Digital Network Engineer, P&C Engineering Standards

American Electric Power•New Albany, OH

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for performing engineering work activities and projects, applying engineering knowledge to achieve safe, effective, efficient, and economic objectives. The role is within the PCE Standards organization, primarily focusing on the development and support of communication systems in standard protection/control. The engineer will perform various engineering activities, provide technical guidance, engineering expertise, and direction to Transmission team members. Key responsibilities include leading and supporting the development of digital substation network standards as AEP progresses on utilization of IEC61850, developing and supporting redundancy architectures, and ensuring cybersecurity and compliance.

Requirements

Bachelor's, Master's or Doctorate degree in engineering in a program accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
Engineer Senior: typically acquired 6 or more years of related engineering experience
Engineer Principal: typically acquired 10 or more years of related engineering experience
For Engineer Principal, acceptable alternatives are (1) a Bachelor's degree in engineering (non-ABET), plus a Professional Engineers (PE) license in any state of the U.S. or (2) a Bachelor's degree in engineering (non-ABET), plus a Master's degree in engineering from a university with an ABET accredited Bachelor's program.

Nice To Haves

Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in any U.S. state is encouraged and preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead & support the development of digital substation network standards as AEP progresses on utilization of IEC61850 (GOOSE, Sampled Values, MMS, PTP) with fiber connected digital substation monitoring and protection devices.
Develop and support redundancy architectures (PRP, STP) and network topologies.
Support substation communication protocols that include DNP, Modbus, and 61850.
Network monitoring skills using Wireshark for GOOSE, SV, and other TCP/IP
Support Cybersecurity and Compliance with activities that include patch management, testing, and NERC CIP.
Work with vendors to ensure network related product quality issues are addressed and evaluate new network product for AEP Transmission applications.
Interface with AEP Telecommunication group, both engineering and construction, to support new standards and improve existing standards that involve Telecommunication equipment as it applies in substation SCADA & security applications. This includes network, SCADA, Fiber and wireless applications.
Interface with the Transmission Telecommunications Substation Network team to support improvements with PCE Standards and collaborate on solutions.
Support Distribution Automation (DA) needs in areas that impact substation SCADA and communication.
Support DA PCE standard designs.
Provide fiber solution needs for equipment interface and work with vendors to support a quality product solution for AEP substation and point-of- delivery applications.
Support GPS clock standard and provide technical support when needed.
Engage in industry forums and events.
Stay informed of accepted industry practices and collaborate with industry peers and experts to improve applications and processes.
Lead and develop training opportunities for development of internal and external engineers and designers, including and not limited to presentations to and mentoring large and varying audiences.
Provide technical direction and feedback to counterparts in other Protection and Control, IT / Telecommunication, and Operations functions within AEP.
Assist with cross departmental communication of issues related to Transmission Telecommunication Substation Network and fiber.
Ensure that all work activities are performed in accordance with the policies, practices, standards, and rules of the Company and regulations and procedures as required by federal, state or local regulating agencies.
Demonstrate the highest standards of ethical behavior and support the Company's Corporate Compliance Policy.
Promote and enforce the Company's Accident Prevention and Safety and Health programs to safeguard employees, the general public and Company property.
Carry out and promote the organization's efforts related to the Human Performance Initiative.