Reliability Technician

Public Service Co. of OK; Chickasha (OK); On-site; USD 43,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power seeks a Distribution Field Technician to install, test, and maintain distribution equipment across service areas. You will diagnose faults, coordinate field activities with Dispatch, and support reliability initiatives.

Expect field work, travel to substations, and clear communication of technical findings. A valid driver’s license and relevant education/experience are required for this role.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent with utility experience.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Ability to travel to field locations as needed.
• Strong communication of technical findings.

Responsibilities

• Commission, test, troubleshoot, and maintain distribution devices.
• Diagnose malfunctions and implement field actions.
• Coordinate with Dispatch and local ops teams.
• Support distribution automation and reliability initiatives.
• Perform inspections, testing, and verification.
• Document results and maintenance activities.
• Assist during outages and emergency responses.
• Travel regularly within service territory.

Skills

Field diagnostics

Troubleshooting

Team coordination

Travel readiness

Education

Associate Degree in Electrical/Electronic/Civil/Mechanical Engineering Technology

High School Diploma + 4 years utility experience

Tools

SCADA

Protective relaying

Electrical testing equipment

Job description

Job Posting End Date 09-25-2026 Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date

Job Summary

The Distribution Field Technician is responsible for the installation, commissioning, testing, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of electric distribution system equipment, including reclosers, capacitor banks, voltage regulators, and associated control systems. This position requires frequent travel to substations, distribution circuits, and customer service territories to support system reliability, equipment performance, and operational excellence. The successful candidate will perform field diagnostics on protection and control equipment, analyze equipment performance, identify and resolve operational issues, and ensure proper commissioning of new and upgraded installations. Technicians will work closely with engineering, operations, and construction personnel to support system improvements and restoration activities. A key aspect of the role is maintaining continuous communication with System Operations/Dispatch, Distribution Operations, and local Service Departments to coordinate switching activities, commissioning efforts, troubleshooting support, and equipment outages. The technician must be able to clearly communicate technical information, document findings, and provide recommendations for corrective actions. This position requires a strong commitment to safety, the ability to work independently in field environments, and the flexibility to travel as needed to support utility operations across the service territory. Experience with distribution automation, protective relaying, SCADA communications, control systems, and electrical testing equipment is highly desirable.

Job Description

Reliability Technician Technician (Salary Grade 5) Technician Sr (Salary Grade 6) Technician Principal (Salary Grade 7)

What You'll Do

• Commission, test, troubleshoot, and maintain distribution reclosers, capacitor banks, voltage regulators, and associated controls.
• Diagnose equipment malfunctions and implement corrective actions in the field.
• Coordinate field activities with Dispatch, Distribution Operations, and local Service Departments.
• Support distribution automation and system reliability initiatives.
• Perform equipment inspections, testing, and operational verification.
• Document commissioning results, troubleshooting findings, and maintenance activities.
• Assist during outages, restoration efforts, and emergency response situations.
• Travel regularly to field locations within the service territory.

What We're Looking for

Education & Experience

Associate Degree in Electrical/Electronic/Civil/ Mechanical Engineering Technology or related fields plus 2 years of related utility industry work experience; (Or) A High School Diploma or equivalent and 4 years of related utility industry work experience.

License/Certification

Valid Drivers License

Additional Expectations

Physical Demands -Varies by location or territory. In some locations or territories, technician must be able to: Walk right ways of various terrain in adverse conditions to patrol distribution power lines to determine damage. Carry and handle telescopic measuring sticks and switching sticks that weigh 11 pounds. May be required to use a brush axe (approx. 6 pounds) or machete (approx. 2 pounds) to clear brush for walking and staking in survey work.

Expected Salary Range

• Technician (Salary Grade 5): $31.00-$41.00/Hour (USD)
• Technician Sr (Salary Grade 6): $36.00-$46.00/Hour (USD)
• Technician Principal (Salary Grade 7): $50.00-$60.00/Hour (USD)

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade: SP20-005 Compensation Range: $30.53 - $52.67

Physical Demand Level for this job is

L - Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or 10 to 12 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 5-6 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for sedentary work. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job should be rated Light Work: (1) When it requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or (2) when it requires sitting most of the time, but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls; and/or (3) when the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible.

Benefits

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.

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.

Our Mission

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.

Join Us

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.