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

About the role

Works within the System Performance Analysis group, conducting advanced system studies to support capital projects. These studies include transient stability, voltage stability, electromagnetic coupling, insulation coordination, geomagnetically induced currents, electromagnetic field, and Power Quality using tools such as 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 leadership 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 directing other Engineers.
• Leads, facilitates, and coordinates work activities within the work group, team, department, or external entities as required.
• Ensures all work activities comply with company policies, practices, standards, and external regulations.
• Promotes engineering professionalism and standards; coordinates and conducts training sessions.

Planning & Organization

• Participates in developing plans by establishing measurable goals, objectives, and requirements.
• Coordinates the development of input necessary to establish projected costs of projects.
• Proficient in scheduling techniques (CPM, PERT, flow charts) for budget and planning activities.
• Identifies and initiates corrective action when objectives are not met.

Problem Solving & Initiative

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

Communication

• Coordinates the work of other engineers efficiently and effectively.
• Develops, reviews, or prepares reports on complex technical subjects clearly and concisely for management, professional societies, or regulatory bodies.
• Leads and facilitates meetings effectively.

Interpersonal Skills

• Possesses collaborative and consensus-building skills.
• Functions as a team leader and member.
• Networks upward and downward across disciplines inside and outside AEP.
• Leverages networks to accomplish objectives.

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 precedents.
• Handles conflicting interests related to project approaches or studies.
• Analyzes options and risks; assesses the risk of decisions and acts accordingly.
• Makes decisions impacting department operations or major projects.

Business Awareness & Characteristics

• Exhibits awareness of AEP's competitive position and how business decisions impact their organizational unit.
• Understands specific goals and objectives of their organizational unit and establishes measurable goals.
• Effectively manages project budgets using cost management techniques.
• Understands how decisions impact AEP's expenses and revenues.
• Demonstrates awareness of profit incentives, customer growth, and attracting new business through services.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program, or acceptable alternative (non-ABET Bachelor's plus Master's/PhD from a university with an ABET-accredited Bachelor's program).
• For Engineer Senior SG8: Typically 4+ years of related engineering experience, or 2+ years with a Master's/PhD in engineering.
• For Engineer Principal SG9: Typically 8+ years of related engineering experience, or 6+ years with a Master's/PhD in engineering.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico is encouraged and preferred (VP or above may waive degree requirements).
• Electrical engineering degree preferred.

Location

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

Pay

• Engineer Senior SG8: $99,000 – $129,000 per year.
• Engineer Principal SG9: $116,000 – $151,000 per year.

Benefits

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

Physical Demands

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. Involves sitting most of the time but may require walking or standing for brief periods.