Telecom Apprentice

Job Posting End Date

10-19-2026 Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date

Job summary

The Telecom Technician Apprentice III is an entry-level apprentice position to gain practical work experience in the telecommunications field. The Apprentice III will assist with entry to basic level installation, maintenance, repair or replacement, testing, and inspection of various Telecommunications equipment, systems, and infrastructure. This role will work to gain knowledge and understanding of various Telecommunications technologies, business processes, and business partner requirements; and will work to gain knowledge of emerging technologies. The Apprentice III will perform these tasks under immediate supervision by a higher-level technician and will adhere to standard practices and procedures.

Job description

What you'll do

• Assist with entry to basic level installation, acceptance testing, and documentation of various Telecommunications related equipment and systems. (May assist in performing higher level work.)

Assist with entry to basic level troubleshooting and system testing, maintenance, and repair of electronic and optical equipment, infrastructure, and systems. (May assist in performing higher level work.)

• Maintain accurate records, reports, drawings, and other data required for all work performed. Maintain inventory.

Inspect and maintain test equipment, tools, automotive equipment and safety/protective equipment in good working order and compliance.

• Demonstrate the ability to read, understand, and update electronic and electrical prints, diagrams, and asset records related to Telecom equipment and technologies.
• Demonstrate the ability to operate tools and other equipment necessary to perform job duties.
• Assist others as requested or assigned.
• Perform all duties in accordance with the Company’s safety rules and operating regulations, NERC CIP and environmental compliance and practices.
• Respond to emergency callouts as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Successfully complete all assigned training.

The Technician Apprentice III must develop a working knowledge of entry to basic level technical support skills in at least one of the following technology examples, as assigned by leader:

• Transmission and Distribution station data networks, SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition), distribution automation systems, smart grids, and telecom for other utility systems.
• Generation and Renewables facilities telecom voice and data systems.
• Transport systems, such as microwave radio, fiber optic, and other transport/wireless systems.
• Land Mobile Radio System: P25 site electronics and mobile radio installation, support and programming, and RF antenna systems.
• Fiber optic cables, fiber splicing, testing, and termination/connecting methods.
• AC/DC electrical power systems, including basic understanding of circuits and components of distribution and transmission stations and networks.
• Telecom wiring and cabling requirements, installation methods, and industry standard practices.
• Networking systems that include routers, switches, wireless access points, and related devices.
• Infrastructure support equipment and facilities such as DC chargers/rectifiers, batteries, UPS systems, generators, transfer panels, security and monitoring, HVAC, grounding and signal cabling, site access roads, site yards, fences and gates, shelters, towers, and antenna systems.
• Specialized support of centers such as transmission and distribution dispatch centers and control centers, customer call centers, data centers and other specialized locations.

What we're looking for

Note: This position is posted at multiple grade levels and offers a range of opportunities for advancement. The minimum qualifications outlined below apply to the Telecommunications Apprentice level, with increased educational, skill, experience and certification requirements for Telecommunications Technicians.

Telecom Apprentice III

• Minimum High school diploma or GED.  Prefer Associate degree, or equivalent 2-year technical degree, in electrical engineering technology, electronic technology, or related technology field; or military training/experience in related technology field.
• Must demonstrate ability to understand and aptitude to learn entry level technical support skills.  This is an entry-level position.

Additional requirements

• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license.
• Exhibit AEP competencies that are always expected of every employee. A positive attitude, respectful behavior, and genuine support for teammates and leaders are necessary.
• A strong electronics / telecommunications aptitude is desired and essential to success.
• Overnight travel and daily travel for work as required.
• Be adaptable to work schedules and priorities that may change.
• Be available for call-out and planned overtime as necessary to support our 24x7 operation.
• Demonstrate computer and application skills needed to perform assigned Telecom work and documentation. Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.
• Physical demand level is Heavy, and may include lifting, carrying, and installing/removing heavy items up to 60 lbs. such as electronic and optical equipment, racks, test equipment, tools, cables and terminals, and other items required to support projects and operational activities at all job locations.

Telecom Technician C

• Associate degree, or equivalent 2-year technical degree, in electrical engineering technology, electronic technology, or related technology field; or military training/experience in related technology field;
• or High school diploma with a minimum 3 years of related work experience or industry knowledge.

