Electrical Engineer (Senior - Principal) - System Performance Analysis (SPA)

Responsible to the assigned supervisor for performing advanced engineering work activities and projects requiring the application of engineering knowledge in a safe, effective, efficient, and economic accomplishment of assigned objectives.

About the role

Works within the System Performance Analysis group (SPA). The System Performance Analysis group conducts advanced system studies to support capital projects, including but not limited to transient stability, voltage stability, electromagnetic coupling, insulation coordination, geomagnetically induced currents, electromagnetic field, and Power Quality using PSS/E, ASPEN OneLiner, PSCAD, and Alstom electrical engineering technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead system performance analysis and develop solutions to support planning, operations, engineering, regulatory, and financial needs of the company.
• Lead electrical engineering studies related to power system stability, reliability, and compliance, develop mitigation plans, and present findings to stakeholders.
• Perform transient and voltage stability studies, insulation coordination studies, electromagnetic field studies, and studies of geomagnetically induced currents and geomagnetic disturbance.
• Perform power-flow analyses in support of system dynamic stability, system restoration, and geomagnetic disturbance analyses.
• Represent AEP in Regional Transmission Organizations (RTO) dynamic model-building process. Develop, validate, and maintain dynamic models to support transient stability studies and regulatory compliance.
• Calculate electromagnetic interference for overhead and underground transmission lines.
• Train and provide guidance to SPA team members.

Technical Expertise

• Exhibits journey-level proficiency plus advanced knowledge that enables the engineer to serve as a leader within the assigned organization.
• Keeps abreast of new products, developments, technologies, procedures, and equipment.
• Understands and analyzes interrelationships between systems and component equipment.
• Interprets codes and regulations and develops standards relevant to the area of assignment.

Leadership & Guidance

• Provides guidance and exercises judgment and discretion in providing guidance and direction to other Engineers.
• Leads, facilitates, and coordinates work activities of others within the work group, team, department, corporate entity, or those external to the company as required to perform all routine engineering work.
• Ensures all work activities are performed in accordance with the policies, practices, standards, and rules of the company and comply with the regulations and procedures required by external agencies.
• Promotes engineering professionalism and standards.
• Coordinates and conducts training sessions.

Planning & Organization Ability

• Participates in the development of plans by establishing measurable goals, objectives, and requirements for specific areas of responsibility.
• Coordinates the development of input necessary to establish projected cost of all projects.
• Is proficient in use of scheduling techniques (CPM, PERT, flow charts, etc.) for budget and planning activities.
• Identifies and initiates appropriate corrective action when objectives are not met.

Problem Solving & Initiative

• Identifies, clarifies, resolves, and initiates solutions to routine and/or complex problems that sometimes involve analysis of inadequate or conflicting data.
• Demonstrates the ability to divide problems into component steps.
• Consistently looks for and develops opportunities and presents new ideas and approaches.

Communication

• Coordinates the work of other engineers in an efficient and effective manner.
• Develops, reviews, or prepares reports on complex technical subjects clearly, concisely, and effectively, in a manner suitable for presentation to management, professional societies, regulatory bodies, etc.
• Leads and facilitates meetings effectively.

Interpersonal Skills

• Possesses collaborative and consensus-building skills.
• Functions as a team leader and member.
• Networks upward and downward in several disciplines inside and outside the AEP system.
• Leverages network to get things done.

Decision Making

• Makes decisions affecting plans and goals based on analysis of uncertain input and outcomes.
• Uses diverse approaches to make decisions in the absence of a definite framework or where few precedents exist.
• Handles conflicting interests related to approaches on projects or studies.
• Analyzes options and risks and possesses the experience and knowledge to assess the risk of decisions and act accordingly.
• Makes decisions that affect the operations or results of the department and may have some impact on a major project.

Business Awareness & Characteristics

• Exhibits an awareness of AEP's competitive position and how business decisions impact their organizational unit.
• Understands the specific goals and objectives of their individual organizational unit and is proficient in establishing measurable goals and objectives.
• Effectively manages project budgets using cost management techniques and understands how their decisions and recommendations impact AEP's expenses and revenues.
• Demonstrates an awareness of profit incentives, optimizing growth of customers' businesses, and using our services to attract new business.

Requirements

Engineer Senior – (SG8)

• Typically acquired 4 or more years of related engineering experience along with a bachelor’s degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET*; or
• 2 years of related engineering experience along with a master’s degree or PhD in engineering from a program accredited by ABET*.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico** is encouraged and preferred.

Engineer Principal – (SG9)

• Typically acquired 8 or more years of related engineering experience along with a bachelor’s degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET*; or
• 6 years of related engineering experience along with a master’s or PhD in engineering from a program accredited by ABET*.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico** is preferred for this position unless approval to waive this requirement is given by the organization's EVP.

*ABET - Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. Acceptable alternative: Bachelor's degree in engineering (non-ABET) plus a master’s degree or PhD in engineering from a university with an ABET accredited bachelor’s program.

** Confirmation is required to ensure the PE obtained in Puerto Rico aligns with NCEES standards.

***VP or above may waive the requirement for a degree from a university with a Non-ABET accredited program.

Candidates with an electrical engineering degree are preferred.

Where you’ll work

This role sits on site in New Albany, OH.

Pay

• Engineer Senior SG8: $99,000 - $129,000
• Engineer Principal SG9: $116,000 - $151,000

Benefits

In addition to competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.

Physical Demand Level

Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently 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.