Emerging Technologies Program Lead - Energy & DER

FirstEnergy; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

FirstEnergy is seeking a Distribution Program Manager to lead the development, execution, and oversight of Emerging Technologies programs across FE operating companies. The preferred reporting location is Akron, OH, with flexibility to be located at any FirstEnergy site.

The role focuses on BESS, DER integration, and related programs, requiring collaboration with Regulatory, Engineering, IT, Legal, Strategy, and external partners to ensure successful delivery and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Project Management, or related discipline and 5 years utility distribution experience.
• In lieu of a degree, HS Diploma / GED and 7 years utility distribution experience.
• 5 years of project management experience or the equivalent.
• Strong project management skills 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.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Leading end-to-end program management, including planning, execution, monitoring, and reporting.
• Defining program scope, deliverables, timelines, budgets, and resource plans with cross-functional teams.
• Managing program execution to deliver within approved scope, cost, and schedule.
• 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 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

Communication

Stakeholder management

Budgeting

Risk management

Team collaboration

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Project Management, or related discipline

High School Diploma / GED with 7+ years utility experience

PM experience equivalent

Associate degree (Level V) + 8+ years (PM level)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

FirstEnergy is seeking a Distribution Program Manager to lead the development, execution, and oversight of Emerging Technologies programs across FE operating companies. The preferred reporting location is Akron, OH, with flexibility to be located at any FirstEnergy site.

The role focuses on BESS, DER integration, and related programs, requiring collaboration with Regulatory, Engineering, IT, Legal, Strategy, and external partners to ensure successful delivery and regulatory compliance.