Engineer Principal- Staff

American Electric Power; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 116,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power in Columbus, OH, is seeking a senior engineer to lead advanced engineering work on steam generation equipment. You will apply engineering knowledge to deliver safe, reliable, and economical projects for the AEP fleet.

The role emphasizes technical oversight, collaboration with cross-functional teams, mentorship of junior engineers, and development of fleet-wide programs. Applicants should have ABET-accredited engineering degrees and PE licensure where possible.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited engineering degree required.
• PE license preferred (may be waived by EVP).
• Experience in utility-scale boilers and steam generation equipment.

Responsibilities

• Own engineering design basis and technical oversight for steam generation projects.
• Collaborate with project teams, OEMs, and EPC contractors on plant design and performance specs.
• Apply risk management to support safety and business objectives.
• Lead and mentor engineers to develop skills while safely executing projects.
• Develop fleet-wide technical programs affecting steam systems.
• Consult with Central/Region staff on technical issues and troubleshooting related to steam generation.

Skills

Engineering design

Technical oversight

Risk management

Mentoring

PE license

Education

ABET-accredited Bachelor's in Engineering

ABET-accredited Master's or PhD in Engineering

Job description

Job Posting End Date

10-31-2026

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

Job Summary

Responsible to the assigned supervisor for performing highly advance 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:

• Be responsible for the engineering design basis and technical oversight of new steam generation equipment projects on the AEP fleet, as well as maintaining current design basis and providing technical support for the existing generating fleet.
• Collaborate and consult with multiple project teams, OEMs and EPC contractors on new generation plant design, performance specifications, unit operability and maintainability expectations.
• Integrate strong technical and risk management skills to support strategic business objectives without compromising safety.
• Lead, mentor and coach less-experienced engineers as they build skill. Provide oversight and support their development in safely executing projects and troubleshooting technical issues.
• Develop and administer Circular Letters and fleet-wide technical programs that impact steam generation equipment and systems.
• Consult with Central/Region Engineering and power plant staff on a variety of technical issues, troubleshooting, and equipment/systems-related problem-solving pertaining to steam generating equipment and systems on the AEP fleet

What we’re looking for:

Note: This position is posted at multiple grade levels and offers a range of opportunities for advancement. The minimum qualifications outlined below apply to the Principal level, with increased educational, skill or experience requirements for higher level roles.

Engineer Principal SG9

• 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

Engineer Staff SG10

• Has typically acquired 10 or more years of related engineering experience along with a Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET*;
• Or 8 years of related engineering experience along with a Master's degree 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 and operating knowledge of utility-scale boilers, heat recovery steam generators (HRSG), combustion systems and design configurations.
• Experience maintaining and troubleshooting equipment and ancillary systems (e.g. pulverizers, windboxes, air preheaters, burners, sootblowers, etc.) furnace and convection pass pressure parts, etc.).
• Understanding of upstream equipment/systems impact on combustion and steam generation, as well as the common phenomena impacting steam generation components and pressure parts (e.g. flow accelerated corrosion, creep damage, furnace and water-side issues, etc.) impacting reliability, availability, unit performance, and efficiency.
• Knowledge and awareness of codes and regulations impacting steam generation, combustion systems and equipment design, operations and maintenance, including ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), as well as Federal and State regulations for emissions compliance.
• Experience performing and assessing detailed root cause analyses of steam generator equipment and pressure part failures, and combustion system issues.
• Casual Overtime up to 10% and expected travel up to 20%.
• While this position is full-time (40 hrs per week), there is an expectation that the individual be available outside of normal working hours for emergent technical support if needed.

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)

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Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

SP20-010

Compensation Range:

$116,255.00 - $177,503.00

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.