Mechanical Engineer (Generation) Principal

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

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

American Electric Power seeks an accomplished engineer to lead advanced initiatives, guide teams, and manage complex projects requiring broad technical and regulatory insight. The role emphasizes proactive problem solving, strategic planning, and clear communication with senior stakeholders.

The position rewards extensive experience, PE licensure preference, and flexible approaches to engineering challenges, aligning with AEP’s customer-first mission and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Has typically acquired 8 or more years of related engineering experience with a Bachelor's degree in engineering (ABET-accredited) or 6 years with a Master’s/PhD.
• Professional Engineer (PE) registration in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico is preferred, unless waived by EVP.
• Alternative: Engineering degree + Master/PhD from ABET-accredited program; or non-ABET degree + ABET-accredited program.

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced engineering expertise in a specialized technical area and serve as a resource for the company.
• Lead and coordinate work activities within a group or department and act as project or function manager for tasks.
• Develop and implement plans with scheduling, resources, and cost controls to solve complex engineering problems.
• Identify, clarify, and resolve complex problems using multi-functional or multi-disciplinary analysis.
• Present and communicate complex technical subjects clearly to senior management, regulators, and professional bodies.
• Build networks across AEP, external partners, and regulatory agencies; influence thinking and directions.
• Make technical decisions involving risk and long-term impact with some autonomy.

Skills

Leadership

Planning & Organization

Problem Solving

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Decision Making

Business Awareness

Education

ABET-accredited Bachelor's in Engineering

Master's or PhD in Engineering (ABET-accredited program)

Job description

Job Posting End Date11-17-2026Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.Job SummaryResponsible 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 DescriptionWhat you'll do:Essential Job Fuctions & Tasks: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 programWhat 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 DataCompensation Grade:SP20-009Compensation Range:$116,255.00 - $151,132.50The 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.Hear about it first! Get job alerts by email. Log in to your Candidate Home Account today! If you don't have an account, you can create one.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.