Engineer/Technical Specialist (Mid – Sr.) | Generation Control Systems Engineering

American Electric Power (AEP); Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 88,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER is seeking an Engineer to support control system networks and cybersecurity in our on-site Columbus, OH operations. You will perform intermediate engineering activities applying knowledge to achieve safe, effective, and economical outcomes.

The role emphasizes reviewing firewall rules, ACLs, switch configurations, and network troubleshooting, with familiarity in TCP/IP, Modbus, and DNP3, plus cybersecurity standards like NIST/NERC CIP and IEC 62443.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited engineering degree with 2+ years of related engineering experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology can satisfy degree requirements if PE license is obtained.
• Alternative: non-ABET degree plus Master’s or PhD in ABET-accredited program. VP or above may waive this for certain cases.

Responsibilities

• Review firewall rules and ACLs to ensure proper access controls.
• Configure and modify network switches (e.g., Cisco).
• Perform basic network troubleshooting and diagnostics.
• Understand protocols used in Control System environments (TCP/IP, Modbus, DNP3).
• Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks (NIST, NERC CIP, IEC 62443) and related standards.

Skills

Networking knowledge

ACL review

Switch configuration

Network troubleshooting

TCP/IP

Modbus

DNP3

NMAP

NESSUS

Wireshark

SIEM

Windows/Linux

MS Office

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

Master's degree in engineering (ABET)

PE license

Tools

Cisco equipment

Servers management

Job description

Job Posting End Date
11-17-2026
Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

Engineer -- 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

What You’ll Do:

Familiarity with the following:

• - Networking Knowledge/Experience
• - Review Firewall Rules and Access Control Lists (ACLs) to ensure proper electronic access controls are in place.
• - Review/understand network switch settings and capable of performing configuration/modifications to switches (e.g., Cisco).
• - Basic network troubleshooting skills.
• - Understanding of commonly used protocols in the Control System environment is a plus (e.g., TCP/IP, Modbus, DNP3).
• - Experience with network tools is a plus (e.g., NMAP, NESSUS, Wireshark, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)).

Control System Environment Experience with Controls, Monitoring, and Protection equipment is a plus. This includes such equipment as DCS (Emerson, ABB, GE, Siemens, etc.), PLCs (Allen-Bradley Controllogix, GE, Siemens, etc.), Recorders, Historians, GE and SEL Protective relays.

• - Understanding of potential vulnerabilities and mitigations. Experience installing patches or upgrading firmware a plus.
• - Diagnosing and troubleshooting issues.
• - Practical knowledge and skill with computers and interfacing to other devices.
• - Experience with the configuration and installation of servers, workstations, and appliances a plus.
• - Understanding how NIST 800-82 from a cybersecurity perspective applies in the Control System environment is a plus.

• - Security Frameworks and Standards Familiarity with cybersecurity principles and standards is a plus (such as NIST, NERC CIP, and IEC 62443) including NIST Cybersecurity framework (CSF 2.0).

Core Skillset Knowledgeable about computers systems (Windows, Linux, etc…)

• - Core Skillset Knowledgeable about computers systems (Windows, Linux, etc…).
• - Experience with Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• - Experience with Visio a plus.
• - Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

What We’re Looking For:

Engineer -- Education and Experience Requirements are listed below:

• - 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.

Acceptable alternative is:

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

Technical Specialist:

Education requirements are listed below:

• - Bachelor’s degree in applicable technical field or Associate’s degree with 2 years of relevant work experience.

Work Experience requirements are listed below:

• - In addition to any experience required above, 6 years of direct experience and intermediate level knowledge of the specialized programs/ systems/ equipment is typically required for this particular role.

Other:

• - Physical demand level varies depending on specific job duties/requirements.

What You’ll Get:

In addition to 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!

AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER (on-site)

#AEPCareers

#LI-ONSITE

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

SP20-007

Compensation Range:

$87,633.00 - $128,689.00

The Physical Demand Level for this job is:

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.