Technical Expertise: Possesses working knowledge of underground network and distribution systems and applies engineering theory, analytical techniques, and sound engineering judgment to complex assignments. Demonstrates the ability to design standard and non-standard network facilities and understand the interrelationship between primary distribution, secondary network systems, transformers, protectors, vaults, duct banks, cables, metering, and associated equipment. Performs or develops proficiency in load-flow, fault-current, system-modeling, equipment-condition, and reliability analyses. Evaluates system performance and recommends improvements to system configuration, equipment, standards, and business processes.
Leadership & Guidance: Coordinates work activities across Network Operations, Distribution Engineering, Civil Engineering, Underground Operations, Metering, Telecommunications, Stores, contractors, and other internal and external stakeholders. Provides technical direction and guidance to employees and contractors and may lead engineering and construction activities involving multiple work groups. Provides training and technical guidance to lower-level engineers and employees. Follows company policies, engineering standards, regulatory requirements, and applicable procedures.
Planning & Organization Ability: Develops and coordinates short- and long-term plans for the downtown network system, including project schedules, capital improvements, system upgrades, equipment replacement, material requirements, and multi-year investment strategies. Develops project cost information, assists with or manages network budgets, coordinates procurement activities, and initiates corrective action when project, schedule, cost, or system-performance objectives are not being met.
Problem Solving & Initiative: Identifies and resolves engineering and operational issues involving network loading, equipment condition, outages, underground infrastructure, customer service, system reliability, and construction. Performs engineering studies and evaluates multiple alternatives to develop technically sound and cost-effective solutions. Demonstrates the ability to recognize abnormal or emerging system conditions and take appropriate action. Seeks opportunities to improve system reliability, engineering standards, work processes, documentation, and network operating practices.
Communication: Develops, reviews, and presents engineering designs, studies, specifications, policies, system plans, project documentation, cost estimates, and technical recommendations in a clear and effective manner. Communicates planned outages, project requirements, engineering decisions, and system conditions with customers, operations personnel, contractors, management, and other stakeholders.
Interpersonal Skills: Works effectively across organizational boundaries and develops strong working relationships with Network Operations, Primary Cable crews, Civil Engineering, Underground Operations, Metering, Telecommunications, Stores, contractors, customers, and other stakeholders. Uses formal and informal networks to coordinate complex work, resolve conflicts, build consensus, and accomplish project and operational objectives.
Decision Making: Makes engineering and project decisions within established policies, standards, and procedures and recognizes when issues require escalation or additional technical review. Evaluates operational, safety, reliability, customer, financial, and construction risks when making recommendations. Uses engineering analysis, system data, field conditions, and professional judgment to reach logical conclusions and recommend appropriate corrective actions.
Business Awareness & Characteristics: Understands AEP/PSO’s organizational structure and the role of Distribution Network Engineering within system operations, customer service, reliability, and capital planning. Demonstrates an understanding of budgeting, procurement, project approval, contractor management, and utility regulatory processes. Applies economic and engineering analysis when prioritizing system improvements and capital investments. Develops an understanding of how network reliability, customer impacts, operational risk, and long-term infrastructure needs influence engineering and business decisions.
Bachelor’s degrees in engineering titles are expected to be in a program accredited by ABET.
*Find acceptable alternatives listed below.
Engineer (Salary Grade 7)
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 requirement, if they obtain a certified Professional Engineering (PE) license.
*ABET - Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
Engineering Technologist (Salary Grade 7)
Has typically acquired 2 or more years of related experience in work activities and projects requiring the application of engineering technology principles; Bachelor’s degree in engineering technology* in a program accredited by ABET**.
Has 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.
*ABET - Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
Individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology can satisfy this degree requirement, if they obtain a certified Professional Engineering (PE) license.
Engineering Technologist Sr (Salary Grade 8)
Has typically acquired 4 or more years of related experience in work activities and projects requiring the application of engineering technology principles; Bachelor’s degree in engineering technology* in a program accredited by ABET**.
*A degree in engineering technology is the preferred degree: however, engineering degrees will also be considered.
Engineer Principal (Salary Grade 9)
Has 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.
Engineering Technologist Principal (Salary Grade 9)
Has typically acquired 8 or more years of related experience in work activities and projects requiring the application of engineering technology principles; Bachelor’s degree in engineering technology* in a program accredited by ABET**. Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico*** is required for this position unless approval to waive this requirement is given by the organization’s EVP.