Distribution DER Program Engineer-Principal

Job Posting End Date 08-14-2026 Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

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.

What You'll Do: The Distribution Modeling and Analysis Department is seeking a motivated team member to perform the engineering functions of the Distribution Distributed Energy Resource (DER) Program group. The team is looking to expand as the complexity of the interconnection process grows with the increasing integration of DERs, the adoption of DER aggregation, and evolving regulatory requirements. Candidates with experience in DER Interconnections, Distribution Planning, Distribution Engineering, Transmission functions, or Regulatory support are encouraged to apply. Ability to read and interpret both regulatory interconnection requirements and technical documentation (electrical one-lines, equipment specification sheets, etc.) are key functions of this role. Familiarity with PowerClerk is desired, though candidates without these skills are still encouraged to apply.   Key responsibilities include: Evaluating new technologies and participating in industry forums related to DER for the Distribution Planning and Analysis function. Developing and maintaining AEP Distribution’s DER interconnection policies, standards and requirements; including AEP Distribuition’s DER Technical Interconnection and Interoperability Requirements (TIIR). Leading efforts to enhance and automate DER interconnection capabilities. Supporting the development and implementation of federal, state, and RTO level interconnection requirements. Identifying and clearly documenting process and software changes needed to support evolving technical and regulatory requirements. Providing regulatory and policy support regarding issues related to DER interconnections and operations. Functioning as the technical lead for enhancements to key internal software tools including PowerClerk. Collaborating with Distribution/Transmission Planning, DER interconnection, Operating Company, and Operations Engineering, IRP, and Economic Forecasting teams. 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