How to Apply to AES

8 min read Last updated March 7, 2026 52 open positions
Blake Crosley
Blake Crosley Researched using publicly available information, hiring data, and ATS analysis.

Key Takeaways

  • AES maintains a relatively small number of active U.S. job openings at any given time (often around 10), so monitor the careers page regularly and apply promptly when a matching role appears.
  • Tailor every application specifically to the job description — with fewer openings, each application receives more individual attention, making customization even more important than at high-volume employers.
  • Emphasize utility industry experience and regulatory knowledge (NERC, FERC, state PUC) prominently on your resume, as these are foundational to most AES roles.
  • Demonstrate alignment with AES's clean energy transformation strategy — even for traditional utility roles, showing enthusiasm for renewables and innovation signals strong cultural fit.
  • Ensure your Workday profile is complete and accurate, as AES recruiters may search the candidate database for future opportunities beyond the specific role you applied for.
  • Prepare for interviews by researching AES's recent projects, sustainability commitments, and strategic initiatives — this knowledge demonstrates genuine interest and helps you ask informed questions.
  • Highlight safety credentials and experience prominently, as safety culture is a core value in the electric utility industry and at AES specifically.
  • Be patient but proactive — utility companies often have thorough hiring processes due to regulatory and safety requirements, so timelines may be longer than in other industries.

About AES

AES Corporation is a Fortune 500 global energy company headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, operating across 15 countries with approximately 11,000 employees. Founded in 1981, AES has evolved from a traditional power generation company into a leader in the clean energy transition, with significant investments in renewable energy, battery storage, and innovative energy solutions. The company operates through its subsidiaries, including AES Clean Energy, AES Indiana, AES Ohio, and other regional utilities. AES is widely recognized for its commitment to sustainability, having set ambitious decarbonization targets and becoming one of the largest developers of renewable energy projects globally. The company culture emphasizes innovation, safety, diversity, and a people-first philosophy, with a strong focus on accelerating the future of energy. AES has been recognized on various 'Best Places to Work' lists and is known for offering competitive compensation packages alongside meaningful work in the energy transition space. With a relatively lean workforce for its scale of operations, AES values efficiency, cross-functional collaboration, and employees who can drive impact across the organization.

Application Process

  1. 1
    Explore Open Positions on the AES Careers Portal

    Begin by visiting the AES careers page hosted on Workday (aes.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/AES_US). Browse available positions by keyword, location, or job category. AES typically maintains a focused set of openings — at any given time there may be around 10 or fewer active U.S. postings — so it's important to check regularly and act quickly when a relevant role appears. Review each job description carefully, noting required qualifications, preferred skills, and location details. Many roles span utilities operations, engineering, compliance, IT, real estate, and corporate functions.

  2. 2
    Create or Log Into Your Workday Candidate Profile

    AES uses Workday as its applicant tracking system, so you'll need to create a candidate profile to apply. You can typically sign in using an existing Workday account, LinkedIn, or create a new account with your email. Complete your profile thoroughly, including work history, education, certifications, and skills. Workday allows you to upload your resume, which the system may attempt to auto-parse into structured fields — always review and correct any parsing errors before submitting. Having a complete profile also makes it easier to apply for future AES openings.

  3. 3
    Tailor Your Resume and Submit Your Application

    Before submitting, customize your resume to align with the specific job description. Mirror key terminology from the posting — for example, if the role mentions 'NERC compliance,' 'reliability engineering,' or 'revenue protection,' ensure those exact phrases appear in your resume where truthfully applicable. Upload your tailored resume and complete all required application fields. Some positions may include screening questions or require additional documents such as cover letters, certifications, or transcripts. Answer all screening questions honestly and completely, as these are commonly used for initial candidate filtering.

  4. 4
    Initial Screening and Recruiter Review

    After submission, your application will typically go through an initial screening process. This commonly involves both automated keyword and qualification matching within Workday and a manual review by an AES recruiter or hiring manager. Given AES's relatively small number of open positions at any time, the review process may be more personalized than at larger-volume employers. Recruiters typically look for alignment between your experience and the role's core requirements, relevant industry certifications (such as PE licenses for engineering roles or NERC certifications for compliance positions), and cultural fit indicators. You may receive an email or phone call to schedule an initial screening conversation.

