g., by dividing the problem into component steps, and performing the analysis necessary to complete each step). Exhibits ability to understand interrelationship between systems and component equipment. Demonstrate ability to analyze and recommend enhancements to business processes.

Leadership & Guidance:

Coordinates work activities of others within the work group, department, or other corporate entity as necessary to complete routine activities. Performs routine engineering activity with minimum direction from higher-level employees. Follows policies, practices, standards and rules of the company and those regulations and procedures required by external agencies. Provides training and guidance to lower-level employees.

Planning & Organization Ability:

Coordinates the development of input necessary to forecast costs for the routine projects, improvements requisitions, etc. Uses scheduling techniques (CPM, PERT, flow charts, etc.) for budget and planning activities. Initiates corrective action when project objectives are not being met.

Problem Solving & Initiative:

Resolves and initiates solutions to routine problems which usually require additional definition/clarification before analysis can begin. Demonstrates ability to identify problems that are beyond the normal routine. Demonstrates ability and desire to seek out opportunities and embrace new ideas and approaches.

Communication:

Develops, reviews, or presents technical reports such as improvement requisitions, studies, and analyses in as clear, concise and effective fashion.

Interpersonal Skills:

Is an active team member. Networks with peers inside and outside the AEP system. Identifies key stakeholder. Uses informal network to get things done. Resolves conflict, builds consensus.

Decision Making:

Makes decisions subject to review within established policies and procedures. Makes decisions that affect the work of the team. Aware of risks. Demonstrates the ability to extrapolate beyond known facts to reach logical conclusions.

Business Awareness & Characteristics:

Understands AEP's organizational structure and the specific role and responsibility of their individual organizational unit. Demonstrates an understanding of the budgeting and approval process. Is proficient in the application and use of economic analysis techniques in problem solving.