Instrumentation & Controls Engineer Principal/New Generation

American Electric Power Co.; Columbus, Northern (OH, KY); Hybrid; USD 116,000 - 151,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous time off

Competitive pay

Educational opportunities

Job summary

American Electric Power seeks an Instrumentation and Controls Engineer to support retrofit and self-build projects for gas, coal, and renewables. You will define design-basis expectations and assist with the technical specification, engineering, and design of I&C systems in collaboration with AE and EPC firms.

This role requires interaction with many stakeholders to ensure OT/IT meets design basis, and will support construction and implementation across multiple sites, including on-site

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited engineering degree; PE preferred.
• Experience with gas/coal/renewable projects and power generation.
• Proven ability to define design basis for I&C systems and coordinate with AE/EPC teams.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement design basis expectations for I&C systems with AE/EPC firms.
• Ensure OT and IT systems meet design requirements and cybersecurity practices.
• Manage OT network and devices for seamless system integration.
• Engage with OEMs during RFx processes to ensure compliance with specifications.
• Develop safe, reliable control strategies with cross-functional teams.
• Review EPC specifications and designs; support retrofit/new-build projects.

Skills

Control theory

PID

DCS

PLC

SCADA

OT/IT integration

Cybersecurity for OT/IT

Technical writing

Data analysis

MS Access/SQL

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

PE license preferred

Tools

GE Mark VIe

Allen-Bradley PLC

Emerson Ovation

AB Rockwell

SCADA systems

Job description

Location: 4 Locations

Job Summary

The Instrumentation and Controls Engineer will support gas, coal, and renewable plant retrofit projects, as well as new generation self-build projects, by defining design basis expectations and supporting the technical specification, engineering, and design of equipment and associated Instrumentation and Controls (I&C) systems. This work will be conducted in collaboration with Architect & Engineering (AE) or Engineer, Procure and Construct (EPC) firms.

This role requires interaction with numerous stakeholder groups both within and outside of the company to ensure that operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) systems meet the design basis. Additionally, the engineer will support the construction of retrofit and/or new build projects to ensure successful implementation.

A key responsibility of this position involves engaging with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) throughout the RFx processes. The engineer will utilize EPC and technical equipment specifications, maintained by the Engineering Services team, to support our self-build proposal process.

Job Description

What you’ll do:

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with AE and EPC firms to define and implement design basis expectations for I&C systems.
• Ensure OT and IT systems meet design requirements and incorporate industry best practices.
• 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.
• Facilitate communication with internal and external stakeholders to align project goals.
• Engage with OEMs during RFx processes to ensure compliance with technical specifications
• Support the creation of plant retrofit and new generation equipment and AE/EPC services scope documents and subsequent self-build proposals.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop safe, reliable, and compliant control strategies.
• Support the development and review of technical specifications, EPC specifications, and designs.
• Support the construction of retrofit and/or new build projects to ensure successful implementation.
• Assist in managing technology evolution and addressing obsolescence concerns.

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:

• Approximately 25% travel, including day trips and overnight stays (up to a week or more).
• Work in both indoor and outdoor environments with exposure to heat, cold, noise, dust, fumes, and operating machinery.
• Mandatory safety gear required at generating stations: hard hat, eye/hearing protection, steel-toed shoes with heels and non-slip soles.
• Adherence to site-specific safety requirements is mandatory.

Technical Expertise: Possesses intermediate level knowledge and performs varied assignments with proficiency in the application of theory and analytical techniques to solve diverse problems and complete extensive analysis.

Leadership & Guidance: Coordinates work activities of others within the work group, department, or other corporate entities as necessary to complete routine activities. Performs routine engineering activity with minimum direction from higher-level employees. Follows policies, practices, standards and rules of the company and those regulations and procedures required by external agencies. Provides training and guidance to lower-level employees.

Planning & Organization Ability: Coordinates the development of input necessary to forecast costs for the routine projects, improvements requisitions, etc. Uses scheduling techniques (CPM, PERT, flow charts, etc.) for budget and planning activities. Initiates corrective action when project objectives are not being met.

Problem Solving & Initiative: Resolves and initiates solutions to routine problems which usually require additional definition/clarification before analysis can begin. Demonstrates ability to identify problems that are beyond the normal routine. Demonstrates ability and desire to seek out opportunities and embrace new ideas and approaches.

Communication: Develops, reviews, or presents technical reports such as improvement requisitions, studies, and analyses in as clear, concise and effective fashion.

Interpersonal Skills: Is an active team member. Networks with peers inside and outside the AEP system. Identifies key stakeholders. Uses informal network to get things done. Resolves conflict, builds consensus.

Decision Making: Makes decisions subject to review within established policies and procedures. Makes decisions that affect the work of the team. Aware of risks. Demonstrates the ability to extrapolate beyond known facts to reach logical conclusions.

Business Awareness & Characteristics: Understands AEP's organizational structure and the specific role and responsibility of their individual organizational unit. Demonstrates an understanding of the budgeting and approval process. Is proficient in the application and use of economic analysis techniques in problem solving. Develops an understanding of utility regulation and financing.

What we’re looking for:

Engineer Principal SG9

Education/Experience:

• 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.

*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 a Non-ABET accredited program

In addition:

• Experience working with gas, coal, and renewable energy projects.
• Knowledge of industry best practices and emerging technologies in I&C systems.
• Professional Engineering (PE) license or equivalent certifications.
• Proven experience in instrumentation and controls engineering, particularly in power generation projects.
  • Strong understanding of gas/combustion turbine technology and GE Mark VIe control systems
• Hands-on experience with 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.
• Strong understanding of OT and IT systems integration and cybersecurity practices.
• Familiarity with network configuration, protocols (e.g., Firewalls, Ethernet, Modbus, OPC), and datalink setup is advantageous.

Where you’ll work:

This role sits on site in Columbus Ohio, Shreveport, Louisiana, Tulsa, Oklahoma or Charleston, West Virginia

What you’ll get:

Engineer Principal SG9($116,255-$151,132)

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)

$116K- $151K / Year

#LI-Onsite

#AEPCareers

#InstrumentationandControlsEngineer

Compensation

$116,255.00 - $151,132.50

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.”

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