  5. 5
    Interview Rounds

    Candidates who pass initial screening are commonly invited to participate in one or more interview rounds. Based on patterns reported by applicants, AES interviews may include a phone or video screening with HR, followed by technical or behavioral interviews with the hiring manager and team members. For specialized roles like Reliability Engineer or NERC Compliance Lead, expect technical assessments or scenario-based questions related to utility operations, regulatory frameworks, or engineering principles. Panel interviews are also common for mid-level and senior positions. Virtual interviews via platforms like Microsoft Teams are frequently used, especially for initial rounds.

  6. 6
    Background Check, Offer, and Onboarding

    Successful candidates typically undergo a background check, which for a utility company commonly includes criminal history, employment verification, education verification, and potentially drug screening. Certain roles — particularly those involving security (e.g., Security Officer) or critical infrastructure access — may require additional clearances or more extensive background investigations. Once cleared, you'll receive a formal offer with details on compensation, benefits, and start date. AES onboarding commonly includes orientation sessions covering safety protocols, company culture, compliance training, and role-specific introductions, reflecting the company's emphasis on safety and regulatory adherence in the utilities sector.

Resume Tips for AES

critical

Incorporate Utility Industry Terminology

AES operates in the electric utilities sector, so your resume should reflect familiarity with industry-specific language. Include terms like 'grid reliability,' 'power generation,' 'transmission and distribution (T&D),' 'load forecasting,' 'NERC standards,' 'FERC regulations,' 'energy storage,' 'renewable integration,' and 'outage management' where relevant to your experience. This not only helps with Workday's keyword matching but also signals to hiring managers that you understand the industry context.

critical

Highlight Regulatory and Compliance Experience

Given AES's roles in NERC compliance, internal audit, and revenue protection, demonstrating experience with regulatory frameworks is highly valuable. If you've worked with NERC CIP standards, SOX compliance, FERC regulations, state utility commission requirements, or internal audit methodologies (COSO, IIA standards), make these prominent on your resume. Specify which standards you've worked with and quantify your impact — for example, 'Led NERC CIP compliance program across 12 generation facilities with zero audit findings over 3-year period.'

critical

Use a Clean, ATS-Friendly Format

Workday's resume parser works best with straightforward formatting. Use standard section headers (Professional Experience, Education, Skills, Certifications), avoid tables, text boxes, columns, headers/footers, and complex graphics. Stick to common fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Save your file as a .docx or .pdf (Workday typically accepts both). Ensure your contact information is in the body of the document, not in a header or footer, as these areas are sometimes skipped during parsing.

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Quantify Achievements with Metrics Relevant to Utilities

AES values measurable impact. Instead of listing duties, quantify your accomplishments using metrics that resonate in the utilities space: megawatts managed, percentage improvement in system reliability (SAIDI/SAIFI), cost savings from efficiency programs, number of facilities or assets overseen, audit findings resolved, or safety incident reduction rates. For example, 'Improved substation reliability by 15% through implementation of predictive maintenance program across 45 substations' is far more compelling than 'Responsible for substation maintenance.'

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Showcase Safety Culture and Certifications

Safety is paramount in the utilities industry, and AES is no exception. Include any safety-related certifications (OSHA 10/30, NFPA 70E, First Aid/CPR), safety leadership experience, or contributions to safety programs. If you've achieved zero-incident milestones or led safety improvement initiatives, highlight these prominently. For engineering roles, include your PE license, FE certification, or relevant technical certifications. For IT and audit roles, certifications like CISA, CIA, CPA, or CISSP can be differentiators.

recommended

Demonstrate Alignment with Clean Energy Transition

AES has positioned itself as a leader in the energy transition, with major investments in renewables and battery storage. If you have experience with solar, wind, battery energy storage systems (BESS), green hydrogen, or other clean energy technologies, make this prominent on your resume. Even if applying for a traditional utility role, showing awareness of and enthusiasm for the clean energy transition can demonstrate cultural alignment with AES's strategic direction.

