FACTS Field Technologist

AEP; Detroit (MI); Hybrid; USD 51,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power (AEP) seeks a Field Technologist Associate to support commissioning, operation, testing and maintenance of FACTS and HVDC facilities in the Detroit area. The role involves on-site leadership for installation and commissioning of new FACTS equipment and assisting in testing, calibration, and troubleshooting of power system controllers and relays.

The position requires a Bachelor's degree in engineering or ABET-accredited engineering technology, and 2+ years of related

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or engineering technology from ABET-accredited program.
• Has typically acquired 2+ years of related experience in engineering technology projects.
• Must successfully complete the Physical Abilities Test (PAT).

Responsibilities

• Perform commissioning, operation, testing and maintenance of FACTS and HVDC facilities.
• Lead on-site installation and commissioning of new FACTS equipment.
• Assist in testing and calibration of FACTS controllers and related relays.
• Read electrical schematics and vendor docs to support operation of FACTS devices.
• Coordinate and schedule annual FACTS maintenance work plan and provide on-site support.
• Coordinate procurement of replacement parts and manage warranty and service contacts with vendors.

Skills

FACTS/HVDC systems

On-site leadership

Electrical schematics

Maintenance testing

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

ABET-accredited engineering technology degree

Job description

Job Summary

Perform work associated with the commissioning, operation, testing and maintenance of FACTS (Flexible AC Transmission Systems) and HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) facilities. These include Static Synchronous Compensators (STATCOMs), Static Var Compensators (SVCs), Series Capacitors (SCs), Synchronous Condensers, Energy Storage Systems (ESSs), Reactive Power Controllers (RPCs), and other advanced or emerging technology systems serving the transmission grid.

Job Description

What You Will Do:

• Perform work associated with the commissioning, operation, testing and maintenance of FACTS (Flexible AC Transmission Systems) and HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) facilities.


• These include Static Synchronous Compensators (STATCOMs), Static Var Compensators (SVCs), Series Capacitors (SCs), Synchronous Condensers, Energy Storage Systems (ESSs), Reactive Power Controllers (RPCs), and other advanced or emerging technology systems serving the transmission grid.


• Employee may perform miscellaneous, related, and incidental work in addition to that specifically outlined below.


• Assist in the testing and calibration of FACTS controllers and fundamental relay equipment periodically and as required, including compliance verification and trip testing.


• Perform switching at all voltage levels under the direction of the proper Dispatching Authority.


• Maintain tools and test equipment in good working order. Maintain accurate records, reports and drawings as required.


• Assist in Troubleshooting and Repair FACTS devices, associated relays, and other controls.


• Read fundamental electrical schematics and other vendor documentation to support ongoing operation of FACTS devices.


• Lead on-site activities for the installation and commissioning of new FACTS equipment.


• Assist in the diagnosis of equipment failures, mis-operations, and assist with corrective action to affect repair and prevent recurrence and ensure reliability of FACTS equipment.


• Obtain fault records and oscillography of fundamental systems to determine if device operated correctly.


• Coordinate and schedule the annual FACTS maintenance work plan. Provide on-site support and assistance necessary for the maintenance and repair of existing FACTS equipment.


• Assist in development of maintenance plans, inspection reports, and other documentation to record the maintenance and repair activities of the FACTS fleet.


• Support AEP's documentation plan and record keeping relating to the FACTS/HVDC equipment


• Coordinate procurement of replacement parts and manage warranty and service contact issues with vendors.


• Support new FACTS project activities from project specification to final in-service operation.


• Work with vendors to resolve issues as needed.


• Provide local TFS station and P&C groups with technical support as needed


• Support in new project development including specification review, technical bid review/evaluation, design review, review and approval of drawings and other vendor documents, and commissioning of all equipment in the field with support from local TFS.


• The employee is responsible for the completion of the annual work plan for FACTS devices as well as troubleshooting and field restoration of devices. Responding to emergency callouts and coordinating prompt restoration of service as required.

What You Will Need:

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 Associate level.


• Increased education, skill, experience and certification required for higher level engineers.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)


• Or a bachelor's degree in engineering technology in a program accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

Experience:

• Has typically acquired 2 or more years of related experience in work activities and projects requiring the application of engineering technology principles.


• Must successfully complete the Physical Abilities Test (PAT)

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

$42.13 - $61.87

Physical Demands

The Physical Demand Level for this job is: L - Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or 10 to 12 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 5-6 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for sedentary work. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job should be rated Light Work: (1) When it requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or (2) when it requires sitting most of the time, but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls; and/or (3) when the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible. NOTE: The constant stress and strain of maintaining a production rate pace, especially in an industrial setting, can be and is physically demanding of a worker even though the amount of force exerted is negligible.

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.

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.

A P&C Field Technologist Associate is responsible for performing work associated with the programming, operation, testing and maintenance of fundamental protection and control devices and related equipment. P&C's primary focus is understanding control circuitry and utilizing computer-based testing and analysis of devices and equipment that includes, but is not limited to, digital relays, electromechanical relays, intelligent electronic devices, Station Disturbance Recorders (SDR), Digital Fault Recorders (DFR), system event recorders, Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) and station SCADA systems (dispatcher remote control systems), statistical load metering, telemetering and potential/current transducers. Additionally, will maintain and operate all power line carriers (PLC), tone, pilot wire, fiber and associated P&C communications over the power grid network. Within the discipline of P&C, will occasionally respond to emergency callouts at electrical substations and coordinate prompt restoration of service to customers as required. This list is not intended to limit assignment of work or the degree of supervision under all operating conditions. Employee may perform miscellaneous, related, and incidental work in addition to that specifically outlined below.

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.

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.