Eng Del System Operator Assc

American Electric Power Co.; New Albany, Northern (OH, KY); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power seeks an entry- to mid-level Operations Trainee to assist in transmission system monitoring and control. You will support the Monitoring Analysis Response Center, coordinate with reliability coordinators, and help ensure safe operation during routine and emergency conditions.

The role involves learning to direct switching operations, regulate voltages and power flows, and maintain logs while working on a twelve-hour rotating shift schedule, including nights and holidays.

Qualifications

• Entry-level candidates should have a two-year technical degree in Electrical Engineering Technology or related field, or a high school diploma with 2 years of relevant experience.
• Must pass System Operator/Power Dispatching (SO/PD) test to qualify.
• Valid state driver license required.

Responsibilities

• Assist Monitoring Analysis Response Center with data-driven decisions for Asset Health alarms.
• Monitor system health alarms and provide guidance to downstream stakeholders.
• Monitor real-time compliance for PRC002, PRC004, and TPL007.
• Support real-time fire monitoring applications and advise on next steps.
• Monitor weather information system for severe weather and notify proper personnel.
• Observe and assist in operating SCADA and related systems.

Skills

Data analysis

Situational awareness

Communication

Team coordination

Education

Two-year technical degree

High School + 2 years experience

Job description

Job Summary

Under direct supervision and instruction, provide assistance to: ensure the efficient operation of the transmission system; coordinate operation of the transmission system with the appropriate Reliability Coordinator (AEP SCC), Distribution Dispatching Centers/Authorities, and Transmission Control Centers/Authorities (both internal and external to AEP); arrange, approve, and direct routine and emergency switching/tagging operations for equipment removal/restoration during maintenance, repair, replacement, and construction with limited instruction; receive, record, and maintain logs of operating conditions; monitor system voltages, transformer/line/equipment loadings, and in concert with the AEP SCC, apply corrective action when these parameters deviate from equipment ratings and/or operating limits; monitor the operation of metering and communication facilities and initiate corrective action upon malfunction.

Job Description

What You're Doing:

• Assist the Monitoring Analysis Response Center with Data driven next step decisions around Asset Health Alarm to downstream stakeholders.
• Monitor System Health alarms around and provide guidance to downstream stakeholders.
• Monitor real time compliance surrounding PRC002, PRC004, and TPL007 for supporting stakeholders.
• Monitor real time fire monitoring applications and support downstream stakeholders on next step guidance.
• Monitor other advance applications and notify stakeholders when alarm thresholds are reached concerning grid monitoring.
• Assist in monitoring and regulating system voltage levels, real and reactive power flows for the transmission system at all transmission voltage levels in cooperation with directives of the AEP SCC.
• Assist in the real-time operation of the AEP transmission system in coordination with the AEP SCC and appropriate neighboring utilities.
• Assist in the real-time operation of distribution equipment inside the station fence in coordination with regional distribution dispatch centers.
• Prepare basic switching orders listing the switching steps and safety tagging to be carried out for the removing of equipment from service for maintenance, repair, or construction, ensuring the safety of the public, Company equipment, Company personnel and contract personnel.
• Assist in directing switching operations under emergency conditions. Plan and direct actions to quickly, safely and effectively restore equipment and customers to service.
• Maintain a log of events and transactions relative to the operation of the facilities and equipment.
• Observe and assist in operating the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System and associated functions.
• Monitor the operation of metering and communications facilities and report malfunctions to proper personnel for corrective action.
• Monitor the weather information system for severe weather and notify proper personnel.
• Acknowledging and inputting records of station entry/exit activity.

What We're Looking For:

• Education requirements: Entry-level candidates should have a two-year technical degree in Electrical Engineering Technology or related field. OR High School and 2 years of experience in a position that demonstrates the ability to operate a power system.
• Work Experience: Not required, but 1-2 years of experience in substation operation, protective relaying, or distribution dispatching is desired.
• Required License(s)/Certification(s): Valid state driver license.

Other Must Haves:

• Must pass System Operator/Power Dispatching (SO/PD) test to qualify. Ability to work under pressure during periods of critical system conditions and to deal with diverse situations simultaneously. Ability to analyze information and communicate instructions clearly and concisely. Work on a twelve-hour uninterrupted rotating shift schedule that consists of nights, weekends and holidays.
• May be required to work outside normal Dispatching Center hours. Must have the ability to report timely to worksite due to emergency events. This position may entail some travel and exposure to hazardous situations, which require a thorough knowledge and use of safety procedures. Must have the ability to effectively and professionally deal with co-workers and customers. Must complete all required training and testing in established time frames by the Company to advance to the next higher classification within the line of progression or vacate the current classification.

What You'll Get:

$74,551.00 - $93,188.50

In addition to a 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

$74,551.00 - $93,188.50

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.

Knowing that I am part of team that is making the power grid safer and more reliable gives me a real sense of responsibility and enthusiasm for coming to work every day.

**This position will be based out of San Angelo during the training period and then be based out of Ft. Stockton. Successful candidate must reside in San Angelo during training and then Ft Stockton after.Supervise the Station Electrician and/or the Station Servicer crews in the construction and/or maintenance and operations work; respond to station trouble calls and perform/assist in service restoration work of station equipment and structures. Plan and schedule work assuring a safe and efficient flow of activities. Lead crews in a manner that is supportive of and consistent with the Transmission cultural pillars and the AEP Leadership framework. Assure all work will be performed in accordance with Company safety rules and practices. Perform Station Electrician and/or Station Servicer work as required. Activities associated with the performance of this work include planning procedures, directing or supervising assigned crew members, and exercising independent judgment in dealing with work and employee concerns.

The power of AEP comes from our valued team of unique employees….the best in the business! We’re proud to be one of the largest electric energy companies in the U.S., powering over 5 million homes and businesses, spanning across 11 states. We’re passionate about making an innovative difference in the communities we serve. We’re powering the future – today!Are you a skilled and motivated Tower and Civil Construction Lead Principal in New Albany Ohio, seeking a new opportunity? Join our team today!This position will be fully onsite effective June 1, 2025.

Working under the direct responsibility and authority of a System Control Center Reliability Coordinator Principal or Sr., assist with limited instruction in overseeing the safe, efficient, reliable operation and coordination of the AEP transmission system across various RTO regions. Assists with the coordination and arrangement of congestion relief on actual or contingent overloaded transmission facilities. Supports, through coordination with the applicable RTO, the arrangement and approval of switching operations and removal of equipment for maintenance of transmission lines and stations. Maintains acceptable AEP transmission system voltage levels. Responsible for developing proper notifications regarding outages and system disturbances to management, DOE, NERC, and FERC as required. This is an intermediate trainee position and does not take any independent real-time actions. All actions performed that could impact the real-time system must be performed under the direct supervision by a SCC Reliability Coordinator Principal or Sr.

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.