Distribution Program Manager IV-V (Emerging Technologies)

FirstEnergy Corp; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

FirstEnergy Corp is seeking a Program Manager for Emerging Technologies to lead the development, execution, and oversight of EM Technologies programs across FE operating companies, including BESS and DER integration. Reporting location is FirstEnergy Headquarters; role is flexible across locations.

The position requires 5+ years in program management, strong cross-functional collaboration skills, and experience with regulatory filings and enterprise strategy; travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Project Management, or related discipline is required.
• 5 years of project management experience is required.
• Experience with regulatory environments and/or utility programs is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Leading end-to-end program management, including planning, execution, monitoring, and reporting.
• Defining program scope, deliverables, timelines, budgets, and resource plans in coordination with cross-functional teams.
• Managing program execution to deliver within approved scope, cost, and schedule while achieving expected business outcomes.
• Monitoring program performance; identify risks, resolve issues, and manage escalations.
• Coordinating cross-functional stakeholders (Regulatory, Engineering, IT, Legal, Strategy) and external partners to ensure alignment and delivery.
• Supporting regulatory filings, discovery responses, and reporting to commissions and stakeholders.
• Tracking and validating realization of program benefits and business outcomes.
• Developing and delivering leadership updates, communication plans, and stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Ensuring compliance with safety, operational, and corporate standards.
• Supporting development of long-term strategy, technology standards, and integration of engineering and IT systems.
• Managing vendor engagement and support issue resolution as needed.
• Developing presentations and communications for leadership, internal stakeholders, and external partners.
• Demonstrating a commitment to safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Willingness to travel, including overnight, as required.

Skills

Project management

Regulatory environments

Budget management

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Communication with leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Business/PM

Associate degree (optional)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Enterprise business systems

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

About the OpportunityThis is an open position with the FirstEnergy Service Company, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp.

EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE ALREADY APPLIED DO NOT NEED TO APPLY AGAIN

All employees who apply for a posted position must notify their supervisors that they have applied.

Employees who have not been in their current positions for at least one year or who are in a position with specific requirements beyond one year, must obtain approval from their supervisor before applying.

The selected candidate may be offered a position within the same job family, at a level that is lower than what was posted. This will be determined based upon the results of the interview process which considers the candidate's skills, work history, experience level, and other relevant qualifications.

The Program Manager leads the development, execution, and oversight of Emerging Technologies (EmT) programs across FE operating companies. This role drives program delivery within approved scope, cost, and schedule while ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and enterprise strategy.

Programs in scope include Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), Distributed Energy Resource (DER) integration and other similar programs.

The preferred reporting location is the FirstEnergy Headquarters in Akron, OH. The role can be located at any FirstEnergy location.

This posting expires at 11:55PM on October 5, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Leading end-to-end program management, including planning, execution, monitoring, and reporting.
• Defining program scope, deliverables, timelines, budgets, and resource plans in coordination with cross-functional teams.
• Managing program execution to deliver within approved scope, cost, and schedule while achieving expected business outcomes.
• Monitoring program performance; identify risks, resolve issues, and manage escalations.
• Coordinating cross-functional stakeholders (Regulatory, Engineering, IT, Legal, Strategy) and external partners to ensure alignment and delivery.
• Supporting regulatory filings, discovery responses, and reporting to commissions and stakeholders.
• Tracking and validating realization of program benefits and business outcomes.
• Developing and delivering leadership updates, communication plans, and stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Ensuring compliance with safety, operational, and corporate standards.
• Supporting development of long-term strategy, technology standards, and integration of engineering and IT systems.
• Managing vendor engagement and support issue resolution as needed.
• Developing presentations and communications for leadership, internal stakeholders, and external partners.
• Demonstrating a commitment to safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Willingness to travel, including overnight, as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Project Management, or related discipline and minimum 5 years related utility distribution experience are required.
• In lieu of a degree, High School Diploma / GED and minimum 7 years related utility distribution experience are required.
• 5 years of project management experience or the equivalent is required.
• Strong project management skills with an ability to develop, manage, and control multiple tasks.
• Experience with regulatory environments and/or utility programs preferred.
• Able to manage budgets, schedules, risks, and performance metrics.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with senior leadership and external stakeholders.
• Able to work across multiple departments and geographic locations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and general business systems.
• Works collaboratively and possess a willingness to work in a team environment.

Additional Qualifications for Distribution Program Manager V level

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Project Management, or related discipline and minimum 7-10 years related utility distribution experience are required.
• OR Associate degree in Engineering Technology, Business, Project Management, or related discipline and minimum 8+ years of related utility distribution experience are required.
• In lieu of a degree, High School Diploma / GED and minimum 13 years related distribution experience are required.
• Minimum 6 years of project management experience or the equivalent is required.
• Greater proficiency in program leadership, stakeholder management, and independent decision-making.
• Experience supporting regulatory filings, reporting, and utility program execution.
• Knowledge of distribution system operations, emerging technologies, or DER programs preferred.

All employees must have an account to use a FirstEnergy computer to apply for jobs. If you do not know if you have an account, please contact the IT Service Desk at 330-315-4357, Option 1 - 1 for assistance. FirstEnergy Human Resources Team