Engineer Sr- Engineer Prin (Substation Network Engineer)

American Electric Power Co.; New Albany, Northern (OH, KY); Hybrid; USD 99,000 - 151,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power is seeking an experienced Senior/Principal Engineer to lead the design, engineering, installation, testing, and energization of high voltage and extra high voltage underground cable systems from 34.5 kV to 765 kV. You will set standards and guide projects from front-end design to commissioning, influencing substation SCADA and security applications.

The role emphasizes deep knowledge of solid dielectric XLPE, high‑pressure fluid-filled cables, jointing, termination, and

Qualifications

• 6+ years of related engineering experience with a degree in engineering (ABET-accredited preferred).
• PE license encouraged and preferred.
• Experience in protection/control and substation communications is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop standards for digital substation networks (IEC61850, GOOSE, SV, MMS, PTP) with fiber-backed devices.
• Develop and support redundancy architectures (PRP, STP) and network topologies.
• Support substation communication protocols (DNP, Modbus, 61850).
• Monitor networks with Wireshark for GOOSE, SV, and TCP/IP.
• Support cybersecurity and compliance including patch management and testing.

Skills

Engineering experience

Protection & Control

Project leadership

PE license encouraged

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

Tools

Wireshark

Job description

Location: New Albany, OH

Job Summary

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

Position resides in the PCE Standards organization with primary responsibilities of development and support of communication systems in standard protection/control. Perform engineering activities as well as provide technical guidance, engineering expertise and direction to Transmission team members.

Job Description

**This position is posted in a range; Pay, title and grade will be based on the qualifications of the individual selected*

What You’ll Do:

• Lead & support the development of digital substation network standards as AEP progresses on utilization of IEC61850 (GOOSE, Sampled Values, MMS, PTP) with fiber connected digital substation monitoring and protection devices.
• Develop and support redundancy architectures (PRP, STP) and network topologies.
• Support substation communication protocols that include DNP, Modbus, and 61850.
• Network monitoring skills using Wireshark for GOOSE, SV, and other TCP/IP.
• Support Cybersecurity and Compliance with activities that include patch management, testing, and NERC CIP.
• Work with vendors to ensure network related product quality issues are addressed and evaluate new network product for AEP Transmission applications.
• Interface with AEP Telecommunication group, both engineering and construction, to support new standards and improve existing standards that involve Telecommunication equipment as it applies in substation SCADA & security applications. This includes network, SCADA, Fiber and wireless applications.
• Interface with the Transmission Telecommunications Substation Network team to support improvements with PCE Standards and collaborate on solutions.
• Support Distribution Automation (DA) needs in areas that impact substation SCADA and communication. Support DA PCE standard designs.
• Provide fiber solution needs for equipment interface and work with vendors to support a quality product solution for AEP substation and point-of- delivery applications.
• Support GPS clock standard and provide technical support when needed.
• Engage in industry forums and events. Stay informed of accepted industry practices and collaborate with industry peers and experts to improve applications and processes.
• Lead and develop training opportunities for development of internal and external engineers and designers, including and not limited to presentations to and mentoring large and varying audiences.
• Provide technical direction and feedback to counterparts in other Protection and Control, IT / Telecommunication, and Operations functions within AEP.
• Assist with cross departmental communication of issues related to Transmission Telecommunication Substation Network and fiber.

What we’re looking for:

Engineer Senior

Has typically acquired 6 or more years of related engineering experience along with a Bachelor's, Master's or Doctorate degree in engineering in a program accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)*; Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in any U.S. state is encouraged and preferred.

Engineer Principal

Has typically acquired 10 or more years of related engineering experience along with a Bachelor's, Master's or Doctorate degree in engineering in a program accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)*;

Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in any U.S. state is encouraged and preferred.

*Acceptable alternatives are (1) a Bachelor's degree in engineering (non-ABET), plus a Professional Engineers (PE) license in any state of the U.S. or (2) a Bachelor's degree in engineering (non-ABET), plus a Master's degree in engineering from a university with an ABET accredited Bachelor's program.

Other Requirements:

• Ensure that all work activities are performed in accordance with the policies, practices, standards, and rules of the Company and regulations and procedures as required by federal, state or local regulating agencies.
• Demonstrate the highest standards of ethical behavior and support the Company's Corporate Compliance Policy.
• Promote and enforce the Company's Accident Prevention and Safety and Health programs to safeguard employees, the general public and Company property. Carry out and promote the organization's efforts related to the Human Performance Initiative.

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

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!

AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER (On-Site)

Compensation

$98,993.00 - $151,132.50

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.

“AEP offers an outstanding group of people to be a part of. The AEP culture values your integrity and awards your hard work.”

This role is responsible to the assigned manager for performing entry level engineering work activities and projects requiring the application of engineering knowledge in a safe, effective, efficient and economic accomplishment of assigned objectives.

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

AEP is investing to support significant load growth driven by new industry, data centers, and widespread electrification, and we are seeking an underground transmission Subject Matter Expert who wants to help build what comes next. In this role, you will lead the design, engineering, installation, testing, and restoration of high voltage and extra high voltage underground cable systems spanning 34.5 kV to 765 kV, across both AC and DC applications. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in solid dielectric XLPE and high‑pressure fluid‑filled pipe‑type cable systems, complex jointing and termination practices, and thermal performance analysis. As a technical leader within our underground transmission engineering organization, you will guide projects from front‑end engineering design through commissioning and energization, set standards that others follow, and shape how AEP delivers safe, reliable, and resilient power for decades to come.

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.