Protection and Controls Engineer Assc- Engineer Sr

American Electric Power Co.; Roanoke, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER in Roanoke, VA seeks an entry-level to senior Protection and Controls Engineer to contribute to relay protection and control activities for substation projects, with design review, settings, and studies. The role spans from conception to commissioning, requiring collaboration with peers, contractors, and regulators.

The position recognizes multiple grades (Engineer Assoc to Senior) with ABET credentials, FE/PE licensing pathways, and a focus on safe, reliable power

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering from ABET-accredited program (encouraged PE licensure).
• Passing FE exam encouraged for future PE licensing.
• Two or more years of related engineering experience for higher levels may apply.

Responsibilities

• Perform and review relay protection and control activities for 4kV through 765kV substation projects.
• Prepare and review P&C scopes and design settings for substation projects.
• Model transmission impedances and perform short-circuit fault studies.
• Coordinate with transmission customers and contractors on protection issues.
• Provide engineering support from front-end design through commissioning and energization.

Skills

Relay protection

Protection & control design

Project management

Electrical engineering

ABET familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering (ABET-accredited)

PE license eligibility (encouraged)

Tools

Protection standards

Relay setting calculations

Job description

Protection and Controls Engineer Assc- Engineer Sr

Location: Roanoke, VA

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: $74,551-$93,189

Engineer: $87,633-$109,544

Engineer Sr: $98,993-$128,689

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!

AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER (On-Site)

Compensation

$74,551.00 - $128,688.00

Physical Demands

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

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.

“AEP offers an outstanding group of people to be a part of. The AEP culture values your integrity and awards your hard work.”

This role is responsible to the assigned manager 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.

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

AEP is investing to support significant load growth driven by new industry, data centers, and widespread electrification, and we are seeking an underground transmission Subject Matter Expert who wants to help build what comes next. In this role, you will lead the design, engineering, installation, testing, and restoration of high voltage and extra high voltage underground cable systems spanning 34.5 kV to 765 kV, across both AC and DC applications. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in solid dielectric XLPE and high‑pressure fluid‑filled pipe‑type cable systems, complex jointing and termination practices, and thermal performance analysis. As a technical leader within our underground transmission engineering organization, you will guide projects from front‑end engineering design through commissioning and energization, set standards that others follow, and shape how AEP delivers safe, reliable, and resilient power for decades to come.

AEP offers generous time off, competitive pay, and educational opportunities to help employees advance their careers.

Our culture is purpose-driven and team-oriented: we combine innovation with a customer-first focus to deliver reliable energy and brighter futures.