Mechanical Engineer (Senior / Principal)

American Electric Power; Tulsa (OK); On-site; USD 99,000 - 151,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power (AEP) is seeking a senior Mechanical Engineer with strong leadership and advanced technical expertise. The role involves guiding project teams, delivering complex engineering solutions, and communicating technical concepts to senior management and external bodies.

The position requires an ABET-accredited mechanical engineering degree, with higher qualifications favored. Grade levels include 8 and 9 with competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited mechanical engineering degree required.
• Master's or PhD in engineering preferred or required for higher grade.

Responsibilities

• Exhibits advanced technical proficiency in a specialized mechanical engineering area.
• Lead, coordinate and guide work within teams and external partners.
• Develop and implement plans addressing scheduling, resources and costs for complex problems.
• Identify and resolve multi-functional engineering problems with systemic impact.
• Communicate complex technical topics clearly to management and stakeholders.
• Build networks within AEP and with external professional organizations.

Skills

Technical Expertise

Leadership

Planning & Organization

Problem Solving

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Decision Making

Business Awareness

Education

ABET-accredited Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering

ABET-accredited Masters or PhD in Engineering

Job description

Job Posting End Date

08-29-2026

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

Based on education, experience and interview evaluation, this opportunity will be filled commensurately at any title. For this posting, minimum requirements are stated at the lower grade. Increased expectations are at the higher grade.

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.

Mechanical Engineer Sr. (grade 8)

Has typically acquired 6 or more years of related engineering experience along with a Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering in a program accredited by ABET ; or 4 years of related engineering experience along with a Master's degree or PhD in engineering from a program accredited by ABET.

Preferred Qualifications:

Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico** is encouraged and preferred.*ABET - Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. .

Mechanical Engineer Principal (grade 9)

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Has typically acquired 8 or more years of related engineering experience along with a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

WHAT YOU'LL GET:

GRADE 8: $ 98,993-128,688

GRADE 9: $116,255-151,132

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 Data

Compensation Grade:

SP20-008

Compensation Range:

$98,993.00 - $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.