P&C Field Technologist Associate

Job Posting End Date

06-11-2025

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

Job Summary

The power of AEP comes from our valued team of unique employees….the best in the business! We’re proud to be one of the largest electric energy companies in the U.S., powering over 5 million homes and businesses, spanning across 11 states. We’re passionate about making an innovative difference in the communities we serve. We’re powering the future – today!

Job Description

What you’ll do:

As a P&C Field Technologist Associate, a position in Protection & Control (P&C), is key to keeping the electrical power grid safe and reliable.  As the title implies, P&C is responsible for performing work associated with the programming, operation, testing and maintenance of fundamental protection and control devices and related equipment. P&C’s primary focus is understanding control circuitry and utilizing computer-based testing and analysis of devices and equipment that includes but is not limited to digital relays, electromechanical relays, intelligent electronic devices, Station Disturbance Recorders (SDR), digital fault recorders (DFR), system event recorders, Remote Terminal Units (RTU's) and station SCADA systems (dispatcher remote control systems), statistical load metering, telemetering and potential/current transducers. Additionally, will maintain and operate all power line carriers (PLC), tone, pilot wire, fiber and associated P&C communications equipment. Within the discipline of P&C, will occasionally respond to emergency callouts at electrical substations and coordinate prompt restoration of service to customers as required.

This list is not intended to limit assignment of work or the degree of supervision under all operating conditions. Employee may perform miscellaneous, related, and incidental work in addition to that specifically outlined below.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Test fundamental protection & control devices and equipment periodically and as required.
• Calibrate fundamental protection & control devices and equipment on a pre-established schedule and as required.
• Assist with switching at all voltage levels under the direction of the proper Dispatching Authority.
• Maintain test equipment in good working order.
• Maintain accurate records, reports and drawings as required.
• Operate a computer device to test, calibrate, and retrieve data from protection & control devices.
• Assist in the installation, maintenance, and operation of all relays, power line carrier sets, station SCADA, and associated communications equipment or cables as assigned.
• Troubleshoot and repair fundamental electromechanical relays.
• Troubleshoot and repair microprocessor based relays at the card level, such as replacing power supplies, communications cards, I/O cards, etc.
• Assist with the diagnosis of equipment failures, protection mis-operations, and assist with corrective action to perform repairs and prevent recurrence.
• Ensure the circuitry, installation and operation of equipment is correct prior to placing equipment in service. Read electrical schematics and determine that the physical installation at the site is electrically equivalent to the schematic. Record test readings and results and determine they are within acceptable specifications and thus the physical installation will perform as per the design.
• Basic fault analysis: obtain oscillography data to determine if the protective devices operated as per their issued relay settings.
• Assisting a team in the installation, testing, and commissioning of new P&C systems for capital construction projects. Assist the on-site technical lead with directing the activities of contract wireman and the activities of other P&C field personnel assigned to their project.
• Assist a trip testing team
• While most work is performed within climate-controlled facilities, P&C has occasional activities requiring work to be performed outdoors in both summer and winter conditions. 

What we’re looking for:

COMPETENCIES/TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY:

• Possesses technical to entry level knowledge acquired from a bachelor’s degree in an ABET accredited engineering technology program.
• demonstrates the ability to perform with proper guidance special technical functions required in the relevant area of assignment.
• gains familiarity with standards, codes, and regulations relevant to the area of assignment.
• gains familiarity with pertinent equipment, materials, systems, and business processes.
• assists higher level employees in handling well defined portions of routine problems.

PLANNING AND ORGANIZATION ABIL