P&C Field Technologist Associate - West Ohio

AEP Service Corporation; Lima (OH); On-site; USD 49,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

AEP Service Corporation in Ohio is seeking an entry-level engineer to support installation, testing and maintenance of protection and control devices across high-voltage systems. You’ll work under supervision, test relays, SCADA equipment, and PLCs, and help document test results and drawings.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in ABET-accredited engineering or engineering technology, ability to pass the PAT, and color-differentiation testing.

Qualifications

• Entry-level position for new graduates with a Bachelor's degree.
• Must successfully complete the Physical Abilities Test (PAT).
• Must be able to distinguish colors on a standard color blindness test.

Responsibilities

• Test fundamental protection & control devices periodically.
• Calibrate devices on a pre-established schedule.
• Assist with switching at all voltage levels under Dispatching Authority.
• Maintain test equipment in good order.
• Record test readings and results for design conformity.
• Assist in installation, testing, and commissioning of new P&C systems.
• Support on-site technical lead with contract wireman and field personnel.

Skills

Electrical testing

Protection relays

Calibration

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

Tools

SCADA software

Relays hardware

Job description

Job Summary Perform work associated with the installation, operation, testing and maintenance of fundamental protection and control devices and related equipment under general supervision. Such devices and equipment includes but is not limited to digital relays, electromechanical relays, intelligent electronic devices, Station Disturbance Recorders (SDR), digital fault recorders (DFR), event recorders, RTU's and station SCADA systems, statistical load metering, telemetering and transducers. Additionally, install, maintain and operate all power line carriers (PLC), tone, pilot wire, fiber and associated P&C communications equipment.

Job Description

What You'll Do:

• Test fundamental protection & control devices and equipment periodically and as required.
• Calibrate fundamental protection & control devices and equipment on a pre-established schedule and as required.
• Assist with switching at all voltage levels under the direction of the proper Dispatching Authority.
• Maintain test equipment in good working order.
• Maintain accurate records, reports and drawings as required.
• Operate a computer device to test, calibrate, and retrieve data from protection & control devices.
• Assist in the installation, maintenance, and operation of all relays, power line carrier sets, station SCADA, and associated communications equipment or cables as assigned.
• Troubleshoot and repair fundamental electromechanical relays.
• Troubleshoot and repair microprocessor based relays at the card level, such as replacing power supplies, communications cards, I/O cards, etc.
• Assist with the diagnosis of equipment failures, protection mis-operations, and assist with corrective action to perform repairs and prevent recurrence.
• Ensure the circuitry, installation and operation of equipment is correct prior to placing equipment in service.
• Read electrical schematics and determine that the physical installation at the site is electrically equivalent to the schematic.
• Record test readings and results and determine they are within acceptable specifications and thus the physical installation will perform as per the design.
• Basic fault analysis: obtain oscillography data to determine if the protective devices operated as per their issued relay settings.
• Assisting a team in the installation, testing, and commissioning of new P&C systems for capital construction projects.
• Assist the on-site technical lead with directing the activities of contract wireman and the activities of other P&C field personnel assigned to their project.
• Assist a trip testing team.

What We're Looking For:

Education Requirements:

• 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 Requirements:

• This is an entry level position for new graduates with a Bachelor's degree.
• Must successfully complete the Physical Abilities Test (PAT).
• Must be able to distinguish colors on a standard color blindness test.

Other Preferred Skills:

• Working knowledge of current, potential, closing and trip circuits.
• Working knowledge of material such as cable, lugs, and wire as applied to protective relay and control circuits.
• Working knowledge of assembly, anchoring, and interchangeability of the various switchboard panel-support and through systems.
• Must have the ability to read, understand, and correct electrical prints and diagrams and the ability to use hand tools.
• Must demonstrate the ability to perform duties in an alert, safe, and business‑like manner and the ability to deal with customers and other employees in a courteous and professional manner.
• Ability to interpret, analyze and transmit facts graphically, orally, and in writing clearly and precisely.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license and must meet all vehicle operation requirements as designated by federal and/or state law.
• Considerable travel and overtime may be required to complete work assignments.

COMPETENCIESTECHNICAL PROFICIENCY:

Possesses technical to entry level knowledge acquired from a Bachelor’s Degree in an ABET accredited engineering technology program; demonstrates the ability to perform with proper guidance special technical functions required in the relevant area of assignment; gains familiarity with standards, codes, and regulations relevant to the area of assignment; gains familiarity with pertinent equipment, materials, systems, and business processes; assists higher level employees in handling well defined portions of routine problems;

PLANNING AND ORGANIZATION ABILITY:

Maintains required records to support assignments and prepares special reports for tests, equipment performance, projects and other reports as assigned; plans work in accordance with AEP standard planning practices; prioritizes routine work to meet the demands of the company; assists with providing input to annual budget, capital forecasts, five-year plan, and improvement requisitions; participates in planning meetings covering scheduling, operations, and maintenance of equipment; assists in the preparation of basic cost estimates using established guidelines;

PROBLEM-SOLVING AND INITIATIVE:

Seeks opportunity to work beyond routine assignments by solving problems of light complexity; actively seeks out information to increase technical knowledge in area of responsibility; applies technical knowledge in resolving basic problems encountered in assigned work; uses initiative in looking for opportunities to increase job knowledge/technical skills.

DECISION MAKING AND BUSINESS AWARENESS CHARACTERISTICS:

Develops an understanding of AEP’s organizational structure and the specific role and responsibility of their individual business unit; develops a basic understanding of utility accounting and financing; demonstrates an attitude, ability and desire to listen to and satisfy both internal and external customers who use and depend on our work; participation in professional and business organizations is encouraged; develops decision-making skills under guidance of higher level employees; develops an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the local organizational unit.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to climb ladders and work at various heights above the ground in performance of the work.
• Must be able to distinguish colors on a standard color blindness test.
• Must be able to lift and carry required test equipment and tools.
• Ability to work outdoors and in confined spaces, and to switch station equipment energized up to 765kV using the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.

Where You'll Work:

• Fostoria, Ohio (On-Site)
• Lima, Ohio (On-Site)

What You’ll Get:

• $30.52 / hour
• In addition to a competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well‑being of our employees.

Compensation Data:

• Compensation Grade: SP20-005
• Compensation Range: $35.84 - $44.80
• 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 c ontrols; 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.