Distribution DER Program Engineer-Principal

American Electric Power • New Albany, OH

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Distribution Modeling and Analysis Department is seeking a motivated team member to perform the engineering functions of the Distribution Distributed Energy Resource (DER) Program group. The team is looking to expand as the complexity of the interconnection process grows with the increasing integration of DERs, the adoption of DER aggregation, and evolving regulatory requirements. Candidates with experience in DER Interconnections, Distribution Planning, Distribution Engineering, Transmission functions, or Regulatory support are encouraged to apply. Ability to read and interpret both regulatory interconnection requirements and technical documentation (electrical one-lines, equipment specification sheets, etc.) are key functions of this role. Familiarity with PowerClerk is desired, though candidates without these skills are still encouraged to apply.

Requirements

• Has typically acquired a Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET along with 8 or more years of related engineering experience.
• 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.
• Individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology can satisfy this degree requirement, if they obtain a certified Professional Engineering (PE) license.
• 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 preferred 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 an Non ABET accredited program.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with PowerClerk is desired.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico is encouraged and preferred.
• Confirmation is required to ensure the PE obtained in Puerto Rico aligns with NCEES standards.

Responsibilities

• Evaluating new technologies and participating in industry forums related to DER for the Distribution Planning and Analysis function.
• Developing and maintaining AEP Distribution’s DER interconnection policies, standards and requirements; including AEP Distribuition’s DER Technical Interconnection and Interoperability Requirements (TIIR).
• Leading efforts to enhance and automate DER interconnection capabilities.
• Supporting the development and implementation of federal, state, and RTO level interconnection requirements.
• Identifying and clearly documenting process and software changes needed to support evolving technical and regulatory requirements.
• Providing regulatory and policy support regarding issues related to DER interconnections and operations.
• Functioning as the technical lead for enhancements to key internal software tools including PowerClerk.
• Collaborating with Distribution/Transmission Planning, DER interconnection, Operating Company, and Operations Engineering, IRP, and Economic Forecasting teams.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Develops, reviews, or presents technical reports such as improvement requisitions, studies, and analyses in as clear, concise and effective fashion.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal