Distribution System Operations Real-Time Reliability Coordinator
American Electric Power
- Location
- New Albany, OH
- Work model
- On-Site
- Level
- Mid
- H-1B history
- 16 approvals (FY2023)
- Posted
- Aug 19, 2026
About this role
Job Posting End Date 08-31-2026 Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.
Job Summary
The DSO Real-Time Reliability Coordinator provides real-time evaluation and coordination of DER impacts to support reliable DDC operations. This role works across DDCs, the SCC, Transmission, engineering, planning, applications, and external stakeholders to identify reliability risks, communicate system constraints, recommend mitigation strategies, and support DER-enabled grid services. The Coordinator level is expected to perform core duties with increasing independence while helping mature DSO operational models, tools, documentation, and coordination practices.
Job Description
What you’ll do: Monitor, assess, and communicate real-time impacts of DERs/DERAs on distribution system reliability, including voltage, loading, protection coordination, backfeed, and operating limits. Coordinate with DDCs, SCC, Transmission, and other partners to incorporate DER impacts into switching, restoration, planned work, grid services, and other real-time operating actions. Identify DER-related system constraints, emerging reliability risks, and mitigation strategies; communicate recommendations clearly during normal and critical system conditions. Perform real-time and look-ahead reliability assessments and contingency analyses to support operational decision-making. Support DER/DERA grid service operations, including voltage support, load management, restoration support, resiliency applications, and evolving FERC Order 2222/market participation needs. Maintain accurate operational records and support process, tool, and documentation improvements for DERMS, ADMS, distribution automation, FLISR, Volt/VAR, and related capabilities. What we’re looking for: DSO Real Time Reliability Coord SG6 Education: Two (2) year Technical degree in Electrical/Electronic engineering or equivalent OR High School and two (2) years experience operating a civil or military power system This job requires "recommended" test results from HireVue Dispatcher Worker Virtual Job Tryout. This assessment is completed online, is untimed, and typically takes about 45 minutes to complete. Please refer to the Employment Test Prep section of our website https://www.aep.com/careers/testprep/.
Experience
In addition to the experience requirements included in the education requirements, Six (6) months or more experience in distribution operations, transmission operations, dispatching, system operations, reliability coordination, DER operations, technical customer support/service, or another relevant utility operations capacity. External experience in dispatching, system operations, or reliability coordination will be evaluated. Must satisfactorily complete all required training, qualification requirements, and testing to progress to the next level within the DSO Real-Time Reliability Coordinator progression framework within the established timeframe or vacate the position. License/Certifications: Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license. DSO Real Time Reliability Coordinator Senior SG7 Education: Two (2) year Technical degree in Electrical/Electronic engineering or equivalent OR High School and two (2) years experience operating a civil or military power system. This job requires "recommended" test results from HireVue Dispatcher Worker Virtual Job Tryout. This assessment is completed online, is untimed, and typically takes about 45 minutes to complete. Please refer to the Employment Test Prep section of our website https://www.aep.com/careers/testprep/.
Experience
In addition to the experience requirements included in the education requirements, Two (2) years or more experience in distribution operations, transmission operations, dispatching, system operations, reliability coordination, DER operations, technical customer support/service, or another relevant utility operations capacity. External experience in