Engineer Assc - Engineer Staff(Distribution System Planning)

American Electric Power•Roanoke, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The successful candidate will work as a Distribution Planning Engineer on AEP’s Distribution System Planning team. The team identifies distribution-system needs using station and circuit load forecasts, load-flow studies, and asset-renewal data. The engineer evaluates identified needs and collaborates with the broader Energy Delivery team to scope and vet solutions. The role also supports large-customer requests, Distributed Energy Resource studies, and grid-modernization efforts, and encourages innovative approaches to complex problems. Work is performed in accordance with AEP’s culture and under the guidance of higher-level engineers and an assigned supervisor. This is an entry-level engineering role involving the application of engineering knowledge to assigned work safely, effectively, efficiently, and economically. The engineer applies theory to well-defined problems, assists senior engineers with portions of more complex analyses, develops familiarity with relevant standards, codes, equipment, systems, and business processes, and contributes to planning, cost estimates, technical reports, and routine project decisions. Higher-level employees coach and monitor work to ensure it follows established guidelines. The posting lists several grade levels, with increased education, experience, and certification expectations at higher grades. The Engineer Assc grade is intended for new graduates with a qualifying engineering bachelor’s degree. AEP describes a comprehensive benefits package and competitive compensation. The position is onsite.

Requirements

For the Engineer Assc grade: a bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program; the level is intended for new graduates.
Ability to apply engineering theory and basic analysis techniques to well-defined or routine technical problems, with guidance from higher-level engineers.
Fundamental understanding of relevant standards, codes, and regulations, and willingness to gain familiarity with applicable equipment, materials, systems, and business processes.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, work collaboratively, follow instructions, and seek assistance or clarification as needed.

Nice To Haves

Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering examination in preparation for future Professional Engineer licensure is encouraged and preferred for Engineer Assc.
Experience in Distribution System Planning, Station Engineering, Transmission Planning or another Transmission function, T or D Operations, or utility work generally may be a good fit.
AEP encourages active participation in professional and business organizations.
Higher-grade qualifications include additional engineering experience and, where specified, an ABET-accredited master's degree or PhD; Professional Engineer registration is encouraged or preferred for certain higher grades.

Responsibilities

Identify distribution-system needs using station and circuit load forecasts, load-flow studies, and asset-renewal data.
Evaluate identified needs and collaborate with the Energy Delivery team to scope and vet solutions.
Support large-customer requests, Distributed Energy Resource studies, and grid-modernization advancement.
Apply engineering knowledge and basic analysis techniques to resolve routine technical problems; assist higher-level engineers with defined portions of more complex problems and analyses.
Apply relevant standards, codes, regulations, equipment knowledge, and business processes to assigned work.
Coordinate routine engineering tasks with others and carry out work assigned and coached by higher-level employees.
Contribute to routine project-planning documents, monitor project status, recommend action, and prepare cost estimates using established standards.
Prepare and contribute to reports and technical papers, communicate information clearly, and seek clarification when needed.
Make routine decisions within authorized limits, subject to review, and contribute to team decision-making.
Use economic analysis techniques and seek effective ways to protect and enhance the environment while providing reliable electricity at competitive cost.