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 seeks a Real-Time Market Operations professional to operate one RTMO desk, ensuring reliability and market compliance in real time. You will coordinate with RTOs, TOP groups, and generation assets, while optimizing economic performance.

The role requires a technical degree or equivalent experience, PJM certification within 18 months, and a willingness to work 12-hour shifts including nights and weekends. AEP offers competitive benefits and career growth.

Qualifications

• Two-year technical degree or two years of military service, or HS diploma with 2 years of relevant experience.
• No additional experience required for entry level; two years of relevant power industry experience is a plus.
• Must obtain PJM Certification within 18 months of hiring.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor one 24-hour RTMO desk ensuring compliance with NERC, RTO, and FERC rules.
• Communicate reliability and market data with RTOs, TOP groups, and grid operators in real time.
• Perform risk-balanced economic real-time optimization of generation and demand resources.
• Coordinate with Commercial Operations, day-ahead market, transmission ops, and co-owners.
• Follow RTMO policies and complete reporting and training requirements accurately.
• Contribute to a culture of safety, reliability, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Power system operation

Real-time market knowledge

NERC/FERC/RTO knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Two-year technical degree

Military service (2 years)

High School diploma/GED

Tools

PJM Certification

Job description

Job Posting End Date11-05-2026Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.Job SummaryWith 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 DescriptionWhat 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; ORHigh School diploma/GED with 2 years of relevant, industrial work experience.Experience requirements are listed below:No additional experience requiredTwo (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 DataCompensation Grade:SP20-006Compensation Range:$74,551.00 - $109,544.00The 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.Hear about it first! Get job alerts by email. Log in to your Candidate Home Account today! If you don't have an account, you can create one.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.