Reliability Technician

American Electric Power•Chickasha, OK

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Distribution Field Technician is responsible for the installation, commissioning, testing, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of electric distribution system equipment, including reclosers, capacitor banks, voltage regulators, and associated control systems. This position requires frequent travel to substations, distribution circuits, and customer service territories to support system reliability, equipment performance, and operational excellence. The successful candidate will perform field diagnostics on protection and control equipment, analyze equipment performance, identify and resolve operational issues, and ensure proper commissioning of new and upgraded installations. Technicians will work closely with engineering, operations, and construction personnel to support system improvements and restoration activities. A key aspect of the role is maintaining continuous communication with System Operations/Dispatch, Distribution Operations, and local Service Departments to coordinate switching activities, commissioning efforts, troubleshooting support, and equipment outages. The technician must be able to clearly communicate technical information, document findings, and provide recommendations for corrective actions. This position requires a strong commitment to safety, the ability to work independently in field environments, and the flexibility to travel as needed to support utility operations across the service territory. Experience with distribution automation, protective relaying, SCADA communications, control systems, and electrical testing equipment is highly desirable.

Requirements

Associate Degree in Electrical/Electronic/Civil/ Mechanical Engineering Technology or related fields plus 2 years of related utility industry work experience; OR A High School Diploma or equivalent and 4 years of related utility industry work experience.
Valid Drivers License

Nice To Haves

Experience with distribution automation, protective relaying, SCADA communications, control systems, and electrical testing equipment is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Commission, test, troubleshoot, and maintain distribution reclosers, capacitor banks, voltage regulators, and associated controls.
Diagnose equipment malfunctions and implement corrective actions in the field.
Coordinate field activities with Dispatch, Distribution Operations, and local Service Departments.
Support distribution automation and system reliability initiatives.
Perform equipment inspections, testing, and operational verification.
Document commissioning results, troubleshooting findings, and maintenance activities.
Assist during outages, restoration efforts, and emergency response situations.
Travel regularly to field locations within the service territory.