Distribution Design Engineer

Job Posting End Date

12-20-2025

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

Job Summary

Responsible to the assigned supervisor for performing intermediate level engineering work activities and projects requiring the application of engineering knowledge in a safe, effective, efficient and economic accomplishment of assigned objectives. The Distribution Network Engineer is responsible for designing, analyzing, and optimizing electric distribution systems to ensure reliable and efficient power delivery. This role involves planning network expansions, performing load studies, and implementing system improvements to meet regulatory standards and customer needs.

Job Description

We are considering applicant at two different levels for this position. Candidates will be assessed and selected based on the highest grade for which they qualify.

What You'll Do:

- Design and develop electric distribution network layouts and configurations.

- Prepare construction drawings, specifications, and cost estimates for projects.

- Perform cable rating studies and cable pulling calculations.

- Conduct load flow analysis, voltage drop studies, and reliability assessments.

- Monitor system performance and recommend upgrades or corrective actions.

- Conduct field visits with customers and electrical contractors to determine required system additions needed to support new and additional customer loads.

- Coordinate work with customers to meet service requested delivery dates.

- Investigate customer service issues and lead the development of solutions.

- Collaborate with operations, planning, and field teams to ensure project execution.

- Form an effective team relationship with operating company management to communicate network issues and improvement needs.

- Maintain close contact with local network crews to provide technical support on projects and maintenance work.

- Ensure compliance with safety codes, industry standards, and company policies.

- Technical Expertise: Possesses intermediate level knowledge and performs varied assignments with proficiency in the application of theory and analytical techniques to solve diverse problems and complete extensive analysis. Demonstrates competency in analytical techniques necessary to handle assignments of moderate complexity. (e.g., by dividing the problem into component steps, and performing the analysis necessary to complete each step). Exhibits ability to understand interrelationship between systems and component equipment. Demonstrate ability to analyze and recommend enhancements to business processes.

- Leadership & Guidance: 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.

- Planning & Organization Ability: 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.Problem Solving & Initiative: 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.

- Communication: Develops, reviews, or presents technical reports such as improvement requisitions, studies, and analyses in as clear, concise and effective fashion.

- Interpersonal Skills: 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.

- Decision Making: 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.

- Business Awareness & Characteristics: 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.

Commonly Used Software Tools:

CYMDIST, CYMCAP, CYMTCC, SEL AcSELerator Quickset, PI Vision, PI Asset Framework, Vaultgard, AutoCAD, GE Electric Office, Office 365 – SharePoint, Power Automate, Power BI, Visio, etc.

What We're Looking For:

Engineer (Grade 7):

- 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 or completion of a qualified student co-op/internship program. - 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. - *ABET - Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

Engineer Sr. (Grade 8):

- 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; 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.

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.

- VP or above may waive the requirement for a degree from a university with an Non ABET accredited program

What You'll Get:

- Grade 7: $87,633 - $109,554

- Grade 8: $98,993 - $128,689

In addition to a competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.

Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do

At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!

American Electric Power (On-Site)

$87K- $128K / Year

#LI-Onsite

#AEPCareers

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

SP20-007

Compensation Range:

$85,081.00 - $124,940.00

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.

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It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.