Distribution System Operations Real-Time Reliability Coordinator

AEP Service Corporation; United States; On-site; USD 75,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power, on-site in New Albany, Ohio, seeks a DSO Real Time Reliability Coordinator to monitor real-time DER impacts and coordinate actions across multiple teams to preserve grid reliability.

The role requires a 2-year technical degree or equivalent experience plus hands-on operations experience. Travel and on-call duties may be required as part of the progression framework.

Qualifications

• Two (2) year Technical degree in Electrical/Electronic engineering or equivalent OR High School and two (2) years experience operating a civil or military power system.
• Experience: Six (6) months or more experience in distribution operations, transmission operations, dispatching, system operations, reliability coordination, DER operations, technical customer support/service, or other relevant utility operations capacity.

Responsibilities

• Monitor real-time DER impacts on distribution system reliability (voltage, loading, protection coordination).
• Coordinate with DDCs/SCC/Transmission to incorporate DER impacts into switching and grid actions.
• Identify DER-related constraints and mitigation strategies; communicate recommendations during normal and critical conditions.
• Perform real-time and look-ahead reliability assessments to support decision-making.
• Support DER/DC grid service operations, including voltage support and resiliency applications.

Skills

DER

Reliability Coord

Distribution Ops

Dispatch Ops

Grid Services

FERC 2222

Education

Electrical/Electronic tech degree

HS + field experience

Job description

Job Posting End Date 08-31-2026 Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary The DSO Real-Time Reliability Coordinator provides real-time evaluation and coordination of DER impacts to support reliable DDC operations. This role works across DDCs, the SCC, Transmission, engineering, planning, applications, and external stakeholders to identify reliability risks, communicate system constraints, recommend mitigation strategies, and support DER-enabled grid services. The Coordinator level is expected to perform core duties with increasing independence while helping mature DSO operational models, tools, documentation, and coordination practices.

Job Description

What you’ll do:

• Monitor, assess, and communicate real-time impacts of DERs/DERAs on distribution system reliability, including voltage, loading, protection coordination, backfeed, and operating limits.
• Coordinate with DDCs, SCC, Transmission, and other partners to incorporate DER impacts into switching, restoration, planned work, grid services, and other real-time operating actions.
• Identify DER-related system constraints, emerging reliability risks, and mitigation strategies; communicate recommendations clearly during normal and critical system conditions.
• Perform real-time and look-ahead reliability assessments and contingency analyses to support operational decision-making.
• Support DER/DERA grid service operations, including voltage support, load management, restoration support, resiliency applications, and evolving FERC Order 2222/market participation needs.
• Maintain accurate operational records and support process, tool, and documentation improvements for DERMS, ADMS, distribution automation, FLISR, Volt/VAR, and related capabilities.

What we’re looking for:

• DSO Real Time Reliability Coord SG6 Education: Two (2) year Technical degree in Electrical/Electronic engineering or equivalent OR High School and two (2) years experience operating a civil or military power system
• This job requires "recommended" test results from HireVue Dispatcher Worker Virtual Job Tryout.
• Experience: In addition to the experience requirements included in the education requirements, Six (6) months or more experience in distribution operations, transmission operations, dispatching, system operations, reliability coordination, DER operations, technical customer support/service, or another relevant utility operations capacity. External experience in dispatching, system operations, or reliability coordination will be evaluated. Must satisfactorily complete all required training, qualification requirements, and testing to progress to the next level within the DSO Real-Time Reliability Coordinator progression framework within the established timeframe or vacate the position.
• License/Certifications: Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.

DSO Real Time Reliability Coordinator Senior SG7

Education: Two (2) year Technical degree in Electrical/Electronic engineering or equivalent OR High School and two (2) years experience operating a civil or military power system. This job requires "recommended" test results from HireVue Dispatcher Worker Virtual Job Tryout. Experience: In addition to the experience requirements included in the education requirements, Two (2) years or more experience in distribution operations, transmission operations, dispatching, system operations, reliability coordination, DER operations, technical customer support/service, or another relevant utility operations capacity. External experience in dispatching, system operations, or reliability coordination will be evaluated. License/Certifications: Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.

DSO Real Time Reliability Coordinator Principal SG8

Education: Two (2) year Technical degree in Electrical/Electronic engineering or equivalent OR High School and two (2) years’ experience operating a civil or military power system. This job requires "recommended" test results from HireVue Dispatcher Worker Virtual Job Tryout. Experience: In addition to the experience requirements included in the education requirements, Four (4) years or more experience in distribution operations, transmission operations, dispatching, system operations, reliability coordination, DER operations, technical customer support/service, or another relevant utility operations capacity. External experience in dispatching, system operations, or reliability coordination will be evaluated. License/Certifications: Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license. Certifications associated with NERC, EPRI, or RTO/ISOs may be required as the AEP DSO and industry requirements evolve. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced operations environment, communicate clearly, follow instructions, and make sound decisions during critical system conditions. Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, including operations personnel, customers, management, technical writers, and subject matter experts. Willingness to work rotating shifts, accept on-call responsibilities, respond to callouts, and occasionally travel for training or cross-exposure opportunities. Must successfully complete required training, testing, and progression requirements established by the business. Must reside within, or be willing to relocate within, two hours of the reporting location if required by the business.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of distributed energy resources (DERs), distributed energy resource aggregations (DERAs), virtual power plants, utility grid operations, real-time protection and control, cybersecurity, and DER communications.
• Familiarity with ADMS, DERMS, distribution automation, FLISR, Volt/VAR optimization, overcurrent coordination, islanding strategies, wholesale energy markets, RTO/ISO operations, and FERC Order 2222 impacts on distribution operations.

Where you’ll work

This role sits on site in New Albany, Ohio

What you’ll get

• DSO Real Time Reliability Coordinator SG6($74,551-$93,188)
• DSO Real Time Reliability Coordinator Senior SG7($87,633-$109,544)
• DSO Real Time Reliability Coordinator Principal SG8($98,993-$128,689)

In addition to competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.

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!

American Electric Power (On-Site) $74K- $128K / Year #LI-Onsite #AEPCareers #realtime #distributionsystemoperations

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade: SP20-006Compensation Range: $74,551.00 - $128,688.00

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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.

At American Electric Power, we provide more than electricity to our millions of customers - we energize possibilities. We're redefining the future of energy by reducing our carbon footprint, empowering the communities we serve and building an engaged, talented workforce. All while delivering the reliable service our customers expect. It’s an exciting time in the energy industry. Are you ready to be part of it? We’re looking for team members to help create the grid of the future. Learn more about our commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive work culture that values different experiences.