Engineer or Engineering Technologist (Assc-Prin) Distribution Dispatch Center

American Electric Power; Gahanna (OH); On-site; USD 75,000 - 151,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

American Electric Power in Ohio is seeking an entry-level Distribution Dispatch Center Engineer who will perform intermediate engineering activities applying electrical theory for safe and economical project completion. You will conduct load studies and commission grid technologies, supporting system operators and field teams as needed.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering (ABET-accredited) with FE exam prep encouraged for future PE licensure.

Qualifications

• This is an entry level position for new graduates with a Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program ABET-accredited.
• Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering examination in preparation for future PE licensure is encouraged and preferred.
• Individuals with a Bachelor's degree in Engineering Technology can satisfy this degree requirement.

Responsibilities

• Load studies for planned and emergency work to assess capacity and ensure safe switching operations.
• Analyze data to recommend solutions that minimize risks to facilities and the public.
• Commissioning of distribution equipment and modern grid technologies.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting during the commissioning process.
• Serve as a technical resource for system operators on new technologies and operations.

Skills

ABET-accredited degree

Bachelor's degree in engineering

FE exam preparation

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

Job description

Job Posting End Date

09-24-2026

Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

Responsible to the assigned manager 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

What You'll Do:

The DDC (distribution dispatch center) Engineer position is responsible for conducting load studies and commissioning Smart Grid equipment such as Distribution Automation (DA), Volt/VAR Optimization (VVO), and Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS).

Key Responsibilities for this position include but not limited to.

• Load Studies: Conduct thorough load studies for planned and emergency work to assess capacity and ensure safe switching operations.
• Analyze data to recommend solutions that minimize risks to facilities and the public.
• Commissioning distribution Equipment:
• Perform commissioning of modern grid technologies prior to their use by system operators, ensuring all equipment meets operational standards.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting during the commissioning process.

Technical Support:

• Serve as a technical resource for system operators, offering guidance on new technologies and distribution system operations. Stay updated with the latest advancements in power distribution and their implications for operations.

Availability:

• At times DDC engineers will need to respond to urgent requests from DDC operators for load studies and commissioning needs outside of normal business hours. Collaborate with field employees to address any issues that may arise during operations.

Technical Expertise:

• Possesses intermediate level knowledge and performs varied assignments with proficiency in the application of theory and analytical techniques to solve diverse problems and complete extensive analysis. Demonstrates competency in analytical techniques necessary to handle assignments of moderate complexity. (e.g., by dividing the problem into component steps, and performing the analysis necessary to complete each step). Exhibits ability to understand interrelationship between systems and component equipment. Demonstrate ability to analyze and recommend enhancements to business processes.

Leadership & Guidance:

• Coordinates work activities of others within the work group, department, or other corporate entity as necessary to complete routine activities. Performs routine engineering activity with minimum direction from higher-level employees. Follows policies, practices, standards and rules of the company and those regulations and procedures required by external agencies. Provides training and guidance to lower-level employees.

Planning & Organization Ability:

• Coordinates the development of input necessary to forecast costs for the routine projects, improvements requisitions, etc. Uses scheduling techniques (CPM, PERT, flow charts, etc.) for budget and planning activities. Initiates corrective action when project objectives are not being met. Problem Solving & Initiative: Resolves and initiates solutions to routine problems which usually require additional definition/clarification before analysis can begin. Demonstrates ability to identify problems that are beyond the normal routine. Demonstrates ability and desire to seek out opportunities and embrace new ideas and approaches.

Communication:

• Develops, reviews, or presents technical reports such as improvement requisitions, studies, and analyses in as clear, concise and effective fashion.

Interpersonal Skills:

• Is an active team member. Networks with peers inside and outside the AEP system. Identifies key stakeholders. Uses informal network to get things done. Resolves conflict, builds consensus.

Decision Making:

• Makes decisions subject to review within established policies and procedures. Makes decisions that affect the work of the team. Aware of risks. Demonstrates the ability to extrapolate beyond known facts to reach logical conclusions.

Business Awareness & Characteristics:

• Understands AEP's organizational structure and the specific role and responsibility of their individual organizational unit. Demonstrates an understanding of the budgeting and approval process. Is proficient in the application and use of economic analysis techniques in problem solving. Develops an understanding of utility regulation and financing.

Note: This position is posted at multiple grade levels and offers a range of opportunity for advancement. The minimal qualifications outlined below apply to the Engineer or Engineering Technologist Associate Level, with increased educational, skill, experience and certification requirements for higher level Engineer or Engineering Technologists.

What We're Looking For:

• This is an entry level position for new graduates with a Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET*; Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering examination in preparation for future licensing as a Professional Engineer (PE) is encouraged and preferred.
• Individuals with a Bachelor's degree in Engineering Technology can satisfy this degree requirement
• *VP or above may waive the requirement for a degree from a university with an Non ABET accredited program

What You'll Get:

• Starting Salary Range: $84,000
• 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 Grade:

SP20-006

Compensation Range:

$74,551.00 - $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.

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.