Protection and Controls Engineer Assc- Engineer Sr

AEP Service Corporation; Roanoke (VA); On-site; USD 84,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

AEP Service Corporation in Roanoke, VA is seeking an entry-level Electrical/Power Engineer to support protection and control of utility substations. You will work under supervision on projects from conception to completion.

The role emphasizes learning ABET-accredited standards, collaboration with transmission teams, and adherence to safety, regulatory, and budget requirements while delivering reliable energy solutions.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited bachelor's degree required for entry level (Engineer Assc).
• Passing Fundamentals of Engineering encouraged for PE license.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering and ABET accreditation required for higher levels.

Responsibilities

• Apply engineering design, project management, and maintenance of utility systems.
• Coordinate with peers, contractors and regulators to ensure project success.
• Prepare and review P&C scopes and relay setting documents.
• Support installation, commissioning and troubleshooting activities.
• Adhere to timelines, budgets, and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Engineering design

Project management

Substation experience

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering (ABET accredited)

Tools

P&C engineering software

Relay protection settings

Job description

Job Posting End Date 09-28-2026 Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

Responsible to the assigned supervisor for performing entry level engineering work activities and projects requiring the application of engineering knowledge in a safe, effective, efficient and economic accomplishment of assigned objectives.

What You’ll Do

• You’ll apply your knowledge in engineering design, project management and maintenance of utility systems.
• You’ll contribute to knowledge sharing initiatives such as training programs and documentation development to enhance team capabilities.
• You’ll apply your proven ability to access and analyze and recommend enhancements to business processes.
• You’ll work independently with minimal guidance and collaboratively in an inclusive team environment.
• You’ll follow policies, practices, standards, and rules of AEP as well as those regulations and procedures required.
• You’ll provide training and guidance to co-workers in need.
• You’ll plan and oversee engineering projects from conception to completion, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and regulatory requirements You’ll coordinate effectively with peers, external contractors, and regulatory authorities to ensure project success.

Job Description – P&C Engineering Accountabilities

• Perform and Review relay protection and control activities for 4kV thru 765KV electrical substation projects.
• Prepare and Review P&C scopes for electric substation projects.
• Prepare and/or review P&C engineering settings and designs for electrical substation projects.
• Prepare and Review Relay Setting Calculation Sheets, Setting Files and other relay setting deliverables for substation projects.
• Perform area protection studies and recommend settings for existing and new transmission line and station protection schemes.
• Model transmission system impedances and perform short circuit fault studies.
• Perform activities related to NERC P&C standards.
• Prepare and review PRC‑023, FAC‑008 etc. NERC required documents.
• Review, evaluate and provide P&C comments and recommendations on transmission system planning proposals.
• Coordinate with transmission customers and interconnected companies on associated protection issues.
• Provide engineering support for project installation, commissioning, checkout and troubleshooting.
• Provide general P&C technical support, as needed, including the technical interfaces with Telecomm, Operations, Transmission Region Operations, Station Engineering, Transmission Planning and Project Management.
• Peer Review and approve P&C related work of other team members.
• Manage, Oversee and peer review P&C related work of outsource companies.
• Identify, clarify, resolve, and initiate solutions to protection and control problems through analysis of interruption reports and fault recorder records.
• Contribute to development of system-wide protection standards for transmission and distribution station protection, metering and control applications.
• Participate in project scheduling, resource planning, and cost control for assigned projects.

What We’re Looking For

Note: This position is posted at multiple grade levels and offers a range of opportunities for advancement. The minimum qualifications outlined below apply to the Engineer Assc level with increased educational, skill, experience and certification requirements for higher level Engineers.

• Engineer Assc(Grade 6) This is an entry level position for new graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET*; Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering examination in preparation for future licensing as a Professional Engineer (PE) is encouraged and preferred.
• Engineer(Grade 7) Has typically acquired a Bachelor’s degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET* along with two or more years of related engineering experience. Individuals with a Master’s degree in engineering from an engineering program accredited by ABET* may be considered for entry into the organization at this level. Individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology can satisfy this degree requirement, if they obtain a certified Professional Engineering (PE) license.
• *ABET - Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
• Engineer Sr (Grade 8) Has typically acquired 4 or more years of related engineering experience along with a Bachelor’s degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET*; or 2 years of related engineering experience along with a Master’s degree or PhD in engineering from a program accredited by ABET*; Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico** is encouraged and preferred.*ABET - Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. Individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology can satisfy this degree requirement, if they obtain a certified Professional Engineering (PE) license.

Where You’ll Work

On-Site in our Roanoke VA Location.

What You’ll Get

Engineer Assc: $84,000 Engineer: $86,000 - $105,000 Engineer Sr: $98,993- $124,940 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.

Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do At AEP

We’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you’re passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade: SP20-006 Compensation Range: $74,551.00 - $128,688.00

The Physical Demand Level for this job is

S – Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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.

Company Culture

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.