Engineer Staff - Consulting Engineer

AEP; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 137,000 - 209,000; Full time

Job summary

AEP in Columbus, Ohio seeks an Engineer Staff level Consulting Engineer to perform advanced engineering work within the BES domain, focusing on reliability, planning, protection, and substation design. The role emphasizes leadership, regulatory awareness, and cross-functional collaboration across engineering, operations, and compliance teams.

You will lead system-wide activities, develop strategic plans, and solve complex problems while clearly communicating technical results to senior

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited degree required or equivalent.
• PE license preferred; may require waiver approval.
• Experience in reliability standards and BES environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead system-wide activities in specific engineering areas.
• Develop and implement plans addressing system-wide issues.
• Identify and resolve highly complex technical problems.
• Communicate complex topics to senior management and stakeholders.

Skills

BES knowledge

Leadership

Regulatory familiarity

Analytical thinking

Education

ABET-accredited Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred

Advanced engineering degree (Master’s/PhD) encouraged

Job description

Engineer Staff - Consulting Engineer### Engineer Staff - Consulting EngineerApply: Columbus, OH: Full time: Posted Today: End Date: November 9, 2026 (10 days left to apply): R20283**Job Posting End Date**11-09-2026Please 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:*** Technical Expertise: A candidate for this role demonstrates a strong understanding of and experience with Bulk Electric System (BES) operations and reliability principles, including transmission planning, protection and control systems, transmission and substation design, and transmission and substation field operations. Experience applying NERC Reliability Standards, reviewing compliance-related documentation, and supporting compliance programs, audit activities, and evidence management is highly desirable. The successful candidate demonstrates the ability to analyze technical and regulatory requirements, assess compliance risks, and effectively collaborate across engineering, operations, and compliance functions to support organizational reliability and compliance objectives. Exhibits the highest level of proficiency and expert knowledge of a specialized technical area that enables the engineer to serve as the expert and highest-level resource for the company in that area. * Leadership & Guidance: Leads AEP system-wide activities in specific areas of engineering. Leads project and development activity related to specific, unique, and/or highly specialized areas of engineering application. Influences the direction of thinking throughout the AEP system as a recognized authority in an area of expertise. * Planning & Organization Ability: Develops, recommends, and implements plans to address AEP system-wide issues within specialized field of technical expertise. * Problem Solving & Initiative: Identifies, resolves, and initiates solutions to highly complex problems that are unique to the company and industry and requires extensive specialized knowledge of equipment and/or problem-solving techniques, or the development of knowledge and techniques. * Communication: Leads in the preparation and presentation of the most complex technical subjects, clearly, concisely, and persuasively, bringing in ancillary issues before senior management, professional organizations, regulatory bodies, etc. * Interpersonal Skills: Builds teams and networks that extend through AEP, and other companies, professional organizations, regulatory agencies, and academia. * Decision Making: Makes decisions that are likely to impact the AEP system, business objectives and strategic direction. Possesses the knowledge and experience to make and take full accountability for all technical decisions.* Business Awareness & Characteristics: Demonstrates the ability to make their area of expertise a strategic asset of the AEP system. Note: This position is posted at two grade levels and offers a range of opportunities for advancement. The minimum qualifications outlined below apply to the Engineer Staff level, with increased educational, skill and experience requirements for the higher-level Consulting Engineer.**What We're Looking For:** **Education and experience requirements listed below:**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 is: (1) a 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. Preferred Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. **What You’ll Get:**In addition to a 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!**Compensation Data****Compensation Grade:**SP20-010**Compensation Range:**$136,539.00 - $208,565.50The 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.