nice_to_have

Include a Targeted Professional Summary

Begin your resume with a 3-4 sentence professional summary tailored to the specific AES role. Reference the job title, your years of relevant experience, key technical competencies, and one or two standout achievements. For example: 'Reliability Engineer with 8+ years of experience in electric utility T&D operations, specializing in predictive maintenance, asset management, and NERC compliance. Proven track record of improving grid reliability metrics by 20% while reducing maintenance costs by $1.2M annually.' This gives both the ATS and human reviewers immediate context.

ATS System: Workday

AES uses Workday Recruiting as its applicant tracking system, hosted at aes.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com. Workday is one of the most widely used enterprise ATS platforms, known for its structured application process and integrated candidate management. When you apply, Workday parses your uploaded resume into structured data fields and stores your complete candidate profile. Recruiters and hiring managers can then search, filter, and rank candidates based on keywords, qualifications, location, and other criteria. Workday also powers the candidate communication workflow, so application status updates and interview scheduling typically come through the platform.

  • Always review and correct the auto-parsed fields after uploading your resume — Workday's parser sometimes misinterprets dates, job titles, or company names, and inaccurate parsed data can hurt your visibility in recruiter searches.
  • Complete all optional profile sections including skills, certifications, and languages, as recruiters commonly use these fields to filter candidates in Workday's search functionality.
  • Use exact keywords and phrases from the job description in your resume and profile — Workday's search and filtering tools rely heavily on keyword matching, so alignment with the job posting's language is essential.
  • Apply to each position individually rather than mass-applying — Workday tracks application history, and hiring teams can see all roles you've applied to, so targeted applications demonstrate genuine interest and focus.
  • Set up job alerts within the Workday portal to receive notifications when new AES positions matching your criteria are posted, which is especially important given AES's relatively small number of active openings at any given time.
  • Keep your Workday profile updated even after applying, as AES recruiters may search the candidate database for future openings and an up-to-date profile increases your chances of being discovered for roles you haven't directly applied to.

Complete Workday Resume Guide →

Interview Culture

AES's interview process typically reflects the company's values of innovation, safety, collaboration, and integrity.

Based on patterns commonly reported by candidates, the process generally begins with a recruiter phone screen lasting 20-30 minutes, focused on verifying qualifications, discussing salary expectations, assessing cultural fit, and confirming logistical details like location and availability. This is commonly followed by one or two rounds of more in-depth interviews with the hiring manager and relevant team members. For technical roles such as Reliability Engineer, Electrical Test Engineer, or NERC Compliance Lead, candidates should expect scenario-based technical questions that test practical knowledge of utility operations, regulatory standards, and problem-solving abilities. You might be asked to walk through how you'd approach a specific reliability issue, describe your experience with particular testing equipment or methodologies, or explain how you've navigated complex compliance requirements. For corporate and analytical roles like Internal Auditor, Revenue Protection Analyst, or Real Estate Specialist, behavioral interview questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) are commonly reported. Expect questions about cross-functional collaboration, handling ambiguity, managing competing priorities, and driving process improvements. AES's culture emphasizes a 'one team' mentality, so interviewers commonly assess how well candidates collaborate across functions and geographies. The company's commitment to the clean energy transition means interviewers may also gauge your passion for sustainability and innovation. Demonstrating awareness of AES's strategic initiatives — such as their renewable energy portfolio growth, battery storage projects, or decarbonization goals — can help you stand out. The overall interview atmosphere is commonly described as professional yet approachable, with interviewers genuinely interested in understanding your experience and potential contributions.

