Distribution System Operations Real-Time Reliability Engineer

American Electric Power•New Albany, OH

3d•$87,633 - $151,133•Onsite

About The Position

The Distribution System Operations (DSO) Real-Time Reliability Engineer is a key member of a newly formed team redefining how AEP operates the modern, DER-enabled grid. This role sits at the intersection of traditional distribution operations, emerging distributed energy technologies, and evolving market structures. Responsible for real-time evaluation and coordination of DER impacts, this position will utilize their engineering expertise to analyze, document, and consult on the impacts of distributed energy resources (DER) and other grid modernization technology as it relates to the real-time operations of the distribution grid. This includes operational coordination of DER, Distribution Automation Circuit Reconfiguration (DACR), Volt VAR Optimization (VVO), SCADA, Sensors, etc. As this team and function mature, the DSO Real-Time Reliability Engineer will play a central role in advancing operational planning functions, enabling innovative grid solutions, leveraging DERMS capabilities, and helping transition AEP toward a more dynamic, integrated, and resilient energy system.

Requirements

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.
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.
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.
Individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology can satisfy this degree requirement, if they obtain a certified Professional Engineering (PE) license.
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

Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico is encouraged and preferred
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.
Preferred minimum experience is 2-4 years in Distribution or Transmission operations areas.
Expert knowledge of distributed energy resources (DER), distributed energy resource aggregations (DERA), and Virtual Power Plants (VPP). Specific knowledge areas could include operation of DERs within a utility grid, DER communications/settings, real time protection/control, cybersecurity, etc.
Familiarity with advanced distribution management systems, DER or other control systems.
Experience with distribution level overcurrent coordination, Distribution Automation (DA), Fault Location Isolation and Service Restoration (FLISR), Volt/VAR optimization is desired.
Knowledge of wholesale Energy Markets, RTO/ISO responsibilities, and the impact to distribution systems resulting from FERC 2222
Experience with utility integrated SCADA communications networks is desired.
Experience with circuit modeling, power flow algorithms, and project management skills are desired.
Certifications associated with NERC, EPRI, or RTO/ISOs may be required as the AEP DSO and industry requirements evolve.

Responsibilities

Develops the operational frameworks, studies, and engineering analyses necessary to support the reliable integration and operation of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and Distributed Energy Resource Aggregations (DERAs) across the AEP distribution system.
Evaluates emerging grid conditions, develops operational recommendations, identifies system constraints, and supports the implementation of DER-enabled solutions that enhance reliability, resilience, and grid flexibility.
Performs engineering studies and operational analyses to evaluate the impacts of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) and Distributed Energy Resource Aggregations (DERA) on distribution system reliability, including voltage performance, thermal loading, protection coordination, and backfeed conditions.
Develops and maintains operational planning models, forecasts, and contingency analyses to support reliable DER integration and operational decision-making.
Identifies existing and emerging DER-related system constraints and develops recommendations to mitigate operational and reliability risks.
Provides engineering support and operational recommendations to Distribution Dispatch Centers (DDC), the System Control Center (SCC), and other stakeholders regarding DER-related system conditions and planned work activities.
Develops operating criteria, procedures, and decision-support tools that support the safe and reliable operation of a DER-enabled electric grid.
Supports the development and implementation of advanced operational capabilities, including DERMS, ADMS, FLISR, Volt/VAR Optimization, and intentional islanding strategies.
Analyzes distribution system impacts associated with DER and DERA participation under FERC Order 2222 and evolving wholesale market participation models.
Collaborates with Operations, Planning, Engineering, Information Technology, and external stakeholders to enhance DER integration and improve operational readiness across multiple RTO/ISO regions.
Maintains technical documentation, study results, operating guidelines, and engineering recommendations related to DER integration, operational planning, and grid reliability.
Participates in industry forums (IEEE, EPRI, etc.) to interact with other industry leaders to be current on the latest DER and grid modernization technologies that can be applied to the distribution system.
Ability to follow and communicate instructions clearly and concisely.
Willingness to accept on-call responsibilities and callouts.
Ability to work under pressure during periods of critical system conditions, to analyze conditions and make proper decisions quickly while dealing with diverse situations simultaneously.
Ability to effectively work in a team environment and professionally deal with co-workers, customers and management personnel.
Ability to collaborate with technical writers to document newly developed processes.