Electrical Engineer Principal/New Generation

AEP Service Corporation; United States; On-site; USD 116,000 - 151,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Competitive compensation

Job summary

American Electric Power seeks an experienced Electrical Engineer to support gas, coal, renewables, and self-build projects. You will define design-basis requirements and support specifications, engineering, procurement, integration, and commissioning of power generation electrical systems.

Role emphasizes protection relays, MV/HV equipment, and coordination with A/E and EPC firms to meet performance, reliability, and safety standards. 25% travel is expected; PE preferred.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of related engineering experience with an ABET-accredited degree or 6+ years with a Master’s/PhD in engineering.
• PE registration in the U.S. or Puerto Rico preferred unless waived by EVP.
• Experience across gas, coal, and renewable projects; commissioning on simple/combined‑cycle plants.
• Experience with battery storage, inverters, or utility interconnection practices.
• Knowledge of simple- and combined-cycle plant electrical systems, generator synchronization, and MV/HV equipment.

Responsibilities

• Develop electrical design-basis and equipment requirements (generators, transformers, switchgear).
• Support power system studies and data preparation (load flow, short-circuit, protection coordination, arc-flash, harmonics).
• Review vendor drawings, bids, RFx deliverables, and prepare comments for senior engineers.
• Prepare technical and procurement specifications and scope documents for proposals.
• Coordinate with OEM interfacing during procurement: submittal review, testing coordination, and lead-time tracking.
• Provide construction and commissioning support: site inspections, cable/power testing, relay settings, witness testing, punch-list follow-up.
• Assist with protection relay settings, grounding design, and MV/HV equipment testing.
• Ensure designs comply with IEEE/NEC/ANSI/IEC; support reliability/obsolescence tasks.
• Coordinate with mechanical, I&C, civil, and operations teams for integration and SCADA/DCS interfaces.
• Contribute to O&M documentation, spares lists, and lifecycle cost input.

Skills

Protection relays

Grounding design

MV/HV equipment

Single-line diagrams

Power system study tools

Education

ABET-accredited engineering program

PE license preferred

Tools

ETAP

SKM/PowerTools

CYME

MATLAB

AutoCAD

MicroStation

Job description

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:

• 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.

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.
• 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.
• 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).
• 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)

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.

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.