Telecom Engineer Senior/Principal

American Electric Power Co.; Gahanna (OH); On-site; USD 99,000 - 151,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power seeks an experienced Telecom professional to independently plan, design, and develop IP network systems for transmission, distribution, and generation environments. You will work across Columbus, OH and Tulsa, OK with Cisco, Arista, and Palo Alto ecosystems.

You will lead engineering tasks, prep specifications, ensure regulatory compliance, and mentor others while advancing standards across the telecom network.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, engineering technology, computer science, telecommunications, or related field.
• Or Associate's degree in field mentioned above with 2 years of relevant work experience.
• Or HS diploma/GED with 4 years of relevant work experience.
• Engineering in Training (EIT) or CCNA preferred.
• Solid knowledge of communications technologies and inter-networking principles.

Responsibilities

• Plans, researches, designs, installs, configures, troubleshoots, and analyzes performance of telecom networks and systems.
• Coordinates and monitors work activities using approved applications and tools.
• Leads and coordinates work within the team and may assume project management for tasks.
• Demonstrates knowledge of AEP networks and develops applicable standards.
• Communicates effectively with internal and external customers and cross-trains teammates.

Skills

Leadership and collaboration

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/related field

Associate degree with 2 years relevant work

HS diploma/GED with 4 years relevant work

Engineering in Training (EIT) or CCNA preferred

Technical degree in electrical/electronic engineering tech

Tools

Cisco

Arista

Palo Alto

Cisco SDWan Manager

Cisco FMC

Cisco FND

SolarWinds

Arista CloudVision

Job description

Job Summary

Independently plans, researches, evaluates, designs, and develops network systems. Prepares detailed specifications and documentation from high-level designs. Configures, installs, and determines performance of networks. Troubleshoots and resolves technical issues.

Job Description

What you’ll do:

This position is centered around IP Network Technology.

This position would be supporting/engineering in the Operational Technology networks as well as CORE and Backbone networks.

This position will be supporting/engineering for Transmission, Distribution and Generation environments.

This position is open to both Columbus, OH and Tulsa, OK.

Vendor technologies include Cisco, Arista and Palo Alto.

Vendor toolsets include Cisco SDWan Manager, Cisco FMC, Cisco FND, SolarWinds and Arista CloudVision.

• Plans, evaluates, designs, installs, configures, troubleshoots, and analyzes performance of telecommunication networks and systems; resolves technical issues.
• Ensures all work activities are performed in accordance with policies, practices, procedures, standards and rules of the company. Complies with regulation and procedures required by external agencies.
• Coordinates and monitors work activities using approved applications and tools for projects as required to perform engineering tasks. Prepares cost estimates, performs documentation of project work using established guidelines.
• Leads, facilitates, and coordinates work activities of others within the work group, team, department or other entity as necessary, and assumes the role of project manager for assigned tasks.
• Utilizes economic analysis techniques in project development and approval; participates in development of business/technical plans by establishing measurable goals, objectives, and requirements. Perform routine engineering activity with minimum direction from higher level employees.
• Demonstrates thorough knowledge of AEP networks, components and facilities, enabling more efficient and comprehensive responses to projects and problems. Participate in the development of standards relevant to area of assignment.
• Learn AEP's organizational structure and the specific role and responsibility of one's organizational unit.

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 Telecom Consultant Senior level, with increased educational, skill or experience requirements for higher level Telecom Consultant Principal.

What we’re looking for:

Education requirements are listed below:

Telecom Consultant Senior SG8

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, engineering technology, computer science, telecommunications, or related field of study.
• Or Associate's degree in field mentioned above with 2 years of relevant work experience.
• Or HS diploma/GED with 4 years of relevant work experience required.

Telecom Consultant Principal SG9

• Associate degree, or equivalent 2-year technical degree, in electrical engineering technology, electronic technology, or related technology field; or military training/experience in related technology field
• Or High school diploma with a minimum 2 years of related work experience or industry knowledge.

Work Experience requirement listed below:

Telecom Consultant Senior SG8

• 5 years of relevant work experience in addition to any experience mentioned above.

Telecom Consultant Principal SG9

• Must demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills as a qualifying Telecom Field Technician Senior and must have at least 7 years of technical work experience in addition to education requirement.

Other:

• Valid Driver's License Required.

For internal candidates (AEP Employees) Only:

• Must have a minimum of 2 years of satisfactory work experience as a Telecom Field Technician Senior.
• Must have successfully completed all required training for the previous level; and demonstrated knowledge, skills, and capabilities required of an experienced Telecom Field Technician Senior.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license.

In addition:

• Preference to have either an Engineering in Training EIT Certificate in any U.S. State, or Cisco CCNA Certification. Possess solid level knowledge of communications technologies and inter-networking principles.
• Demonstrate superior technical skills in a single area of specialization. Demonstrate competency in analytical techniques necessary to handle complex assignments (e.g., by dividing the problem into component steps, and performing the analysis necessary to complete each step.)
• Exhibit understanding for pertinent telecom equipment, materials, systems and business processes.
• Keep abreast of new products, developments, technologies, procedures and equipment.
• Demonstrate ability to develop new approaches to make informed decisions in the absence of a definite framework or where few precedents exists.
• Demonstrate ability to make decisions affected long-range plans and goals based on analysis of uncertain input and outcomes.
• Identify, clarify, resolve and initiate solutions to routine problems that sometimes involve analysis of inadequate or conflicting data.
• Exhibit ability to understand interrelationships between systems and component equipment.
• Demonstrate ability to analyze and recommend enhancements to business processes.
• Collaborate with others within the work group, department, or other corporate entity as necessary to complete routine activities.
• Provide cross-training to other employees as assigned. Coordinate and conduct training sessions as assigned.
• Initiate corrective action when project objectives are not being met. Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrate the ability to extrapolate beyond known facts to reach logical conclusions Demonstrate ability and desire to seek out opportunities and embrace new ideas and approaches.
• Demonstrate an attitude and desire to listen to and satisfy both internal and external customers who use and depend upon their organizational unit.
• Understand how technical strategies and decisions impact the business units and their overall business functions. Use initiative in looking for opportunities and presenting new ideas and new approaches. Relate to people in an open, friendly and sincere manner.
• Effectively lead and facilitate meetings Use initiative in looking for opportunities to increase job knowledge and technical skills.
• Core Competencies: Continuous improvement,team player, assume positive intent, safety first focus, continuous learning, professionalism.
• Occasional travel required.

What You’ll Get:

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.

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

$98,993.00 - $151,132.50

Physical Demands

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 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.

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.

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Details

“AEP offers an outstanding group of people to be a part of. The AEP culture values your integrity and awards your hard work.”

Telecom Systems Management (TSM) is responsible for establishing, leading, and maturing a newly formed team that serves as the standards, automation, compliance, and governance authority for AEP’s critical telecom and network infrastructure. This role provides leadership across network tool administration and automation, data integrity, configuration governance, system auditing, and regulatory compliance, including a focus on NERC CIP–related controls. The manager will build the team from early formation into a sustainable, trusted, enterprise capability that bridges gaps between network engineering and network operations, enabling consistency, risk reduction, and operational excellence. Telecom Systems Management is explicitly positioned as a partner organization—augmenting, not replacing, Engineering and Operations—by delivering practical standards, automated compliance tooling, and clear governance processes that protect the electric grid while supporting delivery velocity.

AEP offers generous time off, competitive pay, and educational opportunities to help employees advance their careers.

Our culture is purpose-driven and team-oriented: we combine innovation with a customer-first focus to deliver reliable energy and brighter futures.