Reliability Technician

American Electric Power Co.; Lawton, Northern (OK, KY); Hybrid; USD 43,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power Co. is seeking a Reliability Technician/Technician Sr with the ability to install, commission, test, troubleshoot, and maintain electric distribution equipment.

The role involves travel to substations and service territories to support reliability and system performance, coordinating with Dispatch and Operations teams to ensure safe, effective outages and restorations. The position emphasizes field diagnostics, documentation of findings, and safety.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Electrical/Electronic/Civil/Mechanical Eng Tech plus 2 years utility experience or a HS diploma plus 4 years.
• Valid Driver's License required.

Responsibilities

• Commission, test, troubleshoot, and maintain distribution reclosers, capacitor banks, voltage regulators, and related controls.
• Diagnose 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 verification of operations.
• 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.

Skills

Field testing

Troubleshooting

System commissioning

SCADA

Field coordination

Outage support

Travel readiness

Education

Engineering Tech degree

High School diploma

Tools

SCADA

Relays testing

Electrical test equipment

Job description

**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)**Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do!**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:***This single vacancy is posted in a range. Please note that Education and/or relevant Experience will be used to determine the appropriate salary and salary grade.***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)*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.*