Distribution DER Program Engineer-Principal

About the role

The Distribution Modeling and Analysis Department is seeking a motivated team member to perform engineering functions within the Distribution Distributed Energy Resource (DER) Program group. This team is expanding due to the growing complexity of the interconnection process, driven by increased DER integration, DER aggregation, and evolving regulatory requirements. Candidates with experience in DER Interconnections, Distribution Planning, Distribution Engineering, Transmission functions, or Regulatory support are encouraged to apply.

Key functions of this role include reading and interpreting regulatory interconnection requirements and technical documentation (e.g., electrical one-lines, equipment specification sheets). Familiarity with PowerClerk is desired but not required.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate new technologies and participate in industry forums related to DER for the Distribution Planning and Analysis function.
• Develop and maintain AEP Distribution’s DER interconnection policies, standards, and requirements, including AEP Distribution’s DER Technical Interconnection and Interoperability Requirements (TIIR).
• Lead efforts to enhance and automate DER interconnection capabilities.
• Support the development and implementation of federal, state, and RTO-level interconnection requirements.
• Identify and document process and software changes needed to support evolving technical and regulatory requirements.
• Provide regulatory and policy support regarding issues related to DER interconnections and operations.
• Serve as the technical lead for enhancements to key internal software tools, including PowerClerk.
• Collaborate with Distribution/Transmission Planning, DER interconnection, Operating Company, Operations Engineering, IRP, and Economic Forecasting teams.

Technical Expertise

• Possess intermediate-level knowledge and perform varied assignments with proficiency in applying theory and analytical techniques to solve diverse problems and complete extensive analysis.
• Demonstrate competency in analytical techniques necessary to handle assignments of moderate complexity (e.g., dividing problems into component steps and performing analysis for each).
• Exhibit ability to understand interrelationships between systems and component equipment.
• Analyze and recommend enhancements to business processes.

Leadership & Guidance

• Coordinate work activities of others within the work group, department, or other corporate entities to complete routine activities.
• Perform routine engineering activities with minimal direction from higher-level employees.
• Follow company policies, practices, standards, and regulations required by external agencies.
• Provide training and guidance to lower-level employees.

Planning & Organization

• Coordinate the development of input necessary to forecast costs for routine projects, improvements, and requisitions.
• Use scheduling techniques (e.g., CPM, PERT, flow charts) for budget and planning activities.
• Initiate corrective action when project objectives are not being met.

Problem Solving & Initiative

• Resolve and initiate solutions to routine problems, which may require additional definition or clarification before analysis.
• Identify problems beyond the normal routine and demonstrate the ability to seek out opportunities and embrace new ideas and approaches.

Communication

• Develop, review, or present technical reports (e.g., improvement requisitions, studies, analyses) in a clear, concise, and effective manner.
• Act as an active team member, networking with peers inside and outside the AEP system.
• Identify key stakeholders, resolve conflicts, and build consensus.

Decision Making

• Make decisions subject to review within established policies and procedures.
• Make decisions that affect the work of the team while being aware of risks.
• Demonstrate the ability to extrapolate beyond known facts to reach logical conclusions.

Business Awareness

• Understand AEP’s organizational structure and the specific role and responsibility of your individual organizational unit.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the budgeting and approval process.
• Apply economic analysis techniques in problem-solving.
• Develop an understanding of utility regulation and financing.

Requirements

Engineer SG7

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program, plus 2+ years of related engineering experience.
• Master’s degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program may substitute for experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology may satisfy the degree requirement if a certified Professional Engineering (PE) license is obtained.
• Acceptable alternative: Bachelor’s degree in engineering (non-ABET) plus a Master’s or PhD in engineering from a university with an ABET-accredited Bachelor’s program.

Engineer Senior SG8

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program, plus 4+ years of related engineering experience.
• Master’s or PhD in engineering from an ABET-accredited program, plus 2+ years of related engineering experience.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico is encouraged and preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology may satisfy the degree requirement if a certified Professional Engineering (PE) license is obtained.
• Acceptable alternative: Bachelor’s degree in engineering (non-ABET) plus a Master’s or PhD in engineering from a university with an ABET-accredited Bachelor’s program.

Engineer Principal SG9

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program, plus 8+ years of related engineering experience.
• Master’s or PhD in engineering from an ABET-accredited program, plus 6+ years of related engineering experience.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico is preferred unless waived by the organization’s EVP.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology may satisfy the degree requirement if a certified Professional Engineering (PE) license is obtained.
• Acceptable alternative: Bachelor’s degree in engineering (non-ABET) plus a Master’s or PhD in engineering from a university with an ABET-accredited Bachelor’s program.
• VP or above may waive the requirement for a degree from a non-ABET-accredited program.

Location

This role is based on-site in New Albany, Ohio.

Pay

• Engineer SG7: $89,000–$110,000
• Engineer Senior SG8: $110,000–$129,000
• Engineer Principal SG9: $116,000–$151,000

Benefits

AEP offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support and enhance the overall well-being of employees.

Physical Demands

This role involves sedentary work, exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may include walking or standing for brief periods.