Civil/Structural Engineer Principal/New Generation

American Electric Power; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 116,000 - 151,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power seeks a Civil/Structural Engineer Principal SG9 to support gas, coal, renewable, and new-generation power projects. You will establish design basis requirements and oversee civil and structural engineering across development, EPC, commissioning, and operation.

You will work with A/E firms, EPC contractors, OEMs, and internal stakeholders to ensure designs meet performance, safety, and regulatory standards while contributing to RFx activities and lifecycle asset planning.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of related engineering experience with ABET-accredited degree.
• 6 years with a Master's or PhD in engineering (ABET program) preferred.
• PE license in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop civil and structural design criteria, standards, and specifications.
• Review analyses, calculations, drawings, and construction deliverables.
• Support site grading, drainage, foundations, and utilities.
• Coordinate interfaces across geotechnical, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and I&C.
• Review OEM and vendor loads, anchorage, and installation constraints.
• Support permitting, environmental compliance, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide construction support including RFIs, inspections, and QA/QC.
• Support lifecycle asset management and project estimates/schedules.

Skills

Civil/Structural design knowledge

Site development & earthwork

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Communication & technical writing

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

Master's or PhD in engineering

PE license (preferred)

Job description

Job Posting End Date

10-02-2026

Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

The Civil/Structural Engineer will support gas, coal, renewable, and new-generation power projects by establishing design basis requirements and providing civil and structural engineering oversight throughout project development, engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and operation. Responsibilities include site development, grading, drainage, foundations, structural steel, buildings, equipment supports, roads, utilities, and other plant infrastructure.

This role works closely with A/E firms, EPC contractors, OEMs, and internal stakeholders to ensure designs meet performance, reliability, constructability, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements while supporting RFx activities, self-build projects, and long-term asset management.

Job Description

What you’ll do:

Key Responsibilities

• Develop civil and structural design criteria, standards, and specifications.
• Perform and review analyses, calculations, drawings, specifications, and construction deliverables.
• Support site grading, drainage, stormwater management, foundations, structural steel, buildings, roads, paving, and utilities.
• Coordinate geotechnical, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and I&C interfaces.
• Review OEM and vendor equipment loads, anchorage, installation constraints, and support requirements.
• Support permitting, environmental compliance, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Provide construction support including RFIs, inspections, QA/QC, shop drawing review, NCR resolution, and as-built documentation.
• Evaluate retrofit and modification projects and support lifecycle asset management planning.
• Support project estimates, schedules, procurement activities, and technical evaluations.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of structural steel, reinforced concrete, foundations, site development, drainage, stormwater, earthwork, and utility systems.
• Knowledge of applicable industry codes and standards (AISC, ACI, ASCE, IBC, AWS, NPDES/SWPPP, etc.).
• Familiarity with geotechnical engineering principles, hydrologic/hydraulic analysis, construction practices, and power plant infrastructure.
• Strong communication, technical writing, and cross-functional coordination skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and engineering document management systems.

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.

Leadership & Guidance:

Coordinates work activities of others within the work group, department, or other corporate entities 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 out opportunities and embrace new ideas and approaches.

Communication:

Develops, reviews, or presents technical reports such as improvement requisitions, studies, and analyses in as clear, concise and effective fashion.

Interpersonal Skills:

Is an active team member. Networks with peers inside and outside the AEP system. Identifies key stakeholders. Uses informal network to get things done. Resolves conflict, builds consensus.

Decision Making:

Makes decisions subject to review within established policies and procedures. Makes decisions that affect the work of the team. Aware of risks. Demonstrates the ability to extrapolate beyond known facts to reach logical conclusions.

Business Awareness & Characteristics:

Understands AEP's organizational structure and the specific role and responsibility of their individual organizational unit. Demonstrates an understanding of the budgeting and approval process. Is proficient in the application and use of economic analysis techniques in problem solving. Develops an understanding of utility regulation and financing.

What we’re looking for:

Engineer Principal SG9

Education/Experience:

• Has typically acquired 8 or more years of related engineering experience along with a Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET*;
• Or 6 years of related engineering experience along with a Master's or PhD in engineering from a program accredited by ABET*.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico** is preferred for this position unless approval to waive this requirement is given by the organization's EVP.

*ABET - Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

• Individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology can satisfy this degree requirement, if they obtain a certified Professional Engineering (PE) license.

Acceptable alternative:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (non-ABET) plus a Master's degree or PhD in engineering from a university with an ABET accredited Bachelor's program.
• ** Confirmation is preferred to ensure the PE obtained in Puerto Rico aligns with NCEES standards.

***VP or above may waive the requirement for a degree from a university with a Non ABET accredited program

Where you’ll work:

This role sits on site in Columbus Ohio, Shreveport, Louisiana, Tulsa, Oklahoma or Charleston, West Virginia

What you’ll get:

Engineer Principal SG9($116,255-$151,132)

In addition to 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)

$116K- $151K / Year

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

SP20-009

Compensation Range:

$116,255.00 - $151,132.50

The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S – Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.