Designer

American Electric Power Co.; Roanoke (VA); Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power is seeking a Designer Staff to lead design drawing development and the coordination of engineering sketches in accordance with company standards. You will mentor other designers, provide expert guidance, and ensure high-quality deliverables across complex projects.

Responsibilities include scoping drawing packages, performing peer reviews for safety and compliance, coordinating vendor specs, and contributing to QA/QC across the department.

Qualifications

• AAS in drafting/CAD with 12+ years of related experience, or high school diploma with 16 years in electric utility drafting.
• Expert level skills in drafting symbols and color discernment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and coordinate design drawings and sketches following AEP standards.
• Mentor and coach Designers; facilitate knowledge transfer and training.
• Scope and develop drawing packages for specialized projects with minimal guidance.
• Perform peer reviews for quality, safety, constructability and standards compliance.
• Ensure QA/QC processes are followed on all design packages.
• Provide technical guidance and direction to assigned staff.
• Create analyses, calculations, and cost estimates as needed.
• Lead development of standards/projects per AEP, NEC, NESC, NERC standards.
• Coordinate vendor activities and review equipment specifications.

Skills

Mentoring others

Technical guidance

Quality control

Vendor coordination

Education

AAS in drafting/CAD

High school + 16 years experience

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Job Summary

The Designer Staff will be responsible for the preparation, development, and coordination of maps, sketches, layouts, diagrams, schematics, and other engineering-related drawings. This position will also serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in design and engineering, providing technical guidance and mentoring to other designers. The Designer Staff will ensure effective planning, organization, and successful execution of design activities while maintaining high-quality deliverables and compliance with relevant standards and regulations.

Job Description

What You’ll Do:

• Develop and coordinate design drawings and sketches, ensuring adherence to AEP engineering and design standards.
• Serve as a technical mentor and coach to other Designers in their group, facilitating knowledge transfer and training programs.
• Possess the ability to scope and develop drawing packages for specialized projects with minimal engineering guidance based on your expert knowledge of the system (bus configurations, one line diagram and layouts) and implementing, integrating and coordinating AEP design standards.
• Perform peer reviews on all projects executed by the department to ensure quality, safety, constructability and compliance, and the application of established design practices.
• Perform/ensure Quality assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) processes are being followed on all design packages.
• Plan and design activities, providing technical guidance and direction to assigned staff as required.
• Create and analyze calculations, conduct design and engineering studies, and prepare material and cost estimates as required.
• Lead the development and checking of standards/projects in accordance with applicable AEP, NEC, NESC, and NERC Standards.
• Coordinate vendor-related activities, including the preparation and review of detailed equipment specifications and guidelines.
• Possess expert knowledge of AEP Design Standards, procurement processes, and CAD Utilization Tools.
• Check manufacturers' drawings and shop details, recommending changes and ensuring they meet AEP Engineering and Design practices.
• Submit progress reports on the status of projects.
• Promote and support the Company's Accident Prevention and Safety and Health programs.
• Demonstrate ethical behavior and support AEP Corporate Compliance policies.

What We’re Looking For

Education requirements are listed below:

• Associate degree in applied science (AAS) in drafting and computer aided design (CAD) or in civil, electrical or mechanical engineering technology and a minimum of 12 years of experience including experience with AEP standards and design practices.
• Equivalent experience without AAS degree: high school graduate and 16 years of experience in electric utility and/or related industrial drafting and/or computer aided drafting work.

Other:

• Physical demand level is Sedentary.
• Possess the technical expertise and work independently with minimal direction with the communication skills needed to facilitate, coordinate and direct complicated activities beyond your group.
• Serve as mentor and develop/deliver training for younger employees and perform as overall department or group design lead performing peer reviews of projects including the application of standards during scoping and estimating.
• Must possess expert level skills in working with conventional drafting symbols and drafting methods and can distinguish colors.

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade: SP20-004

Compensation Range: $25.99 - $52.67

Physical Demand Level

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.

Company Culture

At American Electric Power, we provide more than electricity to our millions of customers – we energize possibilities. We’re redefining the future of energy by reducing our carbon footprint, empowering the communities we serve and building an engaged, talented workforce. All while delivering the reliable service our customers expect. It’s an exciting time in the energy industry. Are you ready to be part of it? We’re looking for team members to help create the grid of the future. Learn more about our commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive work culture that values different experiences.