Distribution System Operations Real-Time Reliability Engineer

AEP; New Albany (OH); Hybrid; USD 88,000 - 151,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power in New Albany, Ohio seeks a Distribution System Operations Real-Time Reliability Engineer to advance a DER-enabled grid. You will analyze DER impacts, coordinate operations, and support DACR, VVO, SCADA, and DERMS to improve reliability and resilience.

Collaborating with DDC, SCC, Planning, and Engineering, you will develop operational models, studies, and decision tools to enable safe, reliable DER integration and guide cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited engineering degree with relevant experience.
• Bachelor's in engineering required; Master's preferred for higher levels.
• Strong analytical, communication, and collaborative skills; able to work with grid technologies.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate DER/DERA impacts on distribution reliability in real time.
• Develop operational frameworks and studies to support DER integration.
• Provide engineering recommendations to DDC, SCC, and stakeholders.
• Support DERMS, ADMS, and Volt/VAR optimization implementation.
• Document guidelines and share findings with industry forums.

Skills

DER knowledge

Grid modernization

Analytical skills

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree in engineering (beneficial)

Tools

DERMS

ADMS

FLISR

SCADA

Power system modeling

Job description

Distribution System Operations Real-Time Reliability Engineer

Location: New Albany, OH

Job Summary

The Distribution System Operations (DSO) Real-Time Reliability Engineer is a key member of a newly formed team redefining how AEP operates the modern, DER-enabled grid. This role sits at the intersection of traditional distribution operations, emerging distributed energy technologies, and evolving market structures.
Responsible for real-time evaluation and coordination of DER impacts, this position will utilize their engineering expertise to analyze, document, and consult on the impacts of distributed energy resources (DER) and other grid modernization technology as it relates to the real-time operations of the distribution grid. This includes operational coordination of DER, Distribution Automation Circuit Reconfiguration (DACR), Volt VAR Optimization (VVO), SCADA, Sensors, etc.
As this team and function mature, the DSO Real-Time Reliability Engineer will play a central role in advancing operational planning functions, enabling innovative grid solutions, leveraging DERMS capabilities, and helping transition AEP toward a more dynamic, integrated, and resilient energy system

Job Description

What you’ll do:

Through collaboration with Distribution Dispatch Centers, the System Control Center (SCC), Planning, Engineering, and other stakeholders, this role develops the operational frameworks, studies, and engineering analyses necessary to support the reliable integration and operation of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and Distributed Energy Resource Aggregations (DERAs) across the AEP distribution system.

The successful candidate will evaluate emerging grid conditions, develop operational recommendations, identify system constraints, and support the implementation of DER-enabled solutions that enhance reliability, resilience, and grid flexibility. Candidates should possess strong analytical and communication skills, thrive in collaborative and fast-paced environments, and be capable of translating complex technical findings into actionable operational guidance. Occasional travel for training and cross-functional engagement may be required.

• Perform engineering studies and operational analyses to evaluate the impacts of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) and Distributed Energy Resource Aggregations (DERA) on distribution system reliability, including voltage performance, thermal loading, protection coordination, and backfeed conditions.
• Develop and maintain operational planning models, forecasts, and contingency analyses to support reliable DER integration and operational decision‑making.
• Identify existing and emerging DER‑related system constraints and develop recommendations to mitigate operational and reliability risks.
• Provide engineering support and operational recommendations to Distribution Dispatch Centers (DDC), the System Control Center (SCC), and other stakeholders regarding DER‑related system conditions and planned work activities.
• Develop operating criteria, procedures, and decision‑support tools that support the safe and reliable operation of a DER‑enabled electric grid.
• Support the development and implementation of advanced operational capabilities, including DERMS, ADMS, FLISR, Volt/VAR Optimization and intentional islanding strategies.
• Analyze distribution system impacts associated with DER and DERA participation under FERC Order 2222 and evolving wholesale market participation models.
• Collaborate with Operations, Planning, Engineering, Information Technology, and external stakeholders to enhance DER integration and improve operational readiness across multiple RTO/ISO regions.
• Maintain technical documentation, study results, operating guidelines, and engineering recommendations related to DER integration, operational planning, and grid reliability.
• Participate in industry forums (IEEE, EPRI, etc.) to interact with other industry leaders to be current on the latest DER and grid modernization technologies that can be applied to the distribution system

What we are looking for:

Engineer SG7

Education/Experience:

• Has typically acquired a Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET* along with two or more years of related engineering experience.
• Individuals with a Master's degree in engineering from an engineering program accredited by ABET* may be considered for entry into the organization at this level.
• Individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology can satisfy this degree

Engineer Senior SG8

Education/Experience:

• Has typically acquired 4 or more years of related engineering experience along with a Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET*;
• Or 2 years of related engineering experience along with a Master's degree or PhD in engineering from a program accredited by ABET*;
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico** is encouraged and preferred

Engineer Principal SG9

Education/Experience:

• Has typically acquired 8 or more years of related engineering experience along with a Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET*;
• Or 6 years of related engineering experience along with a Master's or PhD in engineering from a program accredited by ABET*.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico** is preferred for this position unless approval to waive this requirement is given by the organization's EVP.*

***VP or above may waive the requirement for a degree from a university with an Non ABET accredited program

Acceptable alternative:

• Individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology can satisfy this degree requirement, if they obtain a certified Professional Engineering (PE) license.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering (non-ABET) plus a Master's degree or PhD in engineering from a university with an ABET accredited Bachelor's program.**
• Confirmation is preferred to ensure the PE obtained in Puerto Rico aligns with NCEES standards.

In addition:

• Ability to follow and communicate instructions clearly and concisely.
• Willingness to accept on-call responsibilities and callouts.
• Ability to work under pressure during periods of critical system conditions, to analyze conditions and make proper decisions quickly while dealing with diverse situations simultaneously.
• Must have the ability to effectively work in a team environment and professionally deal with co-workers, customers and management personnel.
• Ability to collaborate with technical writers to document newly developed processes
• Certifications associated with NERC, EPRI, or RTO/ISOs may be required as the AEP DSO and industry requirements evolve.

Preferred Knowledge

• Electrical engineer degree or power industry experience.
• Preferred minimum experience is 2-4 years in Distribution or Transmission operations areas.
• Expert knowledge of distributed energy resources (DER), distributed energy resource aggregations (DERA), and Virtual Power Plants (VPP). Specific knowledge areas could include operation of DERs within a utility grid, DER communications/settings, real time protection/control, cybersecurity, etc.
• Familiarity with advanced distribution management systems, DER or other control systems.
• Experience with distribution level overcurrent coordination, Distribution Automation (DA), Fault Location Isolation and Service Restoration (FLISR), Volt/VAR optimization is desired.
• Knowledge of wholesale Energy Markets, RTO/ISO responsibilities, and the impact to distribution systems resulting from FERC 2222
• Experience with utility integrated SCADA communications networks is desired.
• Experience with circuit modeling, power flow algorithms, and project management skills are desired.

Where you’ll work:

This role sits on site in New Albany, Ohio.

What you’ll get:

Engineer SG7($89,000-$110,000)

Engineer Senior SG8($110,000-$129,000)

Engineer Principal SG9($116,000-$151,000)

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!

Compensation

$87,633.00 - $151,132.50

Physical Demands

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

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.

AEP offers generous time off, competitive pay, and educational opportunities to help employees advance their careers.

Our culture is purpose-driven and team-oriented: we combine innovation with a customer-first focus to deliver reliable energy and brighter futures.