Real-Time Market Operations (Associate - Mid-Level) - Commercial Operations

AEP Service Corporation; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

AEP Service Corporation in Columbus, OH seeks a Real-Time Market Operations Associate to optimize the regulated generation fleet and meet NERC, FERC, and RTO requirements on an assigned desk (e.g., PJM, ERCOT/SPP, or Hydro).

The role focuses on real-time market rules, reliability, and risk-balanced optimization, with 12-hour shifts including nights and holidays. PJM certification within 18 months is required.

Qualifications

• Two-year technical degree or two years of military service in a related field; OR High School diploma/GED with 2 years relevant, industrial work experience.
• No additional experience required; two years of relevant power industry experience is a plus.
• Must obtain PJM Certification within 18 months of hiring.
• Twelve-hour shift work is required, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates competency in execution and monitoring of one 24-hour RTMO desk to ensure compliance with NERC, RTO, and FERC hydro licensing and safe operation of AEP assets.
• Timely and accurate communication of reliability and market information with RTO/TOP groups.
• Risk balanced real-time optimization of generation and demand response resources.
• Real-time communication within RTMO and other Commercial Operations groups and with market counterparts.
• Execution of RTMO policies, procedures, and training requirements.

Skills

Real-Time Market Operations

Risk balanced optimization

Communication with RTO/TOP groups

Education

Two-year technical degree

High School diploma or GED with 2 years relevant experience

Job description

Job Posting End Date 11-05-2026 Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

With Safety and Compliance in the forefront, responsible for minute-to-minute optimization of AEP's Regulated generation fleet and load obligations, on an assigned desk (e.g. PJM, ERCOT/SPP, or Hydro). This includes adherence to all FERC / NERC / RTO and Corps of Engineers requirements during normal and emergency conditions. It also requires a continuous improvement mindset to drive change and provide input on potential market changes. This position has the authority and is expected to perform all necessary tasks to maintain the reliability of of the grid in both normal and emergency conditions, without consulting upper management, and in support of and under the direction of the respective Transmission Operator, Balancing Authority, and the Reliability Coordinator. Alternatively, this individual may be assigned to dayshift to assist in the ongoing support and coordination of all RTMO rotating teams and interfaces with other groups within Com Ops, the broader Generation organization, Regulatory, IT and other groups within and outside AEP. This also includes being able to fill in on the RTMO rotating teams as needed.

Job Description

What You'll Do:

• Demonstrates competency in execution and monitoring of the activities of one 24-hour RTMO desk to ensure: compliance with all requirements / regulations associated with NERC, RTO, and FERC hydro licensing and safe operation of AEP's assets in the markets. This includes following all reliability entity directives and instructions to support maintaining the reliability of the electric grid.
• Timely and accurate communication and information/data exchange of all reliability and market information with RTO / TOP groups.
• Risk balanced economic real time optimization of AEP's generation and demand response resources.
• Real time communication within RTMO and other Commercial Operations groups (e.g. Day Ahead Market Ops), power plants, RTOs, Transmission Ops, generation co-owners, and counterparties.
• Execution of all RTMO policies, procedures, and business processes to support overall goals and objectives. This includes timely and accurate completion of all reporting and training requirements.
• Active participation in and support of AEP's culture objectives, include an innovation / continuous improvement mindset.
• Detailed understanding of real time market rules / processes for at least one RTO (or Hydro desk FERC / RTO rules / processes), general understanding of real time market rules / processes for other RTOS, and basic understanding / awareness of Day Ahead and Settlement RTO Market rules and processes.

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 Real-Time Market Operations Associate level, with increased educational, skill or experience requirements for higher level Real-Time Market Operations.

What We're Looking For:

Education requirements are listed below:

• Entry-level candidates should have a two-year technical degree or two years of military service in a related field; OR High School diploma/GED with 2 years of relevant, industrial work experience.

Experience requirements are listed below:

• No additional experience required
• Two (2) years of relevant work experience that demonstrates an ability to operate a power system desired. Power industry and/or power plant experience is a plus.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Must obtain PJM Certification within 18 months of hiring.

Other:

• Twelve (12)-hour shift work is required, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Appropriate pre-employment test required.

What You'll Get:

In addition to 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 - $109,544.00

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 walkin