Electrical Engineer Principal/New Generation

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

Job summary

American Electric Power in Columbus, Ohio is seeking an Engineer Principal SG9 to lead electrical design for gas, coal, renewables, and self-build projects. The role involves defining design-basis requirements, coordinating with A/E and EPC firms, and ensuring compliance with safety, reliability, and regulatory standards.

The position requires an ABET-accredited engineering degree, 8+ years of experience, and expertise in protection relays, MV/HV systems, and protective relaying.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of related engineering experience with a Bachelor's degree in engineering (ABET accredited).
• 6+ years with a Master’s or PhD in engineering from ABET-accredited program.
• PE license preferred or ability to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Develop electrical design-basis and equipment requirements (generators, transformers, switchgear, station service, UPS/DC, cabling).
• Review vendor drawings and RFx deliverables; provide comments for senior engineers.
• Prepare technical and procurement specifications and scope documents.
• Coordinate OEM interfacing during procurement: submittal review, factory testing coordination, lead-time tracking.
• Provide construction and commissioning support: site inspections, testing, relay settings, punch-lists.

Skills

Protection relays

Grounding design

MV/HV equipment

Single-line diagrams

Power system studies

Vendor RFx reviews

Cross-functional coordination

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

PE license (preferred)

Tools

ETAP

SKM/PowerTools

CYME

MATLAB

AutoCAD/MicroStation

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 Electrical Engineer will support gas, coal, renewable, and new-generation self-build projects by defining electrical design-basis requirements and supporting the technical specification, engineering, procurement, integration, and commissioning of power generation electrical systems. A required focus of this role is advanced knowledge of utility-scale power plant electrical systems and equipment, including generators, generator step-up transformers (GSUs), medium- and low-voltage distribution systems, switchgear, motor control centers (MCCs), protective relaying, grounding systems, black-start systems, auxiliary power systems, and grid interconnection requirements.

This role collaborates with Architect & Engineering (A/E) and Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC) firms and coordinates with internal and external stakeholders to ensure electrical designs meet performance, reliability, maintainability, constructability, safety, cybersecurity, and regulatory requirements. The engineer will participate in RFx/OEM engagements, support self-build proposals, and provide construction, commissioning, startup, and lifecycle support across the generation portfolio.

Job Description

What you’ll do:

Key Responsibilities

• Support development of electrical design-basis and equipment requirements (generators, transformers, switchgear, station service, UPS/DC, cabling).


• Assist with power system studies and data preparation (load flow, short-circuit, protection coordination, arc-flash, harmonics) under senior review.


• Review vendor drawings, technical bids, and RFx deliverables and prepare comments for senior engineers.


• Help prepare technical and procurement specifications and scope documents for proposals.


• Support OEM interfacing during procurement: submittal review, factory/field testing coordination, and lead-time tracking.


• Provide construction and commissioning support: site inspections, cable/power testing, relay settings assistance, witness testing, and punch-list follow-up.


• Assist with protection relay settings, grounding design, cable routing, and MV/HV equipment testing.


• Ensure designs comply with relevant codes and standards (IEEE, NEC/NFPA70, ANSI, IEC) and assist with reliability/obsolescence tasks.


• Coordinate with mechanical, I&C, civil, and operations teams to resolve integration and SCADA/DCS interface items.


• Contribute to O&M documentation, spares lists, and lifecycle cost input.

Knowledge & Skills

• Understanding of protection relays, CT/VT selection, relay coordination fundamentals.


• Basic skills in grounding, cable sizing, testing, and MV/HV equipment installation practices.


• Ability to interpret single-line diagrams, schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical reports.


• Familiarity with power electronics for renewables and storage is a plus.


• Proficiency in MS Office; familiarity with scripting or databases is beneficial.


• Effective written and verbal communication for cross-functional coordination.

Working Conditions

• Approximately 25% travel, including day trips and overnight stays (up to a week or more).


• Work in both indoor and outdoor environments with exposure to heat, cold, noise, dust, fumes, and operating machinery.


• Mandatory safety gear required at generating stations: hard hat, eye/hearing protection, steel-toed shoes with heels and non-slip soles.


• Adherence to site-specific safety requirements is mandatory.

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. Demonstrates competency in analytical techniques necessary to handle assignments of moderate complexity. (e.g., by dividing the problem into component steps, and performing the analysis necessary to complete each step). Exhibits ability to understand interrelationship between systems and component equipment. Demonstrate ability to analyze and recommend enhancements to business processes.

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.

** 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 an Non ABET accredited program

In addition:

• Experience across gas, coal, and renewable projects; commissioning experience on simple/combined-cycle plants.


• Experience with battery storage, inverters, or utility interconnection practices.


• Working knowledge of simple-and combined-cycle plant electrical systems, generator synchronization, and MV/HV equipment.


• Familiarity with power system study tools and analysis methods.


• Experience reviewing vendor drawings and RFx responses.


• Proficiency with electrical design/analysis tools (ETAP, SKM/PowerTools, CYME, MATLAB, AutoCAD/MicroStation, or equivalent).

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.