Transmission & Distribution Planning Engineer

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AES’s US Transmission and Distribution (T&D) businesses in Indiana and Ohio are seeking a Planning Engineer to develop long-term maintenance and investment project plans to be included in the capital budget. Under general supervision, the Planning Engineer will be responsible for developing the scope, estimate, key materials, real estate / right of way (ROW) needs, permits, outage requirements, and schedule of assigned projects. Assigned projects will include primarily capital investments including asset replacements, maintenance, customer growth, Smart Grid, renewable energy integration, and general operations. This position will own assigned projects from conception through budget authorization where they will be transitioned to a Detailed Engineering & Execution team. The Planning Engineer will interface with business stakeholders in Reliability, Operations, Regulatory, and Finance to build the business case and calculate the financial return and risk mitigation of assigned projects using a value framework. The Planning Engineer will contribute to the overall CapEx budget submission for the US Utilities and the optimization of the project portfolio using AES’s planning system, Copperleaf Portfolio.

Main Responsibilities:

- Develop scope, cost estimates, and schedules for capital investment projects, including asset replacements, maintenance, customer growth, Smart Grid initiatives, and renewable energy integration.

- Prepare detailed work plans for Engineering, Operations, and Project Management teams.

- Manage real estate, right-of-way (ROW), environmental permitting, and regulatory filings.

- Identify outage and operational requirements for assigned projects.

- Collaborate with external engineering firms, consultants, vendors, and manufacturers.

- Apply industry standards and automation practices in project development.

- Build business cases using inputs from Reliability, Operations, Regulatory, and Finance teams.

- Evaluate strategic alternatives and investment opportunities; prepare supporting analysis and materials.

- Validate budget submissions through the Technical Review Process.

- Apply Management of Change and Asset Governance protocols for equipment and system modifications.

- Coach and train team members on AES’s Capital Planning Process and Copperleaf C55 system.

Conduct site visits and represent the company in meetings with community stakeholders.

Qualifications:

- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or Finance; or 5+ years of relevant industry/project management experience.

- Certifications: Professional Engineering License or PMP certification preferred.

- Experience: Background in T&D project design and construction is a plus.

- Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365; experience with SAP and Copperleaf C55 is advantageous.

- Project Management: Proven ability to lead projects from concept to budget authorization.

- Industry Knowledge: Understanding of regulated T&D utility operations; familiarity with Smart Grid and DER integration is a plus.

- Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills; experience presenting to senior leadership.

- Leadership: Demonstrated ability to drive process improvements and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

- Languages: English required; Spanish is a plus.

- Travel: Less than 10%.

AES is an Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed to building strength and delivering long-term sustainability through diversity and inclusion. Respecting all backgrounds, differences and perspectives enables us to improve the lives of our people, customers, suppliers, contractors, and the communities in which we live and work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, race, national origin, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. E-Verify Notice: AES will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.