Distribution System Operations Real-Time Reliability Coordinator

About the role

The DSO Real-Time Reliability Coordinator provides real-time evaluation and coordination of DER impacts to support reliable Distribution System Operations (DDC). This role works across DDCs, the State Corporation Commission (SCC), Transmission, engineering, planning, applications, and external stakeholders to identify reliability risks, communicate system constraints, recommend mitigation strategies, and support DER-enabled grid services.

Responsibilities

• Monitor, assess, and communicate real-time impacts of DERs/DERAs on distribution system reliability, including voltage, loading, protection coordination, backfeed, and operating limits.
• Cookordination with DDCs, SCC, Transmission, and other partners to incorporate DER impacts into switching, restoration, planned work, grid services, and other real-time operating actions.
• Identify DER-related system constraints, emerging reliability risks, and mitigation strategies; communicate recommendations clearly during normal and critical system conditions.
• Perform real-time and look-ahead reliability assessments and contingency analyses to support operational decision-making.
• Support DER/DERA grid service operations, including voltage support, load management, restoration support, resiliency applications, and evolving FERC Order 2222/market participation needs.
• Maintain accurate operational records and support process, tool, and documentation improvements for DERMS, ADMS, distribution automation, FLISR, Volt/VAR, and related capabilities.

Requirements

• Degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or equivalent experience.
• At least 6 months of experience in distribution operations, transmission operations, dispatching, system operations, reliability coordination, DER operations, technical customer support/service, or another relevant utility operations capacity.
• Valid state driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Education: Two (2) year Technical degree in Electrical/Electronic engineering or equivalent OR High School and two (2) years experience operating a civil or military power system.
• Experience: In addition to the experience requirements included in the education requirements, at least 2 years of experience in distribution operations, transmission operations, dispatching, system operations, reliability coordination, DER operations, technical customer support/service, or another relevant utility operations capacity.
• Licenses/Certifications: Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.

Skills

• Knowledge of distributed energy resources (DERs), distributed energy resource aggregations (DERAs), virtual power plants, utility grid operations, real-time protection and control, cybersecurity, and DER communications.
• Familiarity with ADMS, DERMS, distribution automation, FLISR, Volt/VAR optimization, overcurrent coordination, islanding strategies, wholesale energy markets, RTO/ISO operations, and FERC Order 2222 impacts on distribution operations.

Benefits

AEP offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes competitive compensation, employee assistance programs, health and wellness initiatives, retirement savings plans, and more. Additional details are available upon request.

Pay

$74,551 - $128,689 per year

Schedule

Rotating shifts, on-call responsibilities, and occasional travel for training or cross-exposure opportunities may be required.