P&C Field Technologist Associate - West Ohio

aep; Lima (OH); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

AEP seeks an entry-level engineer to support the installation, testing, and maintenance of protection and control systems. You will work with relays, SDRs, DFRs, and SCADA equipment, under supervision, across data collection and field commissioning tasks.

Responsibilities include testing, calibration, records management, and assisting in site installations and emergencies to restore service. Requires ABET-aligned degree and PAT completion.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or ABET-accredited engineering technology program.
• Must successfully complete the Physical Abilities Test (PAT).
• Must be able to distinguish colors on a standard color blindness test.

Responsibilities

• Test protection and control devices per schedule.
• Calibrate devices on established maintenance cycles.
• Assist with switching under Dispatching Authority guidance.
• Maintain test equipment and accurate records.
• Read schematics to verify site installations match designs.
• Help install and commission P&C systems for projects.

Skills

Electrical testing

Calibration

Troubleshooting

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

Tools

Electrical schematics reading

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.

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