Mechanical Engineer Principal | NEW GENERATION Oversight & Engineering

AEP Service Corporation; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 116,000 - 151,000; Full time

Job summary

AEP Service Corporation in Columbus, OH seeks a Mechanical Engineer Principal to support gas, coal, and renewable plant retrofit and new-generation self-build projects by defining mechanical design-basis expectations and supporting specifications, engineering, and procurement of rotating and static equipment, piping, structures, and balance-of-plant systems.

The role requires advanced knowledge of natural gas simple cycle and combined cycle plants, collaboration with AE and EPC teams, and

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited mechanical engineering degree and PE preferred.
• 8+ years of related engineering experience in power/industrial settings.
• Experience with codes and standards (ASME/API/IEEE) and vendor reviews.

Responsibilities

• Develop and document mechanical design basis for plant equipment.
• Evaluate turbines, HRSGs, boilers, pumps, and piping systems for integration.
• Review designs, drawings, and calculations with AE/EPC teams.
• Prepare procurement specs and RFx deliverables.
• Support construction, commissioning, and startup activities.

Skills

Turbomachinery performance

Rotor dynamics

Vibration analysis

Piping stress analysis

Welding basics

FEA/CFD tools

Reliability engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

MATLAB

MathCAD

PDMS/AVEVA

FEA/CFD tools

Job description

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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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 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, concisively, 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, Six (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.

Acceptable alternative is: (1) a 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Energy Engineering, Energy Systems, or related Engineering discipline.
• 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.

WHAT YOU'LL GET

Base Salary: $117K - $151K

In addition to base salary, AEP offers competitive Total Rewards including:

• discretionary short-/long-term incentives, 401(k), pension, health insurance, vacation, educational assistance, etc.

WHO WE ARE

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) $117K - $151K / Year #AEPCareers #LI-ONSITE

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.

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 and Commitment

At American Electric Power, we provide more than electricity to our millions of customers - we energize possibilities. We're redefining the future of energy by reducing our carbon footprint, empowering the communities we serve and building an engaged, talented workforce. All while delivering the reliable service our customers expect. 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.