Electrical Engineer Principal/New Generation

American Electric Power Co.; United States; On-site; USD 116,000 - 151,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power is seeking an Electrical Engineer Principal for New Generation. You will define design-basis requirements and support specification, procurement, integration and commissioning of power generation electrical systems.

The role requires deep knowledge of generator sets, GSUs, MV/HV distribution, switchgear, MCCs, relaying, grounding, black-start, auxiliaries, and interconnection. Travel ~25% and collaboration with A/E and EPC partners are essential.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited engineering degree required or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Define design-basis requirements for electrical systems in power generation projects.

Skills

Protection relays

Grounding design

MV/HV equipment

One-line diagrams

Power system studies

SCADA interface

Communication

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Tools

ETAP

SKM/PowerTools

CYME

MATLAB

AutoCAD/MicroStation

Job description

Electrical Engineer Principal/New Generation

Location: 4 Locations

Show

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.

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.

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.
• ** 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).

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)

#LI-Onsite

#AEPCareers

#ElectricalEngineer

Compensation

$116,255.00 - $151,132.50

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.”

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.

Responsible to the assigned supervisor 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.

A P&C Field Technologist Associate is responsible for performing work associated with the programming, operation, testing and maintenance of fundamental protection and control devices and related equipment. P&C’s primary focus is understanding control circuitry and utilizing computer-based testing and analysis of devices and equipment that includes, but is not limited to, digital relays, electromechanical relays, intelligent electronic devices, Station Disturbance Recorders (SDR), Digital Fault Recorders (DFR), system event recorders, Remote Terminal Units (RTU’s) and station SCADA systems (dispatcher remote control systems), statistical load metering, telemetering and potential/current transducers. Additionally, will maintain and operate all power line carriers (PLC), tone, pilot wire, fiber and associated P&C communications over the power grid network. Within the discipline of P&C, will occasionally respond to emergency callouts at electrical substations and coordinate prompt restoration of service to customers as required. This list is not intended to limit assignment of work or the degree of supervision under all operating conditions. Employee may perform miscellaneous, related, and incidental work in addition to that specifically outlined below.

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.