The Telecom Consultant is responsible for supporting and maintaining enterprise network infrastructure, including Cisco firewalls, routers, switches, and Arista switching platforms. This role provides operational support, implements network and security changes, troubleshoots network issues, and participates in a 24x7 on-call rotation supporting critical business services., * Learns and adheres to policies, procedures, standards, codes, and regulations relevant to assignments.

• Pursues Zero Harm.
• Develops knowledge of American Electric Power (AEP) networks, components, and facilities to enable more efficient and comprehensive responses to projects and problems.
• Under general direction of more experienced employees:
• prepares cost estimates for routine engineering assignments.
• perform documentation of project work using established guidelines.
• use approved applications and tools for projects as required to perform routine engineering tasks.
• Assists higher-level employees in handling well-defined routine projects and problems.
• Reviews and adheres to AEP’s budgeting and approval processes as part of annual planning, project planning and trouble response scenarios.
• Learns AEP’s organizational structure and specific role and responsibility of one’s individual organizational unit.
• Completes other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

Network Support

• Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Cisco routers and switches.
• Configure and support Arista switches.
• Monitor network performance, availability, and reliability.
• Support network upgrades, maintenance activities, and technology deployments.
• Maintain network documentation and diagrams.

Routing and Switching

• Support Layer 2 and Layer 3 networking technologies, including:
• VLANs
• STP
• EtherChannel
• OSPF
• BGP
• EIGRP
• HSRP/VRRP
• QoS

Firewall Administration

• Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Cisco firewall platforms.
• Implement and manage firewall Access Control Lists (ACLs).
• Support firewall rule changes, NAT, VPNs, and security policies.
• Review and validate firewall requests to ensure compliance with security standards.
• Troubleshoot firewall-related connectivity and security issues.

Operations and Incident Response

• Participate in a 24x7 on-call rotation supporting critical network infrastructure.
• Respond to and resolve network outages, incidents, and service disruptions.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Support maintenance windows and emergency changes during off-hours as needed.
• Coordinate with vendors, carriers, and internal teams during incident response activities.

• Experience with Cisco ASA, Firepower, or Secure Firewall products.
• Experience with network monitoring tools such as SolarWinds.
• Experience with Wireshark or similar packet analysis tools.
• Knowledge of network automation tools including Python, Ansible, or PowerShell.
• Experience supporting utility, operational technology (OT), or critical infrastructure networks.

Preferred Certifications

• CCNA or CCNP
• Cisco Security Certifications
• Arista ACE-A or higher
• CompTIA Network+ or Security Key Competencies
• Network troubleshooting and problem resolution
• Cisco and Arista network administration
• Firewall and ACL management
• Incident response and outage management
• Change management and documentation
• Customer service and teamwork
• Ability to work effectively in a 24x7 operational support environment

This role is focused on maintaining secure, reliable network services through hands-on support of Cisco routing, switching, firewall technologies, ACL implementation, and Arista switching platforms.

What we’re looking for:

Telecom Consultant Assc

Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, engineering technology, computer science, telecommunications, or related field of study or Associate’s degree in field mentioned above with 2 years of relevant work experience or HS diploma/GED with 4 years of relevant work experience required.

Experience: No additional experience, other than what is listed above, is required.

Licenses/Certifications :Valid Driver’s License is Required.

Telecom Consultant

Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, engineering technology, computer science, telecommunications, or related field of study or Associate’s degree in field mentioned above with 2 years of relevant work experience or HS diploma/GED with 4 years of relevant work experience required.

Experience: 2 years of relevant work experience in addition to any experience mentioned above.

Licenses/Certifications: Valid Driver’s License is Required.

Telecom Consultant Sr

Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, engineering technology, computer science, telecommunications, or related field of study or Associate’s degree in field mentioned above with 2 years of relevant work experience or HS diploma/GED with 4 years of relevant work experience required.

Experience :5 years of relevant work experience in addition to any experience mentioned above.

Licenses/Certifications: Valid Driver’s License Required.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Possess entry to basic level knowledge of communications technologies and inter-networking principles.
• Demonstrate competency in analytical techniques necessary to handle basic assignments. (e.g., by dividing the problem into component steps, and performing the analysis necessary to complete each step.)
• Exhibit fundamental understanding for pertinent telecom equipment, materials, systems and business processes.
• Use initiative in looking for opportunities and presenting new ideas and new approaches Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrate the ability to be a team player Relates to people in an open, friendly and sincere manner. Use initiative in looking for opportunities to increase job knowledge and technical skills.
• Develop decision making skills under guidance of higher level employees.
• Core Competencies: Continuous improvement, team player, assume positive intent, safety first focus, continuous learning, professionalism.
• Occasional travel required.

Telecom Consultant Assc-$74,551-$93,189

Telecom Consultant- $87,633-$109,544

Telecom Consultant Sr- $98,993-$128,689

In addition to a competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees .

Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do

At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company - we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you’re passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!

AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER (On-Site)

LI-Onsite

AEPCareers

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

SP20-007

Compensation Range:

$74,551.00 - $128,688.00