Telecom Manager – Telecom Systems Management

AEP; New Albany (OH); On-site; USD 137,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

AEP is seeking a Telecom Systems Management Manager to lead a newly formed team responsible for standards, automation, and governance of critical telecom and network infrastructure. The role focuses on data integrity, auditing, regulatory compliance including NERC CIP, and cross‑functional partnership with Network Engineering and Operations.

The manager will shape the governance framework, drive automated compliance tooling, and build an enterprise capability that protects the electric grid

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Science, or related field.
• 8 years of Telecommunications experience or
• Associate degree with 12+ years Telecommunications experience.
• HS diploma/GED with 16+ years Telecommunications experience.

Responsibilities

• Organizational & People Leadership—build and lead the Telecom Systems Management team from formation to high‑performing organization with clear roles and accountability.
• Standards, Automation, and Governance—establish auditable standards and drive automation for scalable compliance.
• Data Integrity & System of Record Management—ensure accuracy and governance of telecom and network data.
• Audit, Compliance, and Risk Management—lead ongoing compliance monitoring and risk remediation (NERC CIP).
• Cross‑Functional Partnership—bridge Network Engineering, Telecom Engineering, and Network Operations.
• Strategic ownership of network monitoring tools and the roadmap for real‑time visibility and incident response.

Skills

Leadership

Standards & Governance

Automation

Data integrity

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering/Telecommunications/CS

Associate degree + 12 years experience

HS diploma/GED + 16 years experience

Tools

IP/MPLS

EMS/NMS tools

Automation frameworks

Job description

Location: 2 Locations

Job Summary

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.

Job Description

What you’ll do:

Essential Job Functions & Tasks

• Organizational & People Leadership-Build and lead the Telecom Systems Management team from initial formation into a mature, high‑performing organization with clear roles, strong accountability, and a culture of partnership, continuous improvement, and practical security.
• Standards, Automation, and Governance-Establish and govern auditable network and telecom standards while driving automation and self‑service tools that enable consistent, scalable compliance across engineering and operations.
• Data Integrity & System of Record Management-Ensure the accuracy, consistency, and governance of telecom and network systems of record by defining authoritative data practices that reduce operational risk and improve audit confidence.
• Audit, Compliance, and Risk Management-Lead continuous compliance monitoring and audit‑ready practices to identify, assess, and remediate engineering and regulatory risk, including NERC CIP obligations.
• Cross‑Functional Partnership-Serve as the primary bridge between Network Engineering, Telecom Engineering, and Network Operations, aligning teams through influence, consultation, and enablement to achieve shared outcomes in security, reliability, and compliance.
• Strategic ownership and governance of AEP’s network monitoring and management ecosystem, establishing the roadmap for best‑in‑class tools, and operational practices that deliver real‑time visibility, proactive performance management, and rapid incident response across telecom and network infrastructure supporting the reliable operation of the electric grid.

What we’re looking for:

Education /Work experience requirements are listed below:

• Bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Science, or a related field and 8 years of Telecommunications experience or
• Associate degree in these fields combined with a minimum of 12 years of applicable Telecommunications experience, or
• HS diploma/GED combined with a minimum of 16 years of applicable Telecommunications experience.

Other preferences:

• Applicable technical certifications preferred.
• Proven ability to build organizations, operating models, and governance frameworks from early‑stage concepts.
• Experiencewith network and telecom platforms such as IP/MPLS, transport systems, EMS/NMS tools, and related automationand analyticsframeworks.

What you’ll get:

Base Salary from $136,539-$177,503/year. 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.

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

$136,539.00 - $177,503.00

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.

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

The Telecom Consultant is responsible for supporting and maintaining enterprise network infrastructure, including Cisco firewalls, routers, switches, and Arista switching platforms. This role provides operational support, implements network and security changes, troubleshoots network issues, and participates in a 24x7 on‑call rotation supporting critical business services.

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.