Engineer Assc

aep; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power is seeking a Control Systems Engineer to maintain and upgrade major control systems across gas, coal, and renewables operations. You will work on BMS, CCS, TCS, Environmental controls, and SCADA to ensure reliability and efficiency of our energy infrastructure.

Responsibilities include OT network management, implementing cybersecurity best practices, and collaborating to develop safe, compliant control strategies. Travel and shift work are involved as needed.

Qualifications

• Degree in mechanical, electrical, computer, or process engineering.
• Hands-on experience with DCS, PLC, or SCADA systems (AB Rockwell, Emerson Ovation, ABB Symphony, GE Mark VIe, Siemens).
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in complex environments.
• Familiarity with network configuration, protocols, and datalinks is advantageous.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Troubleshooting

Network protocols

Data analysis

MS Access

Excel

SQL

SharePoint

Visual Basic

Renewables

CEMS knowledge

Cybersecurity basics

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

Electrical/Computer/Process Eng

ABET accredited

Tools

DCS

PLC

SCADA systems

Rockwell AB

Emerson Ovation

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