Designer Senior

AEP; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 42,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

AEP’s design engineer role in Columbus, OH or Mitchell Power Plant in WV supports utility, power generation, and industrial projects. You will develop and maintain engineering drawings, 3D models, and construction packages, coordinating with engineers, vendors, and field teams.

The position emphasizes CAD/3D modeling, field data integration, and adherence to safety and documentation standards; responsibilities include design verification, material estimates, and project support across sites.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in drafting/CAD or related engineering technology with 4 years of experience.
• Equivalent experience without AAS: High school grad with 8 years in electric utility drafting/CAD.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple assignments with quality and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of LiDAR/point cloud workflows is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop, revise, and maintain engineering drawings, sketches, and 3D models for capital and maintenance projects.
• Prepare study layouts and construction packages per company standards.
• Use CAD/3D software to maintain detailed designs and records.
• Incorporate field data, site observations, and vendor data into designs.
• Utilize LiDAR data and reality-capture tech to support design development and verification.
• Review vendor drawings and equipment specifications for project execution.
• Perform QA/QC of drawings to ensure accuracy and compliance with standards.
• Coordinate design activities with engineers, managers, contractors, and operations staff.
• Prepare bills of materials, equipment lists, and cost estimates as needed.
• Support document control, revisions, and as-built records.

Skills

CAD

3D Modeling

Design Coordination

Field Data Integration

Quality & Documentation

LiDAR Data

Education

AAS in drafting/CAD

High school diploma + 8 years experience

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

AVEVA E3D

ProjectWise

Documentum

Job description

Job Summary

The Designer is responsible for the development, coordination, and execution of engineering design deliverables supporting utility, power generation, hydroelectric, and industrial facility projects. This position creates, reviews, and maintains engineering drawings, 3D models, design packages, study layouts, construction documents, and engineering records while working closely with engineers, project teams, contractors, vendors, and field personnel.

The successful candidate will possess strong CAD and 3D modeling skills, experience integrating field data into design workflows, and a commitment to quality, constructability, safety, and document control. Responsibilities include developing design solutions, performing design verification and peer reviews, preparing material and cost estimates, supporting project execution, and ensuring engineering deliverables comply with company standards and applicable codes.

The worksite for this opportunity may be Columbus, Ohio or the AEP Mitchell Power Plant, located in Marshall County West Virgina.

Job Description

What You\'ll Do

• Develop, revise, and maintain engineering drawings, sketches, 3D models, and design packages supporting capital and maintenance projects.


• Prepare study layouts, design concepts, construction packages, and engineering deliverables in accordance with company standards and accepted engineering practices.


• Utilize CAD and 3D modeling software to develop and maintain detailed engineering designs and record documentation.


• Incorporate field information, site walkdown observations, vendor data, and engineering direction into design deliverables.


• Utilize LiDAR point cloud data, laser scan information, and other reality-capture technologies to support design development and verification.


• Review and evaluate vendor drawings, equipment specifications, and manufacturer documentation to support project execution.


• Perform quality assurance and quality control reviews of engineering drawings and related deliverables to ensure accuracy, constructability, and compliance with applicable standards.


• Coordinate design activities with engineers, project managers, contractors, operations personnel, and other stakeholders.


• Prepare bills of material, equipment lists, material takeoffs, and cost estimates as required.


• Support document control activities including engineering records, revision management, as-built documentation, and project closeout deliverables.


• Provide technical guidance, training, and mentoring to designers and technicians as assigned.


• Support field activities including site visits, design verification, construction support, and troubleshooting activities.


• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

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 4 years of equivalent experience.

Equivalent experience without AAS degree:

High school graduate and 8 years of experience in electric utility and/or related industrial drafting and/or computer aided drafting work.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Preferred Technical Experience

• LiDAR / Point Cloud Modeling


• AVEVA E3D


• ProjectWise


• Documentum


• AutoCAD


• MicroStation

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree in Mechanical or Structural Engineering Technology


• Experience supporting utility, power generation, hydroelectric, industrial, or heavy infrastructure projects.


• Proficiency with CAD and 3D modeling platforms such as: AVEVA E3D AutoCAD MicroStation Other comparable 3D design systems


• Experience working with LiDAR, point clouds, laser scanning, reality-capture technologies, and digital engineering workflows.


• Experience utilizing engineering document management systems such as: ProjectWise Documentum Experience developing and reviewing construction drawing packages, equipment layouts, structural details, piping drawings, and engineering studies.


• Experience performing field walkdowns, gathering field data, validating existing conditions, and incorporating field information into engineering designs.


• Experience coordinating with engineers, contractors, vendors, and construction personnel during project execution.


• Working knowledge of applicable industry standards, codes, and utility design practices. Demonstrated ability to independently manage multiple assignments while maintaining a high level of quality and attention to detail.


• Physical demand level is Sedentary


• Must be proficient in working 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\'s driver\'s license. Must meet all vehicle operation requirements as designated by federal and/or state law. This position may require shift work or overtime. 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.

What You\'ll Get:

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!

Compensation

$30.53 - $38.16

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.

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.

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.

In this role, you\'ll be responsible to the assigned manager for performing intermediate level engineering work activities and projects requiring the application of engineering knowledge in a safe, effective, efficient and economic accomplishment of assigned objectives.

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.