Distribution System Operations Real-Time Reliability Engineer

About the role

The Distribution System Operations (DSO) Real-Time Reliability Engineer is a key member of a newly formed team redefining how AEP operates the modern, DER-enabled grid. This role sits at the intersection of traditional distribution operations, emerging distributed energy technologies, and evolving market structures.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Distribution Dispatch Centers, the System Control Center (SCC), Planning, Engineering, and other stakeholders to develop the operational frameworks, studies, and engineering analyses necessary to support the reliable integration and operation of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and Distributed Energy Resource Aggregations (DERAs) across the AEP distribution system.
• Evaluate emerging grid conditions, develop operational recommendations, identify system constraints, and support the implementation of DER-enabled solutions that enhance reliability, resilience, and grid flexibility.
• Perform engineering studies and operational analyses to evaluate the impacts of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) and Distributed Energy Resource Aggregations (DERA) on distribution system reliability, including voltage performance, thermal loading, protection coordination, and backfeed conditions.
• Develop and maintain operational planning models, forecasts, and contingency analyses to support reliable DER integration and operational decision-making.
• Identify existing and emerging DER-related system constraints and develop recommendations to mitigate operational and reliability risks.
• Provide engineering support and operational recommendations to Distribution Dispatch Centers (DDC), the System Control Center (SCC), and other stakeholders regarding DER-related system conditions and planned work activities.
• Develop operating criteria, procedures, and decision-support tools that support the safe and reliable operation of a DER-enabled electric grid.
• Analyze distribution system impacts associated with DER and DERA participation under FERC Order 2222 and evolving wholesale market participation models.
• Collaborate with Operations, Planning, Engineering, Information Technology, and external stakeholders to enhance DER integration and improve operational readiness across multiple RTO/ISO regions.
• Maintain technical documentation, study results, operating guidelines, and engineering recommendations related to DER integration, operational planning, and grid reliability.
• Participate in industry forums (IEEE, EPRI, etc.) to interact with other industry leaders to be current on the latest DER and grid modernization technologies that can be applied to the distribution system.

Requirements

• Has typically acquired a Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET* along with two or more years of related engineering experience.
• Individuals with a Master's degree in engineering from an engineering program accredited by ABET* may be considered for entry into the organization at this level.
• Individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology can satisfy this degree.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico** is encouraged and preferred.

Qualifications

• Expert knowledge of distributed energy resources (DER), distributed energy resource aggregations (DERA), and Virtual Power Plants (VPP).
• Specific knowledge areas could include operation of DERs within a utility grid, DER communications/settings, real time protection/control, cybersecurity, etc.
• Familiarity with advanced distribution management systems, DER or other control systems.
• Experience with distribution level overcurrent coordination, Distribution Automation (DA), Fault Location Isolation and Service Restoration (FLISR), Volt/VAR optimization is desired.
• Experience with circuit modeling, power flow algorithms, and project management skills are desired.

Skills

• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Willingness to accept on-call responsibilities and callouts.
• Ability to work under pressure during periods of critical system conditions, to analyze conditions and make proper decisions quickly while dealing with diverse situations simultaneously.
• Ability to effectively work in a team environment and professionally deal with co-workers, customers and management personnel.
• Ability to collaborate with technical writers to document newly developed processes.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.

Pay

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

Schedule

• This role sits on site in New Albany, Ohio.