Engineer - Engineer Principal (Distribution Network Engineering)

American Electric Power; Tulsa (OK); On-site; USD 92,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power’s PSO division seeks an engineer to provide planning, project management, and operations support for downtown underground networks and complex distribution facilities. You will design standard and non-standard networks, develop project designs, and support substations and feeders.

Responsibilities include coordinating outages, supporting meter installations, modeling systems with CYME, performing load-flow and fault studies, and guiding cross-functional teams through

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited engineering degree required or equivalent.
• Experience with underground distribution networks and planning.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage projects.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering, planning, project management, and operational support for downtown underground network system and complex facilities.
• Design standard and non-standard network circuits and develop project designs for Primary Cable and Network Crews.
• Coordinate planned downtimes, outages, and telecom activities across multiple stakeholders.
• Perform load-flow, fault-current studies, and system-modeling to support multi-year capital plans.
• Maintain AutoCAD maps, one-line diagrams, and PI Vision maps; support vaults and underground infrastructure.

Skills

Underground networks

Load-flow analysis

Power distribution

System modeling

Project coordination

Engineering judgment

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

Tools

AutoCAD

PI Vision

CYME

Job description

Job Summary

Responsible to the assigned supervisor for performing intermediate level engineering work activities and projects requiring the application of engineering knowledge in a safe, effective, efficient and economic accomplishment of assigned objectives.

Job Description

Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do!

What You’ll Do

This position provides engineering, planning, project management, and operational support for PSO’s downtown underground network system and other complex underground distribution facilities. Responsibilities include designing standard and non-standard network and distribution circuits; developing project designs for Primary Cable and Network Crews; and providing engineering support for underground substation and feeder exit projects.

The position coordinates planned downtimes across downtown network feeders, duct-bank systems, and underground feeder exits while working with internal departments, customers, contractors, telecommunications providers, and other external stakeholders. Responsibilities also include coordinating service disconnects and reconnects, supporting meter installations, maintaining network service and meter information, and coordinating telecommunications activities within the downtown network.

The engineer performs system planning and reliability analysis, including CYME load-flow and fault-current studies, network system modeling, long-term improvement planning, and development of multi-year capital strategies. The position monitors network loading and system health through PI Vision and provides engineering review and support for network alarms and abnormal system conditions.

Additional responsibilities include maintaining network AutoCAD maps, one-line diagrams, secondary system maps, PI Vision maps, and underground duct-bank mapping. The engineer works closely with Civil Engineering on structural inspections and drawing reviews and provides engineering support for vaults, manholes, and other underground distribution facilities.

The position leads and supports network-related projects from engineering through construction and closeout. Responsibilities include managing project budgets, coordinating specialty material procurement, maintaining appropriate network equipment inventory, overseeing contractor performance and inspection activities, reviewing contractor invoices and timesheets, assigning contractor work, and coordinating timely project closeout.

The engineer also evaluates transformer oil testing and dissolved gas analysis results, develops engineering recommendations, supports the development and maintenance of network and vault specifications and policies, and participates in companywide committees responsible for network and underground distribution standards.

The position supports storm restoration, emergency response, and other operational needs as required.

Skills Needed:

Technical Expertise:

Possesses working knowledge of underground network and distribution systems and applies engineering theory, analytical techniques, and sound engineering judgment to complex assignments. Demonstrates the ability to design standard and non-standard network facilities and understand the interrelationship between primary distribution, secondary network systems, transformers, protectors, vaults, duct banks, cables, metering, and associated equipment. Performs or develops proficiency in load-flow, fault-current, system-modeling, equipment-condition, and reliability analyses. Evaluates system performance and recommends improvements to system configuration, equipment, standards, and business processes.

Leadership & Guidance:

Coordinates work activities across Network Operations, Distribution Engineering, Civil Engineering, Underground Operations, Metering, Telecommunications, Stores, contractors, and other internal and external stakeholders. Provides technical direction and guidance to employees and contractors and may lead engineering and construction activities involving multiple work groups. Provides training and technical guidance to lower-level engineers and employees. Follows company policies, engineering standards, regulatory requirements, and applicable procedures.

