Instrumentation & Controls Engineer Principal/New Generation

American Electric Power (AEP); North Carolina; On-site; USD 116,000 - 151,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power (AEP) is seeking an Instrumentation and Controls Engineer to define design basis for I&C systems across gas, coal, and renewable retrofit projects and self-build initiatives. You will work with AE/EPC teams to ensure OT/IT systems meet design standards and support OEM RFx processes.

The role requires collaboration with multiple stakeholders, strong I&C knowledge, and experience with DCS/PLC/SCADA environments to deliver safe, compliant control strategies across projects.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of related engineering experience with Bachelor's in ABET-accredited program.
• PE license preferred; waiver possible by EVP approval.
• Experience with gas, coal, and renewable energy projects.
• Instrumentation and controls engineering experience in power generation.
• Strong OT/IT cybersecurity understanding.
• Proficient with DCS/PLC/SCADA systems.

Responsibilities

• Define design basis for I&C systems with AE and EPC firms.
• Ensure OT/IT meets design requirements and best practices.
• Manage OT network and devices for integration.
• Implement cybersecurity for control systems.
• Engage with OEMs during RFx processes.
• Develop self-build AE/EPC service scope documents.
• Collaborate on safe, reliable control strategies.
• Review EPC specifications and designs.
• Support retrofit and new build project construction.
• Address obsolescence concerns.

Skills

Control theory

DCS/PLC/SCADA

OT/IT security

Network fundamentals

Technical documentation

Communication

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering

ABET-accredited program

PE license preferred

Tools

GE Mark VIe

Ovation/ABB Symphony

Siemens PLC

Job description

Job Posting End Date

10-02-2026

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

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)

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

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

SP20-009

Compensation Range:

$116,255.00 - $151,132.50

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.

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.