Distribution System Planning (Engineer - Engineer Sr)

American Electric Power

The Role

Overview

Perform distribution system planning, load forecasting, and impact studies.

Key Responsibilities

  • impact studies
  • system modeling
  • load forecast
  • capacity planning
  • protection studies
  • technical reporting

Tasks

-Conduct impact studies for new customer loads and distributed generation interconnections. -Build system models and determine limiting capacity factors for transformers, cable, breakers and other system elements. -Prepare long range planning studies that consider land use development, reliability enhancement, capacity constraints and overall system optimization for operations and voltage control. -Develop and present annual load forecast and ten-year capacity plan. -Develop Improvement Requisitions following the Project Life Cycle Management Process (PLMP) to meet budget targets and customer requirements. -Communication: Develops, reviews, or presents technical reports such as improvement requisitions, studies, and analyses in as clear, concise and effective fashion. -Assist in annual budget preparation, operational support issues and special studies as required. -Develop models and perform system impact studies to evaluate Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) connecting to the distribution network. -Leadership & Guidance: Coordinates work activities of others within the work group, department, or other corporate entity as necessary to complete routine activities. Performs routine engineering activity with minimum direction from higher-level employees. Follows policies, practices, standards and rules of the company and those regulations and procedures required by external agencies. Provides training and guidance to lower-level employees. -Provide overcurrent protection studies and recommendations at the distribution breaker/circuit level.

Requirements

  • abet
  • pe license
  • bachelors
  • master's
  • cpm
  • teamwork

What You Bring

-Engineer (Grade 6) = Bachelor's degree in engineering in engineering in a program accredited by ABET* + two (2) years of experience; OR, may be considered entry-level with master's degree -Interpersonal Skills: Is an active team member. Networks with peers inside and outside the AEP system. Identifies key stakeholders. Uses informal network to get things done. Resolves conflict, builds consensus. -(1) Bachelor's degree in engineering (non-ABET), plus a Professional Engineers (PE) license in any state of the U.S. or -Business Awareness & Characteristics: Understands AEP's organizational structure and the specific role and responsibility of their individual organizational unit. Demonstrates an understanding of the budgeting and approval process. Is proficient in the application and use of economic analysis techniques in problem solving. Develops an understanding of utility regulation and financing. -Planning & Organization Ability: Coordinates the development of input necessary to forecast costs for the routine projects, improvements requisitions, etc. Uses scheduling techniques (CPM, PERT, flow charts, etc.) for budget and planning activities. Initiates corrective action when project objectives are not being met. Problem Solving & Initiative: Resolves and initiates solutions to routine problems which usually require additional definition/clarification before analysis can begin. Demonstrates ability to identify problems that are beyond the normal routine. Demonstrates ability and desire to seek out opportunities and embrace new ideas and approaches. -Decision Making: Makes decisions subject to review within established policies and procedures. Makes decisions that affect the work of the team. Aware of risks. Demonstrates the ability to extrapolate beyond known facts to reach logical conclusions. -Technical Expertise: Possesses intermediate level knowledge and performs varied assignments with proficiency in the application of theory and analytical techniques to solve diverse problems and complete extensive analysis. Demonstrates competency in analytical techniques necessary to handle assignments of moderate complexity. (e.g., by dividing the problem into component steps, and performing the analysis necessary to complete each step). Exhibits ability to understand interrelationship between systems and component equipment. Demonstrate ability to analyze and recommend enhancements to business processes. -Engineer Sr (Grade 8) = Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET*.+ six (6) years of experience; OR, master's degree in engineering + four (4) years of experience. PE License preferred. -(2) 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. -Engineer (Grade 7) = Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET*.+ four (4) years of experience; OR, master's degree in engineering + two (2) years of experience

Benefits

-Grade 8: $98,032 - $127,439 -Grade 7: $86,783 - $108,480 -Grade 6: $73,828 - $92,284

The Company

About American Electric Power

-Powers millions across the United States with a vast electric transmission and distribution network. -Has been a leader in the transformation of the energy sector for over a century. -Focuses on reliable power generation, cutting-edge energy solutions, and a growing commitment to renewables. -Operates one of the largest electricity transmission networks in the U.S., delivering energy to homes, businesses, and industries. -Has a legacy of pioneering innovative technologies and projects to improve grid reliability and energy efficiency. -Is expanding its footprint in the renewable energy sector, including solar and wind power projects that are helping shape the future of energy. -Undertakes large-scale projects such as major power plant construction, infrastructure upgrades, and renewable energy installations, supporting both industrial and residential clients. -Is dedicated to sustainable energy and modernizing grid infrastructure, making it an influential player in the energy transition.

Sector Specialisms

Energy

Infrastructure

Commercial

Residential

Renewable Energy

Solar

Wind

Grid Solutions

Energy Efficiency

Combined Heat and Power

Energy Storage

Substations

Fuel Cells

Waste Heat Recovery

Peaking Generation Resources

Energy Data Analytics

Energy Supply