P&C Field Technologist Associate, West Ohio

About the Role

American Electric Power is seeking a P&C Field Technologist Associate for its West Ohio operations. This is an entry-level position for new graduates.

Key Responsibilities

• Test, calibrate, and maintain fundamental protection and control devices and related equipment.
• Install, maintain, and operate power line carriers (PLC), tone, pilot wire, fiber, and associated P&C communications equipment.
• Respond to emergency call-outs and coordinate service restoration.
• Assist with switching at all voltage levels under supervision.
• Maintain test equipment and accurate records, reports, and drawings.
• Operate computer devices to test, calibrate, and retrieve data from protection & control devices.
• Assist in the installation, maintenance, and operation of relays, power line carrier sets, station SCADA, and communications equipment.
• Troubleshoot and repair electromechanical relays.
• Troubleshoot and repair microprocessor-based relays at the card level.
• Assist in diagnosing equipment failures and protection mis-operations, and recommend corrective actions.
• Ensure correct circuitry, installation, and operation of equipment before placing it in service.
• Read electrical schematics and compare them to physical installations.
• Record and analyze test readings to ensure performance within acceptable specifications.
• Perform basic fault analysis using oscillography data.
• Assist teams in the installation, testing, and commissioning of new P&C systems for capital projects.
• Assist in directing the activities of contract wiremen and other P&C field personnel.
• Assist a trip testing team.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (ABET accredited) or engineering technology (ABET accredited).
• Must successfully complete the Physical Abilities Test (PAT).
• Must be able to distinguish colors on a standard color blindness test.
• Working knowledge of current, potential, closing, and trip circuits.
• Working knowledge of materials like cable, lugs, and wire for protective relay and control circuits.
• Working knowledge of assembly, anchoring, and interchangeability of switchboard panel-support and through systems.
• Ability to read, understand, and correct electrical prints and diagrams.
• Ability to use hand tools.
• Ability to perform duties in an alert, safe, and business-like manner.
• Ability to deal with customers and employees courteously and professionally.
• Ability to interpret, analyze, and transmit facts graphically, orally, and in writing clearly and precisely.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license.
• Considerable travel and overtime may be required.
• Proficiency in computer devices for testing, calibration, and data retrieval.

Qualifications

• Entry-level position for new graduates.
• Ability to climb ladders and work at various heights.
• Ability to work outdoors and in confined spaces.
• Ability to switch station equipment energized up to 765kV using appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.
• Physical Demands: Light Work (exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally).

Work Locations

• Fostoria, Ohio (On-Site)
• Lima, Ohio (On-Site)

Compensation

• $30.52 / hour
• Compensation Range: $35.84 - $44.80