What AES Looks For

  • Deep technical expertise relevant to the specific role, whether in electrical engineering, utility operations, compliance, IT audit, or real estate management
  • Strong understanding of the electric utility regulatory environment, including NERC, FERC, and state-level utility commission requirements
  • Commitment to safety culture and demonstrated experience maintaining safe work practices in industrial or utility environments
  • Passion for and alignment with AES's clean energy transition strategy, including familiarity with renewable energy technologies and energy storage
  • Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively across functions, business units, and geographic locations in a global organization
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to use data to drive decisions and improve operational performance
  • Adaptability and comfort with change, reflecting AES's ongoing transformation from traditional utility to clean energy leader
  • Strong communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical or regulatory concepts to diverse stakeholders
  • Relevant professional certifications and licenses (PE, NERC certifications, CIA, CISA, etc.) that demonstrate commitment to professional development

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for a job at AES?
Visit the AES careers portal at aes.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/AES_US, browse available positions, and create a Workday candidate profile to submit your application. You can sign in with an existing Workday account, LinkedIn, or create a new account. Upload your tailored resume, complete all required fields, and answer any screening questions before submitting.
What ATS does AES use, and how should I optimize my application for it?
AES uses Workday as its applicant tracking system. To optimize your application, use a clean resume format without tables or complex graphics, include keywords from the job description, review all auto-parsed fields for accuracy after uploading your resume, and complete all optional profile sections including skills and certifications. Workday's search and filtering capabilities rely heavily on structured data and keyword matching.
What types of roles does AES typically hire for?
AES hires across a range of functions supporting its electric utility and clean energy operations. Common role categories include engineering (reliability, electrical test, power systems), regulatory compliance (NERC, environmental), IT and cybersecurity, internal audit and finance, operations and maintenance, real estate and facilities, security, and corporate functions. Roles span from entry-level assistants to senior specialists and leadership positions.
How long does the AES hiring process typically take?
While timelines vary by role and business unit, many candidates in the utilities industry report hiring processes lasting 4-8 weeks from application to offer. Utility companies like AES often have thorough vetting processes due to regulatory requirements, safety considerations, and the critical nature of infrastructure operations. Roles requiring security clearances or specialized background checks may take longer. You can typically track your application status through your Workday candidate portal.
Does AES offer remote or hybrid work options?
Work arrangements at AES vary significantly by role. Corporate, analytical, and IT positions may offer remote or hybrid flexibility, while operations, engineering, security, and field-based roles typically require on-site presence at specific facilities or locations. Each job posting on the Workday portal commonly specifies the work location and any flexibility available, so review this information carefully before applying.
What certifications or licenses are most valuable for AES positions?
Valuable certifications depend on the role. For engineering positions, a Professional Engineer (PE) license or Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) certification is commonly preferred. For compliance roles, NERC-specific certifications and training are highly relevant. Internal audit and IT audit roles commonly value CIA, CPA, CISA, or CISSP certifications. Safety certifications like OSHA 10/30 and NFPA 70E are broadly valuable across operational roles. Always check the specific job posting for required and preferred certifications.
How can I stand out as a candidate at AES?
To stand out, demonstrate both technical competence and alignment with AES's mission of accelerating the clean energy transition. Quantify your achievements with metrics relevant to utilities (reliability improvements, cost savings, compliance results), showcase relevant certifications, and express genuine enthusiasm for sustainable energy. Research AES's recent projects and strategic initiatives so you can speak knowledgeably about the company during interviews. Given the small number of open positions, a highly targeted and well-researched application carries significant weight.
Does AES hire entry-level candidates or recent graduates?
Yes, AES does post entry-level and junior positions, such as 'Assistant to Engineer, Jr' roles. The company also commonly participates in university recruiting and may offer internship or early career programs, though availability varies. Recent graduates should highlight relevant coursework, capstone projects, internships, and any utility industry exposure. Engineering graduates with EIT/FE certification and familiarity with power systems concepts are typically well-positioned for entry-level technical roles.

Sample Open Positions

Check Your Resume Before Applying → View 52 open positions at AES

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Sources

  1. AES Corporation Careers Page — AES Corporation
  2. AES Corporation Official Website - About Us — AES Corporation
  3. AES Corporation - Accelerating the Future of Energy — AES Corporation
  4. Workday Recruiting - How It Works for Candidates — Workday, Inc.
  5. AES Corporation Annual Report and Sustainability Information — AES Corporation