P&C Technician II

American Electric Power; Abilene (TX); On-site; USD 47,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power in Abilene, TX seeks an entry‑level P&C Technician to support installation, testing and maintenance of protection and control devices across stations. You will assist with SCADA and communications equipment, perform switching under supervision, and ensure safe, compliant operations.

The role emphasizes learning through on‑site tasks, calibration routines, and data recording, with strong safety and regulatory adherence as core requirements.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in electrical engineering technology or related field.
• Equivalent military technical education/experience considered.
• No previous work experience required.
• Must possess a valid state driver's license.
• Willingness to travel and perform overtime as needed.
• Must successfully complete the Physical Abilities Test (PAT).

Responsibilities

• Assist in acceptance and installation tests on protection, control, and measurement devices.
• Assist in installation, maintenance and operation of power line carriers and SCADA equipment.
• Perform switching under supervision of qualified personnel.
• Maintain and calibrate test equipment and related devices.
• Prepare records, reports and drawings accurately.
• Test and calibrate protection and control devices on schedule.

Skills

Electrical theory

Test equipment operation

Safety procedures

Team collaboration

Education

Associate’s degree in electrical engineering technology

Equivalent military technical training/experience

Tools

Electrical test equipment

SCADA knowledge

PAT (Physical Abilities Test) familiarity

Job description

Job Summary

Perform work associated with the installation, operation, testing and maintenance of all protection and control devices and related equipment under direct, immediate or 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), oscillographs and 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. The following reference is provided as a guideline for persons responsible for directing the duties and responsibilities of assigned personnel, to assist in the safety and development of employees, and is not intended to limit assignment of work or the degree of supervision under all operating conditions: DIRECT SUPERVISION - When a qualified person is working with/hands-on with the person performing the designated task. IMMEDIATE SUPERVISION - When a qualified person is near the structure/equipment and is in constant visual and/or verbal contact to the person performing the designated task. GENERAL SUPERVISION - An employee of equal or higher classification, knowledgeable of the task at hand and not necessarily at the job site. QUALIFIED PERSON ’ P&C Technician or Supervisor who is knowledgeable of the task or work to be performed, and is capable of performing the appropriate emergency rescue.

Job Description

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Assist in the performance of acceptance and installation tests on protection, control, and measurement devices and associated equipment in stations.
• Assist in the installation, maintenance, and operation of all power line carriers, station SCADA, and associated communications equipment or cables as assigned.
• Perform switching under direct supervision of qualified personnel following direction of the proper operating authority.
• Assist in the installation, maintenance, and operation of any new and added equipment or systems as assigned.
• Maintain test equipment and automotive equipment in good working order so that work can be performed safely and efficiently anywhere throughout the System.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records, reports and drawings as required.
• Assist employees of equal or higher classification.
• Perform all duties in accordance with the Company’s safety rules and operating regulations, NERC and environmental compliance, and practices.
• Perform similar or less skilled work as assigned.
• Test protection &control devices and equipment periodically and as required.
• Calibrate protection & control devices and equipment on a pre-established schedule and as required.
• Assist with diagnosis of trouble, mis-operation, or damage of equipment and assist with corrective action to affect repair and prevent recurrence.
• Operate a computer device to test, calibrate, and retrieve data from protection & control and devices.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

Education requirements are listed below: Associate’s degree in electrical engineering technology, electronic technology or related technology field; or equivalent education and/or experience.*
*Equivalent education and/or experience will be determined by the hiring manager and will be limited to military training and work experience of technical/technician nature (such as aviation and nuclear instrumentation technician).

Work Experience requirement listed below: No previous work experience required.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Physical demand level is Heavy .These are additional expectations for the job and could include specific work experience, license / certifications, preemployment testing, expectations about travel, shift work, etc.

• Must satisfactorily complete, in such time frames as may be established by the Company, the qualifications necessary to perform the duties of the next higher classification in the line of progression, or vacate the current classification.
• Must have the ability and desire to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the duties and/or responsibilities of the key job (P & C Technician Sr in this family and be qualified through demonstration, examination and/or performance appraisal as determined by the Company.
• 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.
• Must successfully complete Physical Abilities Test (PAT)

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

N024-V68

Compensation Range:

$34.96 - $36.12

The Physical Demand Level for this job is: H – Heavy Work: Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10-20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Medium Work.

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.