Designer (Onsite in Corpus Christi, TX)

American Electric Power Co.; Corpus Christi, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power is seeking a Designer to perform computer aided drafting for maps, sketches, schematics and related drawings, with supervising oversight. The role involves clerical duties to document work in accordance with AEP requirements and supports engineering teams.

The position is posted for PCE - Protection and Control Engineering with opportunities for advancement; requires an AAS or equivalent, and four years of drafting experience in electric utilities or related industries,

Qualifications

• Associate degree in CAD drafting and/or civil/electrical/mechanical engineering technology or equivalent experience.
• Four years of drafting/CAD experience in electric utility or related industry (without AAS).
• Overtime and shift work may be required.
• Valid state driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Create, revise, and maintain engineering drawings and sketches.
• Support creation and maintenance of facilities and equipment documents and records.
• Acquire required information from verbal, drawings, field notes and vendors’ catalogs.
• Perform mathematical calculations as needed for assigned work.
• Operate CAD software and Microsoft Office tools proficiently.
• Coordinate with other Company organizations to ensure safe, efficient work.

Skills

CAD proficiency

Microsoft Office

Documentation

Education

AAS CAD drafting or engineering technology

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Job Summary

This position is a technical design/drafting role, and you'll perform daily work activities with general supervision. Work activities to be performed include: computer aided drafting to prepare maps, sketches, schematics and other engineering related drawings. The position includes associated clerical work to properly manage and document the work activities performed, as per AEP requirements for the position. The role is not an engineering role, however it does support engineering teams.

Job Description

This position is posted for the area of:

• PCE - Protection and Control Engineering

What you’ll do as a Designer:

• Create, revise and maintain engineering and record drawings, and sketches.
• Support the creation, revision, and maintenance of facilities and equipment documents; including but not limited to construction, equipment, property documents and records.
• Obtain information required to perform work from verbal communication, sketches, marked drawings, listings, field notes, vendors' catalogs and technical reference manuals and site visits.
• Perform mathematical calculations required to accomplish assigned work.
• Proficiency in the use of computer aided design software.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office software.
• Work with other organizations of the Company to coordinate the work and ensure that it is performed in a safe and efficient manner.
• Read vendors' prints, shop and other drawings and equipment operating instructions, and incorporate that information into the work being performed.
• Assist in training AEP employees in basic skills of the position.
• Promote and support the Company's Accident Prevention and Safety and Health programs.
• Demonstrate ethical behavior as outlined in the AEP corporate policies
• Support the AEP Corporate Compliance policies.
• Assume other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

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 Designer Assc level, with increased educational, skill or experience requirements for higher level Designers.

What We're Looking For:

Education requirements are listed below:

• Associate degree in applied science (AAS) drafting and computer aided design (CAD) or in civil, electrical or mechanical engineering technology, or relevant equivalent experience and/or education.

Work Experience requirement listed below:

• Equivalent experience without AAS degree - high school graduate and four (4) years of experience in electric utility and/or related industrial drafting and/or computer aided drafting work.

Other:

• Must be available to work overtime, call-out overtime and shift work, as required.
• Travel requirements are expected > 10 % of the time.
• Must be familiar with conventional drafting symbols and drafting methods and have the ability to distinguish colors.
• Must be able to operate a motor vehicle and possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.
• Must meet all vehicle operation requirements as designated by federal and/or state law.
• Occasional overnight travel to and work within a substation or power plant environment in obedience to all safety regulations and use of personal protection equipment.
• Physical demand level is Sedentary.

What You'll Get:

• $54,063 - $67,578 Designer
• $63,496 - $79,369 Designer Senior
• $74,551 - $ 93,189 Designer Specialist
• $87,633 - $109,544 Designer Principal

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!

#LI-Onsite

#AEPCareers

Compensation

$25.99 - $52.67

Physical Demands

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.

Share

Details

“AEP offers an outstanding group of people to be a part of. The AEP culture values your integrity and awards your hard work.”

This role is responsible to the assigned manager for performing entry level engineering work activities and projects requiring the application of engineering knowledge in a safe, effective, efficient and economic accomplishment of assigned objectives.

Responsible to the assigned supervisor for performing advance engineering work activities and projects requiring the application of engineering knowledge in a safe, effective, efficient and economic accomplishment of assigned objectives.

AEP is investing to support significant load growth driven by new industry, data centers, and widespread electrification, and we are seeking an underground transmission Subject Matter Expert who wants to help build what comes next. In this role, you will lead the design, engineering, installation, testing, and restoration of high voltage and extra high voltage underground cable systems spanning 34.5 kV to 765 kV, across both AC and DC applications. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in solid dielectric XLPE and high‑pressure fluid‑filled pipe‑type cable systems, complex jointing and termination practices, and thermal performance analysis. As a technical leader within our underground transmission engineering organization, you will guide projects from front‑end engineering design through commissioning and energization, set standards that others follow, and shape how AEP delivers safe, reliable, and resilient power for decades to come.

AEP offers generous time off, competitive pay, and educational opportunities to help employees advance their careers.

Our culture is purpose-driven and team-oriented: we combine innovation with a customer-first focus to deliver reliable energy and brighter futures.