Distribution SCADA Engineer

Job Posting End Date

Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

Job Description

NOTE: There are three open positions, and these vacancies are posted in two grade levels. Relevant Education and/or Experience will be utilized to determine which of these will be the appropriate grade level to fill this vacancy. Engineer (intermediate level) Engineer Senior (Career/Journey level)

What We’re Looking For:

• These positions will perform the logical programming and focus on optimizing performance of the distribution system in conjunction with AEP Distribution Engineers and System Planning Engineers. Grid Management investments are expected to grow rapidly as the transformation to a more modern grid ramps up over the next several years.
• This position will engage with other groups centrally at AEP Service Corp and with core groups at the Operating Companies. There will be interaction with multiple teams throughout AEP, which include, but are not limited to Telecom, SCADA, Station Engineering, Distribution Dispatch, Distribution Reliability, Distribution Planning, management and a wide range of field personnel. Distribution automation control schemes utilize the latest technology and result in higher reliability, lower cost, and energy efficient use of the distribution system.
• Distribution automation controllers require programming, check out of the programming, on-going maintenance of the programming as circuit topography changes and emergency maintenance if the system is not performing properly.
• The successful candidate should possess good written and oral communications skills, be able to work in self-directed environments, possess strong leadership skills, be willing to work in integrated, cross functional teams, be flexible to and supportive of change, be able to multi-task, be willing to travel when needed, be available for support calls sometimes after normal work hours, and be an advocate for grid modernization deployments.

Primary Responsibilities

• Work with the teams in AEP to engineer and implement distribution automation control schemes for DACR; also known more commonly as FLISR – Fault Location Isolation and Service Restoration ·
• Work with the teams in AEP to engineer and implement Volt Var Optimization schemes for VVO ·
• Develop configurations and programming for remote terminal units (RTUs) for grid modernization equipment integration into SCADA.
• Work with operating company engineering, construction, and operation’s groups to select and install optimum equipment to implement grid modernization technologies ·
• Provide distribution automation controller logic programming, testing, optimization, and maintenance to provide functionality designed by reliability and system planning engineers ·
• Develop, document, and maintain standards for grid modernization equipment, schemes, and architectures incorporating cyber secure designs · Coordinate point assignments, commissioning, testing, and maintenance of automation and SCADA systems with SCADA analysts and vendors ·
• Participate in industry associations (IEEE, EPRI, etc.) to interact with other industry leaders to be current on the latest grid modernization technologies that can be applied to the distribution system ·
• Work with vendors and Transmission and Distribution operations groups and engage in training to be current on the most effective use of technologies · Work with operating companies to develop the needed skilled workforce including training of existing employees and addition of new skilled employees to install, operate, and maintain grid modernization technologies · Complete safety training and utilize safe work practices in all work

What You’ll Get:

Bachelor's degree in engineering or Engineering technology will be considered for this position.

Engineer /Engineer Technologist(Grade 6)

Salary Range- $80,000 - $85,000

Has typically acquired two (2) or more years of related Engineering experience along with a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from a program accredited by ABET*; however, engineers with a Master's degree in Engineering from a program accredited by ABET* may be considered for entry into the organization at this level.

Engineer/ Engineer Technologist (Grade 07)

Salary Range-$84,000 - $100,000

Has typically acquired four (4) or more years of related engineering experience along with a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from a program accredited by ABET*; however, engineers with a Master's Degree in Engineering from a program accredited by ABET* may be considered for entry into the organization at this level.

Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico** is encouraged and preferred.*ABET - Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

Engineer Sr/ Engineering Technologist Sr(Grade 08)

Salary Range-$96,110- $124,940

Has typically acquired four (6) or more years of related engineering experience along with a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from a program accredited by ABET*; however, engineers with a Master's Degree in Engineering from a program accredited by ABET* may be considered for entry into the organization at this level.

Acceptable alternative is:

(1) a 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 required 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

Preferred Knowledge (not required, just preferred) ·

Preferred minimum experience is 2-4 years in Distribution and Transmission areas.

· Knowledge of substation design and the electric utility grid operations is desired.

Familiarity with SCADA systems, including, but not limited to: RTU's, front-end processors, communications interfaces, and DMS interfaces is desired. ·Experience with utility integrated communications networks is desired. ·Experience with circuit modeling, power flow algorithms, and project management skills are desired.

Experience with distribution level overcurrent coordination and with Distribution Automation is desired.

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

Compensation Range:

The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S – Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.