Additional requirements

• Must demonstrate knowledge of basic level technical support skills equivalent to a Telecom Technician Apprentice I and have a minimum of 3 years of technical work experience in addition to education requirement.
• For internal candidates (AEP Employees) Only: Must have a minimum of 1 year of satisfactory work experience, equivalent to, or as a Telecom Technician Apprentice I. Must have successfully completed all required training for the previous job level; and demonstrated/successfully tested the knowledge, skills, and capabilities required of an experienced Telecom Technician Apprentice I.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license.
• Exhibit AEP competencies that are always expected of every employee. A positive attitude, respectful behavior, and genuine support for teammates and leaders are necessary.
• A strong electronics / telecommunications aptitude is desired and essential to success.
• Overnight travel and daily travel for work as required.
• Be adaptable to work schedules and priorities that may change.
• Be available for call-out and planned overtime as necessary to support our 24x7 operation.
• Demonstrate computer and application skills needed to perform assigned Telecom work and documentation. Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.
• Physical demand level is Heavy, and may include lifting, carrying, and installing/removing heavy items up to 60 lbs. such as electronic and optical equipment, racks, test equipment, tools, cables and terminals, and other items required to support projects and operational activities at all job locations.

Telecom Technician B

• Associate degree, or equivalent 2-year technical degree, in electrical engineering technology, electronic technology, or related technology field; or military training/experience in related technology field; or
• High school diploma with a minimum 5 years of related work experience or industry knowledge.
• Must demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills as a qualifying Telecom Technician C and have a minimum of 5 years of technical work experience in addition to education requirement.

For internal candidates (AEP Employees) Only: Must have a minimum of 2 years of satisfactory work experience, equivalent to, or as a Telecom Technician C (steps C2 and C1). Must have successfully completed all required training for the previous job level; and demonstrated/successfully tested the knowledge, skills, and capabilities required of an experienced Telecom Technician C.

Additional requirements

• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license.
• Exhibit AEP competencies are always expected of every employee. A positive attitude, respectful behavior, and genuine support for teammates and leaders are necessary.
• A strong electronics / telecommunications aptitude is desired and essential to success.
• Overnight travel and daily travel for work as required.
• Assist in adjusting resource demands as required.
• Be available for call-out and planned overtime as necessary to support our 24x7 operation.
• Demonstrate computer and application skills needed to perform assigned Telecom work and documentation. Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.
• Physical demand level is Heavy, and may include lifting, carrying, and installing/removing heavy items up to 60 lbs. such as electronic and optical equipment, racks, test equipment, tools, cables and terminals, and other items required to support projects and operational activities at all job locations.

Telecom Technician A

• Associate degree, or equivalent 2-year technical degree, in electrical engineering technology, electronic technology, or related technology field; or military training/experience in related technology field; or
• High school diploma with a minimum 6 years of related work experience or industry knowledge.
• Must demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills as a qualifying Telecom Technician B and must have at least 6 years of technical work experience in addition to education requirement.

For internal candidates (AEP Employees) Only: Must have a minimum of 1 year of satisfactory work experience, equivalent to, or as a Telecom Technician B. Must have successfully completed all required training for the previous job level; and demonstrated/successfully tested the knowledge, skills, and capabilities required of an experienced Telecom Technician B.

Additional Requirements

• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license.
• Exhibit AEP competencies that are always expected of every employee. A positive attitude, respectful behavior, and genuine support for teammates and leaders are necessary.
• A strong electronics / telecommunications aptitude is desired and essential to success.
• Overnight travel and daily travel for work as required.
• Assist in adjusting resource demands as required.
• Be available for call-out and planned overtime as necessary to support our 24x7 operation.
• Demonstrate computer and application skills needed to perform assigned Telecom work and documentation. Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.
• Physical demand level is Heavy, and may include lifting, carrying, and installing/removing heavy items up to 60 lbs. such as electronic and optical equipment, racks, test equipment, tools, cables and terminals, and other items required to support projects and operational activities at all job locations.

Preferred Qualifications: Progressive experience supporting telecommunications infrastructure, including Cisco networking, fiber optic systems, L3Harris P25 radio networks, and DWDM/optical transport technologies (Ciena, Nokia, or Ribbon). CCNA and/or CompTIA Network+ certifications are preferred. Successful candidates will possess strong troubleshooting skills, technical aptitude, and the ability to work independently while supporting a variety of telecom systems and technologies.

What you'll get

In addition to base salary, AEP offers competitive total rewards including: discretionary annual/long-term incentives, 401(k), pension, health insurance, vacation, educational assistance, etc.

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