Mechanical Engineer Principal/New Generation

AEP Service Corporation; États-Unis; Sur place; USD 116 000 - 151 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

American Electric Power (On-Site) seeks a Mechanical Engineer Principal to guide mechanical design for retrofit and new-generation projects, defining design-basis expectations and coordinating with AE/EPC teams to meet performance and safety standards.

You will handle rotating and static equipment, piping, structures, and balance-of-plant systems, review vendor drawings, prepare specs, and support construction, commissioning, and lifecycle activities across RFx engagements.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree in engineering with 8+ years of related experience, or master’s/PhD with 6+ years.
• PE license preferred; may be required for certain jurisdictions.
• Experience in mechanical engineering for power generation (gas/coal/renewables).
• Hands-on knowledge of simple/combined cycle plants, turbines, HRSGs, and auxiliaries.

Responsabilités

• Develop and document mechanical design basis for plant equipment (turbines, generators, HRSGs, boilers, pumps).
• Apply knowledge of simple/combined cycle plants to equipment selection and integration.
• Review drawings, calculations, and vendor submittals with AE and EPC teams.
• Prepare technical and procurement specifications for self-build proposals and RFx deliverables.
• Interface with OEMs during RFx and procurement to confirm compliance and lead times.
• Provide construction, commissioning, and startup support including site inspections and punch lists.

Connaissances

Rotating equipment

Piping stress analysis

CAD interpretation

Team collaboration

Formation

ABET-accredited engineering degree

PE license (preferred)

Outils

AutoCAD

MicroStation

PDMS/AVEVA

MATLAB

Description du poste

Job Summary

The Mechanical Engineer Principal will support gas, coal, and renewable plant retrofit and new-generation self-build projects by defining mechanical design-basis expectations and supporting technical specifications, engineering, and procurement of rotating and static equipment, piping, structures, and balance-of-plant systems. A required focus of this role is advanced knowledge of natural gas simple cycle and combined cycle equipment, systems, and power plant configurations (combustion turbines, HRSG, steam turbines, balance-of-plant integration, heat recovery systems, and auxiliaries). This role collaborates with Architect & Engineering (AE) and Engineer, Procure and Construct (EPC) firms and coordinates with internal and external stakeholders to ensure mechanical designs meet performance, reliability, constructability, safety, and regulatory requirements. The engineer will participate in RFx/OEM engagements, support self-build proposals, and provide construction, commissioning, and lifecycle support.

Job Description

What you’ll do

• Develop and document mechanical design basis and requirements for plant equipment, including turbines, generators, HRSGs/boilers, heat exchangers, pumps, compressors, cooling systems, piping, and structures.
• Apply advanced knowledge of simple and combined cycle gas turbine plants to equipment selection, system integration, and performance evaluations.
• Work with AE and EPC teams to review, comment on, and approve mechanical designs, drawings, and engineering calculations.
• Prepare and review technical and procurement specifications, scope documents for self-build proposals, and RFx deliverables.
• Interface with OEMs during RFx and procurement to confirm technical compliance, lead times, warranties, and vendor submittals.
• Support vendor evaluation and bid reviews, focusing on turbine/HRSG interfaces and steam cycle integration.
• Provide construction, commissioning, and startup support: site inspections, punch list resolution, and troubleshooting.
• Perform or review analyses as required (stress, vibration/rotor dynamics, thermal, piping flexibility, fatigue) to validate designs.
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards (ASME, API, ANSI, NFPA, IEEE, local codes) and lead reliability/FMEA/RCM and obsolescence mitigation activities.
• Coordinate with electrical, I&C, civil, and operations stakeholders and support development of O&M documentation, spare parts lists, and lifecycle cost assessments.
• Promote safe design practices and ensure adherence to site-specific safety requirements.

Knowledge & Skills

• Deep understanding of turbomachinery performance, rotor dynamics, vibration analysis, alignment, and balancing.
• Competence with piping stress analysis, pipe supports, and expansion management in high-temperature HRSG/steam systems.
• Ability to interpret and produce mechanical drawings, P&IDs, datasheets, and technical reports.
• Familiarity with welding practices, NDT, metallurgy basics, and fabrication processes.
• Experience with FEA and CFD tools and application to mechanical components is a plus.
• Knowledge of maintenance strategies, reliability engineering, and lifecycle cost analysis.
• Data analysis skills to monitor equipment health, enhance system performance, and inform reliability improvements.
• Proficiency in MS Access, Excel, Word, SQL, SharePoint, or Visual Basic is a plus.
• 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.

What we’re looking for

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*.
• *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:

• Proven experience in mechanical engineering for power generation projects (gas, coal, and/or renewables).
• Advanced, hands‑on knowledge of natural gas simple cycle and combined cycle plants, including combustion turbines, HRSGs, steam turbines, and auxiliary systems.
• Hands‑on experience with rotating equipment, pressure systems, piping, pumps, valves, and structural/mechanical design.
• Familiarity with industry codes and standards (ASME Section I/II/VIII, API, etc.).
• Strong problem‑solving and troubleshooting skills in complex industrial environments.
• Experience reviewing vendor drawings, technical specifications, and RFx responses.
• Proficiency with CAD and engineering calculation tools (AutoCAD, MicroStation, MathCAD, MATLAB, SolidWorks, PDMS/AVEVA, or equivalent) and engineering calculation practices.
• Experience working with gas, coal, and renewable energy projects.
• Experience with simple and combined cycle gas turbine projects, including plant integration and commissioning.
• Professional Engineering (PE) license or equivalent certifications.
• Familiarity with construction management, commissioning, and startup practices on utility-scale generation projects.
• 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.

American Electric Power (On-Site)

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)

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade: SP20-009 Compensation Range: $116,255.00 - $151,132.50

Physical Demand Level

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 Statement

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.

Company Culture

It’s an exciting time in the energy industry. Are you ready to be part of it? We’re looking for team members to help create the grid of the future. Learn more about our commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive work culture that values different experiences.