Mechanical Engineer (Generation) Principal

American Electric Power; Tulsa (OK); On-site; USD 116,000 - 151,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power in Tulsa, OK seeks a senior engineer to lead advanced engineering projects requiring ABET-accredited education, PE preferred, and broad technical expertise. You’ll apply strategic thinking to complex systems and mentor teams.

This role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, rigorous planning, and clear, persuasive communication with senior management and regulators. You’ll drive risk-informed decisions and help shape the company’s engineering standards while advancing

Qualifications

• 8+ years of related engineering experience with a Bachelor in ABET-accredited program, or 6 years with a Master/PhD.
• PE license in any US state or Puerto Rico preferred (waiver possible).
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology acceptable if PE is obtained.

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced engineering expertise in areas such as system production, underground systems, control systems, and thermo-hydraulic systems.
• Lead, coordinate, and mentor teams; serve as project or function manager for assigned tasks.
• Develop and implement plans including scheduling, resources, and cost information for complex problems.
• Identify and resolve complex problems using multi-disciplinary analyses; propose system-wide improvements.
• Prepare and present complex technical topics to senior management, regulatory bodies, and external entities.
• Build networks across AEP and external organizations; influence cross-functional teams.
• Make technical decisions based on calculated risks with long-range impact.
• Identify business opportunities and assess customer/supplier implications.

Skills

Advanced engineering

Leadership

Planning & Organizing

Communication

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

PE license preferred

Job description

Job Posting End Date

11-17-2026

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

Job Summary

Responsible to the assigned supervisor for performing 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: Exhibits advanced level proficiency plus advanced knowledge of a specialized technical area that enables the engineer to serve as a resource for the company in an area such as system production, underground systems, extensive control systems, thermo-hydraulic control systems, distribution standards, fossil or nuclear plant operations,etc.
• Leadership & Guidance: Influences the direction of thinking throughout the organizational unit as a recognized authority in an area of expertise. Leads, facilitates and coordinates work activities of others within work group, team, department, corporate entity, or those external to the company and assumes the role of project or function manager for assigned tasks.
• Planning & Organization Ability: Develops, recommends, and implements plans that include all scheduling, resource, and cost information and control required to address complex engineering problems that require the input and efforts of a wide array of entities both internal and external to the company.
• Problem Solving & Initiative: Identifies, clarifies, resolves, and initiates solutions to complex problems that require multi-functional, or organizational, interfacing and/or multi-disciplined analytical techniques. Develops opportunities and new ideas and approaches that have system-wide impact.
• Communication: Leads in the preparation and presentation of complex technical subjects, clearly, concisely, and persuasively, bringing in ancillary issues before senior management, professional organizations, regulatory bodies, etc. Projects credibility and competence on technical issues and has highly developed presentation skills.
• Interpersonal Skills: Builds teams and networks that extend through AEP, and other companies, professional organizations, regulatory agencies, and academia. Networks throughout AEP, other companies, professional organizations, and regulatory agencies.
• Decision Making: Possesses the experience and knowledge to make some technical decisions based on calculated risks without management review. Makes decisions affecting long range plans and goals based on analysis of highly uncertain input and outcomes. Visualizes long-term results. Makes decisions where differences of opinion are likely to exist. Makes decisions that have an impact across organizational boundaries.
• Business Awareness & Characteristics: Demonstrates vision in identifying business opportunities for the organizational unit. Understands how strategies and decisions impact the relationship with our customers and suppliers.

What we’re looking for:

• 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 is:

• 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 an Non ABET accredited program

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-wellness 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:

SP20-009

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.