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

AEP Service Corporation; United States; On-site; USD 88,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER seeks engineers to support assigned programs and systems critical to the generating fleet. Responsibilities include network configurations, firewall/ACL oversight, and cybersecurity in control environments.

Requires ABET-accredited engineering degree and 2+ years of related experience; Master’s or PE-eligible paths are considered for advanced levels. Position involves collaboration with local/remote resources to forecast, plan, install, and commission enhancements while

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (ABET) plus 2+ years of related engineering experience.
• Master's degree in engineering may be considered for entry at this level.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology allowed if PE license obtained.
• ABET note is applicable as described.
• VP or above may waive degree from non-ABET accredited programs.

Responsibilities

• Review firewall rules and ACLs for proper access controls.
• Configure/modify Cisco switches.
• Perform basic network troubleshooting.
• Understand protocols (TCP/IP, Modbus, DNP3).
• Experience with network tools such as Nmap, Nessus, Wireshark, SIEM.
• Support control system equipment and related systems.
• Identify vulnerabilities and mitigations in control environments.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose issues; basic computer interfacing.
• Configure/install servers, workstations, and appliances.
• Apply NIST 800-82 cybersecurity perspective to control systems.

Skills

Networking knowledge

Network troubleshooting

TCP/IP

Modbus

DNP3

Nmap/Nessus/Wireshark

SIEM

Windows

Linux

MS Office

Visio

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

Master's degree in engineering

PE license path with non-ABET degree

Engineering Technology with PE path

Non-ABET degree + Master's/PhD in ABET program

Tools

Cisco switches

Job description

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. Technical Specialist -- Intermediate level of responsibility to facilitate and maintain programs/ systems/ equipment critical to the AEP generating fleet according to established guidelines and specific work tasks. Has knowledge of program/ system/ equipment requirements and completes assigned work with proficiency. Supports, in collaboration with local and/or remote resources, the forecasting, planning, installation, and commissioning of enhancements to the programs/systems/equipment to meet AEP requirements. Help site personnel troubleshoot issues.

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…).
• Experience with Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Experience with Visio a plus.

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving Note: This position is posted at multiple grade levels and offers a range of opportunities for advancement. The minimum qualifications outlined below apply to the Engineer or Technical Specialist level, with increased educational, skill or experience requirements for higher level Engineers or Technical Specialists.

What We’re Looking For

Engineer – Education and Experience Requirements

• 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

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

Work Experience Requirements

• 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!

Compensation

Compensation Data Compensation Grade: SP20-007 Compensation Range: $87,633.00 - $128,689.00

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.

AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER (on-site) #AEPCareers #LI-ONSITE

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.

At American Electric Power, we provide more than electricity to our millions of customers - we energize possibilities. We’re redefining the future of energy by reducing our carbon footprint, empowering the communities we serve and building an engaged, talented workforce. All while delivering the reliable service our customers expect. It’s an exciting time in the energy industry. Are you ready to be part of it? We’re looking for team members to help create the grid of the future. Learn more about our commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive work culture that values different experiences.