Planning & Organization Ability:

Develops and coordinates short- and long-term plans for the downtown network system, including project schedules, capital improvements, system upgrades, equipment replacement, material requirements, and multi-year investment strategies. Develops project cost information, assists with or manages network budgets, coordinates procurement activities, and initiates corrective action when project, schedule, cost, or system-performance objectives are not being met.

Problem Solving & Initiative:

Identifies and resolves engineering and operational issues involving network loading, equipment condition, outages, underground infrastructure, customer service, system reliability, and construction. Performs engineering studies and evaluates multiple alternatives to develop technically sound and cost-effective solutions. Demonstrates the ability to recognize abnormal or emerging system conditions and take appropriate action. Seeks opportunities to improve system reliability, engineering standards, work processes, documentation, and network operating practices.

Communication:

Develops, reviews, and presents engineering designs, studies, specifications, policies, system plans, project documentation, cost estimates, and technical recommendations in a clear and effective manner. Communicates planned outages, project requirements, engineering decisions, and system conditions with customers, operations personnel, contractors, management, and other stakeholders.

Interpersonal Skills:

Works effectively across organizational boundaries and develops strong working relationships with Network Operations, Primary Cable crews, Civil Engineering, Underground Operations, Metering, Telecommunications, Stores, contractors, customers, and other stakeholders. Uses formal and informal networks to coordinate complex work, resolve conflicts, build consensus, and accomplish project and operational objectives.

Decision Making:

Makes engineering and project decisions within established policies, standards, and procedures and recognizes when issues require escalation or additional technical review. Evaluates operational, safety, reliability, customer, financial, and construction risks when making recommendations. Uses engineering analysis, system data, field conditions, and professional judgment to reach logical conclusions and recommend appropriate corrective actions.

Business Awareness & Characteristics:

Understands AEP/PSO’s organizational structure and the role of Distribution Network Engineering within system operations, customer service, reliability, and capital planning. Demonstrates an understanding of budgeting, procurement, project approval, contractor management, and utility regulatory processes. Applies economic and engineering analysis when prioritizing system improvements and capital investments. Develops an understanding of how network reliability, customer impacts, operational risk, and long-term infrastructure needs influence engineering and business decisions.

What We’re Looking For:

Bachelor’s degrees in engineering titles are expected to be in a program accredited by ABET.

Find acceptable alternatives listed below.

Engineer (Salary Grade 7)

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 requirement, if they obtain a certified Professional Engineering (PE) license.

*ABET - Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

Engineer Sr (Salary 8)

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.

*ABET - Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

Individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology can satisfy this degree requirement, if they obtain a certified Professional Engineering (PE) license.

Engineer Principal (Salary Grade 9)

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.

*ABET - Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

In addition to experience listed above

*Acceptable Alternatives Include:

Applicable to all or most engineering & engineer technologist titles.

• A 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.
• A Bachelor’s degree in engineering technology (non-ABET) plus a Master’s degree or PhD in engineering technology from a university with an ABET accredited Bachelor’s program.
• Individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology can satisfy this degree requirement, if they obtain a certified Professional Engineering (PE) license.
• ** Confirmation is required 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 an Non ABET accredited program.

What you’ll get:

This single vacancy is posted in a range. Please note that Education and/or relevant Experience will be used to determine the appropriate salary and salary grade.

Expected Salary Range:

Engineer (Salary Grade 7): $92,000.00-$102,000.00 (USD)

Engineer Sr (Salary 8): $102,000.00-$112,000.00 (USD)

Engineer Principal (Salary Grade 9):$122,000.00-$132,000.00 (USD)

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

SP20-007

Compensation Range:

$87,633.00 - $151,132.50

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.

Hear about it first!

Get job alerts by email. Log in to your Candidate Home Account today! If you don’t have an account, you can create one.

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.