FACTS Field Technologist

AEP Service Corporation; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 87,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power in Wisconsin is seeking an engineer to support the commissioning, operation, testing, and maintenance of FACTS and HVDC facilities, including STATCOMs, SVCs, SCs and energy storage systems.

You will lead on-site activities for installation and commissioning, read schematics, calibrate FACTS devices, and coordinate maintenance plans while ensuring reliability of the FACTS fleet. A PE license or ABET-accredited degree with related experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET.
• Has typically acquired 2 or more years of related engineering technology experience. Must pass PAT (Physical Abilities Test).

Responsibilities

• Perform commissioning, operation, testing and maintenance of FACTS and HVDC facilities including STATCOMs, SVCs, SCs and energy storage systems.
• Assist in testing and calibration of FACTS controllers and relay equipment.
• Read electrical schematics and vendor docs to support operation of FACTS devices.
• Lead on-site activities for installation and commissioning of new FACTS equipment.
• Coordinate annual maintenance work plans and provide on-site support for maintenance and repair of FACTS equipment.
• Coordinate procurement of replacement parts and manage warranty/service issues with vendors.

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering (ABET-accredited)

Job description

Job Posting End Date 10-17-2026 Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date

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-well-being of our employees.

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade: SP20-007

Compensation Range: $42.13 - $61.87

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.

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.