Engineer Staff - Consulting Engineer

American Electric Power; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 137,000 - 209,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power (AEP) is seeking an accomplished electrical engineer with extensive BES operations expertise to lead complex engineering activities. This role requires deep understanding of transmission planning, protection and control, and substation design, with strong compliance and evidence-management capabilities.

The position emphasizes leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to solve highly complex problems.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited degree with 10+ years of related engineering experience, or ABET-accredited master's/PhD with 8+ years of experience.
• PE license preferred (in the US) for this position unless waived by EVP.
• Alternative: Bachelors in engineering technology can satisfy degree requirement if PE is obtained.

Responsibilities

• Technical Expertise: deep knowledge of BES operations, transmission planning, protection & control, substations design and field ops.
• Experience with NERC standards, compliance programs, audits and evidence management.
• Leads system-wide engineering activities and project development in specialized areas.
• Develops plans to address system-wide issues within their technical field.
• Resolves highly complex problems requiring extensive specialized knowledge and innovative solutions.
• Leads in preparing and presenting complex technical topics to senior management and stakeholders.
• Builds teams and networks across AEP, regulatory bodies, and academia.
• Makes high-impact technical decisions with accountability.

Education

ABET-accredited bachelor's degree in engineering

ABET-accredited master's degree or PhD in engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred

Job description

Job Posting End Date

11-09-2026

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:

• 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:

• 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 - $208,565.50

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.

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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.