Distribution System Operations Real-Time Reliability Engineer

American Electric Power Co.; New Albany, Northern (OH, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power Co. seeks a Distribution System Operations Real-Time Reliability Engineer to join a new team redefining grid operations with DER-enabled capabilities.

You will analyze DER impacts, coordinate with dispatch centers, and help implement DERMS/ADMS strategies for a more resilient distribution system. Ideal candidates hold ABET-accredited engineering degrees with 2+ years of experience; advanced degrees or PE licenses are valued for senior roles.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited bachelor's degree in engineering and 2+ years of related engineering experience (SG7).
• Master's degree may allow entry at SG8.
• PE license encouraged for senior/principal levels.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate DER/DERA impacts on distribution system reliability including voltage and thermal loading.
• Develop operational frameworks, models, forecasts, and contingency analyses for DER integration.
• Identify constraints and propose mitigation to improve reliability and grid readiness.
• Provide engineering support to DDC/SCC and stakeholders on DER-related conditions and planned work.
• Develop operating criteria and decision-support tools for safe DER-enabled grid operation.
• Support DERMS, ADMS, FLISR, Volt/VAR Optimization implementation.
• Analyze DER participation under evolving market structures (FERC Order 2222).
• Collaborate with Operations, Planning, Engineering, IT and external stakeholders across regions.
• Maintain documentation of results, guidelines, and recommendations.

Skills

DER knowledge

VPP knowledge

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

Master's or PhD in engineering

Engineering Technology degree

Professional Engineer (PE) license (encouraged)

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.*

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.

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

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