Engineering Manager- Technology and Automation

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

Job summary

American Electric Power in Ohio seeks an Engineering Manager, Technology & Automation to lead a team responsible for GridSmart performance, automation, and data governance. You will drive cross-functional integration of new technologies, support GridSmart operations, and ensure reliable, scalable engineering data systems.

The role focuses on expanding DER penetration, ADMS readiness, and workforce development to sustain long-term grid reliability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, engineering, or related field, associate’s degree and 10 years’ experience or high school diploma/GED and 12 years’ experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead GridSmart performance, uptime, KPIs, troubleshooting, and improvement plans for distribution automation technologies.
• Lead cross-functional commissioning, troubleshooting, deployment, and transition of new technologies into production.
• Ensure the quality and governance of critical engineering data, models, settings repositories, and supporting systems.
• Position the Engineering for expanding GridSmart capabilities, DER penetration, ADMS, and other distribution technologies.
• Drive automation and technology-enabled improvements to increase engineering efficiency and system performance.
• Lead training for the broader Engineering team to support grid technologies.
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing engineering team with accountability and collaboration.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Problem solving

KPIs & dashboards

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

Associate’s degree + 10 years experience

High school diploma/GED + 12 years experience

Tools

SCADA

VVO

DACR/FLISR

OMS

GIS

ADMS

DER

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.

Job Description

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 are listed below:

• 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 listed below:

• Minimum of eight years’ experience in distribution, construction, maintenance, and/or operations with five years of supervisory experience in distribution or equivalent experience.

Other:

• Must maintain a state driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
  Professional Engineer licensure preferred.
• Project Management Professional certification is a plus.
  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 Data

Compensation Grade:

SP20-010

Compensation Range:

$136,539.00 - $177,503.00

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.

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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.