Instrumentation & Controls Engineer Senior/New Generation

American Electric Power Co.; Columbus, Northern (OH, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power Co. seeks an Instrumentation and Controls Engineer to support retrofit and new build projects across gas, coal, and renewables.

The role defines design basis for I&C systems and collaborates with AE and EPC partners to ensure OT/IT alignment and cybersecurity readiness. The engineer will engage OEMs during RFx, contribute to self-build proposals, and support technical specification development while coordinating with cross-functional teams to deliver safe, reliable

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering from ABET-accredited program; PE preferred.
• 4+ years of related engineering experience; or 2 years with Master's/PhD.
• Registration as a PE in US (preferred) unless waiver granted.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with AE and EPC firms to define design basis for I&C systems.
• Ensure OT and IT systems meet design requirements and cybersecurity practices.
• Manage OT networks and devices for system integration and communication.
• Engage with OEMs during RFx processes to ensure compliance with specs.
• Support creation of retrofit/new generation equipment scopes and self-build proposals.
• Develop and review technical specs, EPC specs, and designs.
• Assist in project construction and address obsolescence concerns.

Skills

Control theory

PID

SAMA diagrams

P&IDs

Cybersecurity

Data analysis

MS Excel

SQL

CEMS

Education

ABET-accredited Bachelor's degree in engineering

PE license

Tools

Servers

Thin clients

Network equipment

Instrumentation software

Job description

**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 Senior SG8***Education/Experience:** Has typically acquired 4 or more years of related engineering experience along with a Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET\\*;* Or 2 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**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 Senior SG8($110,000-$129,000)**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)****$110K- $129K / Year**