Grid Coordinator

AES Corporation; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

AES Corporation seeks a Grid Coordinator for the Indianapolis Distribution area to oversee safe, reliable operation and maintenance of the distribution system. The role directs field personnel, coordinates with control centers, and drives containment and restoration during outages, with responsibility for budgeting and performance monitoring.

The position requires strong communication, real-time decision-making, and adherence to safety and regulatory standards, with a focus on continuous

Qualifications

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with computer systems and real-time operation tools.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, real-time operations environment.

Responsibilities

• Make complex operating and economic decisions to restore customer service after system emergencies; coordinate with control centers.
• Maintain a safe, professional work environment and meet customer requests within timeframes.
• Direct contingency planning for natural disasters and other critical events.
• Plan, direct work schedules and participate in long-range company planning with other departments.
• Guide field personnel and review reports to meet normal and emergency conditions.
• Represent AES to customers during off-hours and coordinate with Customer Service Team.
• Forecast and manage a significant portion of the O&M budget to drive efficiency.
• Coordinate switching, load management, and restoration activities for distribution systems.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Computer proficiency

Team collaboration

Education

Engineering/Technology degree

Job description

Overview

AES is a global energy company with a focus on shaping the future of energy. The position covers Grid Operations for the AES Indianapolis Distribution area and involves supervision, leadership, and technical advisory responsibilities. The Grid Coordinator ensures safe, stable, reliable, economical, and environmentally responsible operation and maintenance of the assigned area, complying with applicable regulations and directing field personnel as needed.

Primary Responsibilities

• Make complex operating, engineering, and economic decisions involving restoration of customer service after system emergencies; coordinate distribution system effort with the Transmission Control Center and Distribution Operations Control Center.
• Maintain a safe, professional work environment; meet customer requests within specified timeframes and promote good customer service.
• Direct the preparation and execution of contingency plans for operating the distribution system during natural disasters, civil disturbances, and other critical situations.
• Plan, arrange, and direct work schedules; participate in long-range company planning with other departments and outside Customer Operations.
• Direct departmental personnel regarding assignments; review records, reports, and analyses related to the department’s work; participate in related tasks to meet normal and emergency conditions.
• Represent the Company to customers regarding operations during hours when offices are closed.
• Work closely with the Customer Service Team during regular working hours.
• Forecast and control a significant portion of the operation and maintenance budget; monitor expenses and drive efficiency.
• Receive, analyze, schedule, route, direct, and assign emergency and routine work to maintain continuity of electric service; assess substation and circuit loading and apply load factors for peak periods.
• Initiate and issue switching orders to repair and restore service on distribution systems; understand transformers, voltage regulators, breakers, capacitors, switchgear, and reclosers.
• Direct work on underground distribution areas, underground feeds, and pad-mounted transformers; interpret maps and one-line diagrams to support field operations.
• Assist field personnel with safety responsibilities and shared safety practices.
• Compile and prepare incident reports for Distribution Operations; maintain logs of abnormal conditions and outages; authorize hold cards for safety when taking circuits or equipment in or out of service.
• Receive, relay, and record communications; perform timekeeping, payroll tasks, and case/damage processing; operate two-way radio per regulations and AES rules.
• Other duties as required by circumstances and safety regulations; ensure compliance with safety and health policies.
• Direct field switching operations performed by authorized personnel (e.g., Substation Inspectors, Electricians, Linemen, Relay/SCADA Specialists, Troublemen) to operate equipment on the bulk electric system.
• Monitor system conditions for abnormalities and advise management on actions to restore reliability.

Qualifications

• Basic Requirements: High school graduate; must pass pre-screening EEI exam System Operator/Power Dispatch (SOPD); high degree of electrical and mechanical aptitude; available for all System Operations shifts (24-7); ability to pass NERC Certification exam within 6 months.
• Preferred Skills: Accredited post-secondary education in engineering or technology; current NERC Certification; electric utility experience in transmission and/or distribution operations; computer proficiency and strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to work in a real-time operations environment on all shifts and as a team member; understanding of power substation equipment, fundamentals, and the ability to interpret diagrams; proficient in English; electric utility job-related experience or training.

About AES

AES is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, race, national origin, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, disability, pregnancy, or related medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. E-Verify notice: AES will provide information from new employee I-9 forms to confirm work authorization as required.

Accelerating the future of energy, together. Our people are energy and help AES transform the energy sector through innovation, collaboration, and action. Visit www.aes.com/careers for more information.