Engineer Assc

American Electric Power; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 75,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power is seeking a Control Systems Engineer to maintain and upgrade major equipment and critical systems across gas, coal, and renewable operations. You will work with Burner Management, Combustion Control, Turbine Control, Environmental Control, and SCADA to ensure reliability and efficiency of energy infrastructure.

Responsibilities include managing the OT network, applying cybersecurity best practices, and collaborating on safe control strategies.

Qualifications

• Degree in mechanical, electrical, computer, or process engineering.
• Hands-on experience with DCS, PLC, and SCADA systems (e.g., AB Rockwell, Emerson Ovation, ABB Symphony, GE Mark VIe, Siemens).
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in complex environments.
• Familiarity with network configuration, protocols (Firewalls, Ethernet, Modbus, OPC).
• Knowledge of control theory (PID, adaptive, model predictive) and ability to read documentation.

Responsibilities

• Manage OT Network and devices for system integration and communication.
• Implement cybersecurity best practices to safeguard control systems.
• Collaborate to develop safe, reliable control strategies.
• Support CEMS operations with opportunities for growth.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

DCS

PLC

SCADA

AB Rockwell

Emerson Ovation

ABB Symphony

GE Mark Vie

Siemens

Job description

Job Posting End Date

10-24-2026

Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

Control Systems Engineer

As a Control Systems Engineer, you will support Gas, Coal, and Renewable operations by maintaining and upgrading major equipment and critical systems, including Burner Management Systems (BMS), Combustion Control Systems (CCS), Turbine Control Systems (TCS), Environmental Control Systems, and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA). Your expertise in troubleshooting and optimization will ensure the reliability and efficiency of our energy infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

Manage the Operational Technology (OT) Network and associated devices for seamless system integration and communication.

Implement cybersecurity best practices to safeguard control systems from threats.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop safe, reliable, and compliant control strategies.

Support Continuous Emissions Monitoring (CEMS) operations, with opportunities for career growth in this area.

Qualifications

Degree in mechanical, electrical, computer, or process engineering.

Hands-on experience with any of the following: Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), and SCADA systems (e.g., AB Rockwell, Emerson Ovation, ABB Symphony, GE Mark VIe, Siemens, or Vestas is a plus).

Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in complex environments.

Familiarity with network configuration, protocols (e.g., Firewalls, Ethernet, Modbus, OPC), and datalink setup is advantageous.

Knowledge and Skills

Solid grasp of control theory, including PID, adaptive, and model predictive control.

Ability to interpret and create technical documentation (e.g., System Descriptions, SAMA logic diagrams, P&IDs, schematics).

Experience with servers, thin clients, network equipment, and computer-based instrumentation is a plus.

Understanding of cybersecurity principles for control systems.

Data analysis skills to monitor and enhance system performance.

Proficiency in MS Access, Excel, Word, SQL, SharePoint, or Visual Basic is a plus.

Familiarity with CEMS, renewable energy systems (solar, battery, wind), or regulatory compliance is advantageous.

Strong communication skills for team collaboration.

Working Conditions

Shift work (day/night) and overtime as needed.

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

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

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

Adherence to site-specific safety requirements.

Join us to drive innovation in energy technology and shape a sustainable future.

You will be 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.

Job Description

What You’ll Do:

• Technical Expertise: Possesses entry-level knowledge and experience in the application of theory to solve well-defined problems or provide analysis, with guidance from higher-level engineers. Assists higher-level engineers in handling well-defined portions of more complex problems and analyses.Exhibits fundamental understanding of standards, codes and regulations relevant to the area of assignment. Gains familiarity with standards, codes and regulations relevant to the area of assignment. Gains familiarity with pertinent equipment, materials, systems and business processes.

• Leadership & Guidance: Coordinates work activities of others as required to resolve routine engineering tasks. Demonstrates working knowledge of appropriate policies and procedures; however, activities are generally monitored by higher-level employees to ensure work is performed in accordance with established guidelines. Performs work activities as assigned and coached by higher-level employees. Demonstrates ability to work with others in both supplying information and seeking assistance as necessary. Demonstrates willingness and capabilities to assume leadership roles.

• Planning & Organization Ability: Provides input to routine project planning documents related to scheduling and understands the use of scheduling techniques (CPM, PERT, flow charts, etc.) for budget and planning activities. Monitors project status and recommends action accordingly. Prepares cost estimates using established standards. Develops understanding of the workflow for routine engineering projects. Accomplishes work according to plans and schedules established by higher-level employees.

• Problem Solving & Initiative: Actively seeks out information and understanding of engineering problems and solution techniques applicable to area of responsibility. Applies basic techniques to perform analysis associated with the resolution of routine technical problems. Uses initiative in looking for opportunities and presenting new ideas and new approaches.

• Communication: Assists and participates in the preparation of reports and technical papers. Assimilates information and instructions readily. Communicates effectively, both verbally and in writing and presents ideas clearly. Listen to and understands instructions, and requests clarification as required.

• Interpersonal Skills: Begins networking with peers to share information and encourage cooperation. Understands the agendas and perspectives of others. Develops effective give-and-take relationship. Demonstrates the ability to be a team player. Relates to people in an open, friendly, and sincere manner.

• Decision Making: Knows which decisions they are authorized to make. Develops decision-making skills under guidance of higher-level employees and makes routine decisions subject to review and contributes to team decision-making.

• Business Awareness & Characteristics: Demonstrates an attitude and desire to listen to and satisfy both internal and external customers who use and depend upon their organizational unit’s work. Applies economic analysis techniques in problem solving. Pursues effective ways to protect and enhance the environment while providing reliable electricity at a competitive cost. Active participation in professional and business organizations is encouraged. Develops an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the department.

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET*

• Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering examination in preparation for future licensing as a Professional Engineer (PE) is encouraged and preferred.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology can satisfy this degree requirement, if they obtain a certified Professional Engineering (PE) license.

*VP or above may waive the requirement for a degree from a university with an Non ABET accredited program

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 forwarding-thinking organization, this is the company for you!

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

SP20-006

Compensation Range:

$74,551.00 - $128,688.00

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.