P&C Field Technologist Associate - West Ohio

American Electric Power; Lima (OH); On-site; USD 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power is seeking an entry-level Engineer in Ohio to support installation, testing, calibration and maintenance of protection and control devices and associated equipment. The role involves testing relays, SCADA, PLC sets, and field communications, with opportunities to assist in capital projects and on-site technical leadership.

Candidates must have an ABET-accredited engineering degree (or ABET-accredited engineering technology) and be able to pass a Physical Abilities Test

Qualifications

• Must have an engineering degree ABET accredited, or an engineering technology degree ABET accredited.

Responsibilities

• Test protection and control devices and equipment periodically and as required.
• Calibrate devices on a pre-established schedule.
• Assist with switching at all voltage levels under Dispatching Authority guidance.
• Maintain test equipment and records, drawings, and data.
• Operate test equipment to retrieve data from protection and control devices.
• Assist in installation, maintenance, and operation of relays, PLC sets, SCADA and related communications equipment.
• Troubleshoot and repair relays and associated components.
• Read electrical schematics and verify field installations meet design specs.

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

Job description

Job Posting End Date: 10-01-2026

Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

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. Respond to emergency call-outs 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.

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.

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.