Real Time Operations Application Support Specialist

American Electric Power Co.; New Albany, Corpus Christi, Salem (OH, TX, VA); On-site; USD 88,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power is seeking a Real Time Operations Application Support Specialist to maintain and support OT real-time tools and EMS/SCADA systems. You will coordinate upgrades, investigate issues, and develop automation scripts to streamline deployments.

The role requires strong incident management and 24x7 support experience in a utility environment, with cross-functional collaboration across IT/OT teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience
• Associate’s degree plus 2 years of relevant experience or high school diploma with 4 years of relevant experience
• Experience in IT/OT system administration and application support desirable

Responsibilities

• Coordinate data archives configuration and SCADA/EMS platform software upgrades
• Analyze OT platform reliability for SCADA and EMS systems
• Troubleshoot and resolve application issues; coordinate vendor support as needed
• Develop scripts to deploy configuration changes and patches across servers
• Monitor logs and performance to anticipate issues and plan mitigations
• Support patch management, system maintenance, and disaster recovery planning

Skills

Incident management

Troubleshooting

Vendor coordination

Scripting & automation

24x7 support

Customer focus

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Associate’s degree in a related field

High school diploma/GED

Tools

PowerShell

Python

SQL Server

Oracle database

ServiceNow ITSM

Windows Server

Job description

Real Time Operations Application Support Specialist### Real Time Operations Application Support SpecialistApply: New Albany, OH: Corpus Christi, TX: Salem, VA: Full time: Posted Yesterday: End Date: October 30, 2026 (5 days left to apply): R18349**Job Posting End Date**10-30-2026Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.**Job Summary**The Real Time Operations Applications Support Specialist Sr establishes a moderate understanding of the technologies and processes essential for the development and support of Operational Technology (OT) real-time tools and systems. Responsibilities include providing application support for Energy Management Systems (EMS) and Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, as well as Real Timeher applications utilized in Transmission Control Centers. Key tasks involve planning, researching, and evaluating patching, failover, and maintenance activities required for Real Time real-time systems, along with developing a solid understanding of EMS and SCADA functionalities. This role also engages in the development and maintenance of best practices for application development and participating in the creation of technical documentation necessary for supporting real-time applications. A strong emphasis on adaptability, customer focus, and continuous improvement is essential for effectively supporting real-time systems.**Job Description****What you’ll do:*** Coordinate the configuration and support of data archives (PI, OSI Chronus) and assist with SCADA/EMS platform software upgrades.* Perform operational technology platform analysis and demonstrate a moderate understanding necessary for maintaining the reliability of SCADA and DMS/EMS systems.* Investigate, troubleshoot, and resolve application-related issues with minimal guidance from senior members while helping coordinate vendor support for EMS and SCADA applications.* Participate in the configuration of network monitoring tools and develop repeatable scripts (PowerShell, Batch, Python) for deploying configuration changes and patches across servers.* Analyze logs and application/system monitors to proactively identify potential issues and develop strategic plans to mitigate them.* Monitor logs during performance events and collaborate with architects to troubleshoot and create restoration plans.* Conduct routine backups and periodic restoration tests to ensure backup validity and maintain documented emergency restoration procedures.* Ensure the reliable operation of OT applications, including communications, networking, databases, alarming, logging, and human interfaces.* Work with team members and business process owners to schedule and administer patches, updates, and server configurations to minimize system downtime.* Provide after-hours support as needed in an on-call rotation to maintain reliable operations of DMS/EMS and SCADA systems.**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 Associate level, with increased educational, skill or experience requirements for higher level roles **Real Time Operations Application Support Specialist SG7***Education & Experience** Bachelor’s degree in a related field* Or Associate’s degree in a related field with 2 years of relevant experience* Or High school diploma/GED with 4 years of relevant experience* Related Fields for Education and Experience: • IT/OT System Administration • IT/OT Application Support • Cyber Security • ADMS/DMA/EMS/OMS/SCADA**Real Time Operations Application Support Specialist Senior SG8***Education and Experience:** Bachelor’s degree in a related field with 2 years of relevant experience* Or associate’s degree in a related field with 4 years of relevant experience* Or High school diploma/GED with 6 years of relevant experienceNote: Professional certifications (such as A+, Network+, CCNA, CCNP, Cyber Security+, Security+, and CCSP) may be accepted as substitutes for a portion of the required experience.*In addition:** Nice to have Understanding/Experience supporting and maintaining mission-critical operational technology (OT) applications* Experience with SCADA, EMS, ADMS, OMS, Historian, or related utility systems nice to have but not required* Experience with incident management, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis* Experience with ServiceNow ITSM or similar ticketing platforms* Experience with Windows Server administration and application support* Experience with SQL Server or Oracle database administration and support* Strong SQL query skills, both writing and troubleshooting* Experience with application monitoring, log analysis, and performance troubleshooting* Experience supporting vendor applications and coordinating issue resolution with external vendors* Experience with patch management, release coordination, and system maintenance activities* Experience working in a 24x7 operational support environment* Experience with disaster recovery, failover testing, and business continuity processes* Experience with networking fundamentals, including TCP/IP, DNS, and firewalls* Experience with scripting and automation using PowerShell, Python, or similar tools* Experience with NERC CIP, cyber security practices, or regulated utility environments preferred 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! American Electric Power (On-Site)#LI-Onsite#AEPCareers#RealTimeOperations**Compensation Data****Compensation Grade:**SP20-007**Compensation Range:**$87,633.00 - $128,688.00The 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.