Engineer Principal- Staff

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

Job summary

American Electric Power in Columbus, OH, seeks an experienced engineer to lead and manage advanced design projects for steam generation equipment across the AEP fleet. You will ensure safe, reliable operation and implement efficient technological solutions.

Responsibilities include coordinating with teams and contractors, overseeing design basis development, risk assessments, and technical programs. The role requires mentoring staff and flexing to emergent support when needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering ABET-accredited.
• 8+ years engineering experience for SG9 with BA, or 6+ years with MS/PhD.
• PE license in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own engineering design basis and technical oversight of new steam generation projects.
• Collaborate with project teams, OEMs, and EPC contractors on plant design and specifications.
• Apply risk management to support business objectives while ensuring safety.
• Mentor engineers and develop fleet-wide technical programs.

Skills

Technical oversight

Risk management

Mentoring

Root cause analysis

Safety awareness

Travel 20%

Overtime 10%

Education

ABET-accredited BEng

ABET-accredited MS/PhD

PE license preferred

Tools

ASME Code

NFPA

Job description

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)

Compensation

$116,255.00 - $177,503.00

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.

"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.