Engineering Manager- Technology and Automation

Ohio Power Company; Gahanna (OH); On-site; USD 137,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power is seeking an Engineering Manager, Technology & Automation to lead a team responsible for distribution automation, GridSmart performance, data governance, and integration of new engineering technologies. The role focuses on reliability, uptime, and readiness for DER and ADMS growth.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in electric distribution engineering, strong analytical skills, and a track record of developing KPIs and governance processes, with the ability to

Qualifications

• Eight years' experience in distribution, construction, maintenance, and/or operations with five years of supervisory experience in distribution or equivalent experience.
• State driver's license with acceptable driving record; Professional Engineer licensure preferred; Project Management Professional certification a plus.
• Experience with electric distribution engineering, distribution operations, automation, grid modernization, system planning, protection, or related disciplines; experience with SCADA, VVO, DACR/FLISR, OMS, GIS, DER, or ADMS preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with emphasis on root-cause identification and sustainable corrective actions.
• Experience developing KPIs, performance dashboards, governance processes, and technical work plans.
• Ability to communicate complex technical issues clearly to both technical personnel and leadership with strong written and verbal skills.

Responsibilities

• GridSmart Performance & Reliability – Lead performance, uptime KPIs, troubleshooting, and improvement plans for DACR, VVO, and other distribution automation technologies.
• Technology Integration & Support – Lead cross-functional commissioning, troubleshooting, deployment, and transition of new technologies into production.
• Engineering Data Governance – Ensure the quality, governance, and maintenance of critical engineering data and models.
• Grid Modernization & ADMS Readiness – Position the engineering team for expanding GridSmart capabilities, DER penetration, ADMS, and emerging technologies.
• Engineering Automation & Continuous Improvement – Drive automation to increase engineering efficiency and system performance.
• Workforce Development – Lead training for the broader Engineering team on grid technologies.
• People Leadership & Development – Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing engineering team with clear expectations and performance goals.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

KPIs & dashboards

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, or related field

Associate’s degree + 10 years experience

Job description

Job Posting End Date 11-08-2026 Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

The Engineering Manager, Technology & Automation will lead a team of engineers and professionals to have accountability for Ohio Power's distribution automation, GridSmart system performance, integration of engineering technology, modeling, and data-governance functions. The position is responsible for driving performance and uptime of DACR, VVO, and other advanced distribution technologies; establishing cross-functional work plans to improve system performance; supporting commissioning and ongoing GridSmart operations; and ensuring the integrity and governance of critical engineering data and systems. The manager will also lead the integration of emerging technologies into production engineering and prepare the organization for increasing DER penetration, expanded grid automation, and future ADMS capabilities while developing the training and technical competencies necessary to support Ohio Power's long-term reliability strategy.

What You’ll Do

• GridSmart Performance & Reliability – Lead performance, uptime, KPIs, troubleshooting, and improvement plans for DACR, VVO, and other distribution automation technologies to support reliability and operational objectives.
• Technology Integration & Support – Lead cross-functional commissioning, troubleshooting, deployment, and transition of new technologies into sustained production use, partnering with other Engineering teams, Operations, GridSmart support, IT, vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Engineering Data Governance – Ensure the quality, governance, and maintenance of critical engineering data, models, settings repositories, hosting capacity information, and supporting systems.
• Grid Modernization & ADMS Readiness – Position the Engineering for expanding GridSmart capabilities, DER penetration, ADMS, and other emerging distribution technologies.
• Engineering Automation & Continuous Improvement – Drive automation and technology-enabled improvements that increase engineering efficiency, consistency, system performance, and effectiveness.
• Workforce Development – Lead training for the broader Engineering team to support current and future grid technologies.
• People Leadership & Development – Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing engineering team by establishing clear expectations and performance goals, conducting performance reviews, developing technical capabilities, supporting workforce and succession planning, and maintaining a strong culture of accountability, collaboration, inclusion, and safe work practices.

What We’re Looking For

• Education requirements: Bachelor's degree in business, communications, engineering, or related field, associate’s degree and 10 years’ experience as listed below, or high school diploma/GED and 12 years’ experience as listed below.
• Work Experience requirement: Minimum of eight years' experience in distribution, construction, maintenance, and/or operations with five years of supervisory experience in distribution or equivalent experience.
• Other requirements: Must maintain a state driver's license with an acceptable driving record. Professional Engineer licensure preferred. Project Management Professional certification is a plus.
• Experience: Significant progressive experience in electric distribution engineering, distribution operations, automation, grid modernization, system planning, protection, or related engineering disciplines. Experience with distribution automation, SCADA, VVO, DACR/FLISR, OMS, GIS, distribution modeling, DER, or ADMS technologies strongly preferred. Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities with an emphasis on root‑cause identification and sustainable corrective actions. Experience developing KPIs, performance dashboards, governance processes, and technical work plans. Ability to communicate complex technical issues and recommendations clearly to both technical personnel and leadership with strong written and verbal skills.

Compensation

Compensation Grade: SP20-010
Compensation Range: $136,539.00 - $177,503.00

Physical Demand

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.

Company Culture

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.