Plant Engineer

aep; Lawton (OK); On-site; USD 88,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

AEP is seeking a Plant Engineer to provide technical leadership and engineering support for safe, reliable, and compliant operation of the power plant in Lawton, OK. You will lead performance monitoring, troubleshoot issues, and drive improvements in heat rate and efficiency, coordinating with operations, maintenance, and vendors.

The role requires a ABET-accredited engineering degree with 2+ years of related experience; a master’s degree or PE license is preferred and will be considered for

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited engineering degree required; two+ years related engineering experience.
• Alternative: ABET-accredited bachelor’s with master’s/PhD in engineering.
• Experience with control systems, instrumentation, and performance monitoring tools.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering support for plant operations and maintenance; diagnose issues and implement corrective actions.
• Perform structured troubleshooting and root cause analysis to improve reliability.
• Monitor plant data (turbine, auxiliary systems) to identify performance gaps and opportunities.
• Support and execute reliability and condition monitoring programs (vibration, thermography, oil analysis).
• Maintain configuration control and technical documentation, including drawings and procedures.
• Coordinate capital projects, modifications, and maintenance with vendors and internal teams.
• Support regulatory and code compliance, including audits and documentation.
• Provide data-driven insights to plant leadership for safe, reliable operations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

Advanced engineering degree (Master’s)

Tools

Control systems

Instrumentation

Performance monitoring tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Posting End Date 08-22-2026 Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

The Plant Engineer provides technical leadership and engineering support to ensure safe, reliable, efficient, and compliant operation of the power plant. This role is responsible for plant performance monitoring, equipment reliability, troubleshooting, configuration control, project execution, and regulatory compliance, while serving as a key member of the plant leadership team and partnering closely with operations, maintenance, vendors, and regulatory agencies.

Job Description

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Provide engineering support and technical execution for plant operations and maintenance by diagnosing equipment and system issues, supporting startup and shutdown activities, and implementing timely corrective actions.
• Perform structured troubleshooting and root cause analysis for equipment failures and performance issues, developing practical solutions that improve system reliability and minimize recurrence.
• Monitor and analyze plant operating data, including turbine and auxiliary system performance, to identify performance gaps and improvement opportunities impacting availability, heat rate, and efficiency.
• Support and execute reliability and condition monitoring programs (e.g., vibration analysis, thermography, oil analysis, controls diagnostics), ensuring accurate data interpretation and follow-through on identified issues.
• Maintain configuration control and technical documentation, including drawings, procedures, engineering records, and Management of Change documentation, ensuring accuracy and compliance with plant standards.
• Coordinate and support capital projects, modifications, and maintenance activities, working closely with vendors, contractors, and internal teams to ensure work is completed safely and in accordance with engineering requirements.
• Support compliance with regulatory and code requirements (e.g., NERC, pressure systems,), including monitoring, documentation, and audit readiness activities.
• Contribute to plant performance improvement by providing data-driven insights and recommendations to plant leadership, supporting safe, reliable, and efficient operations.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:

• Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET* along with two or more years of related engineering experience, or military equivalent. Individuals with a master's degree in engineering from an engineering program accredited by ABET* may be considered for entry into the organization at this level.
  *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. (2) bachelor's degree in engineering technology.
• Preferred Experience: Strong technical background in troubleshooting, root cause analysis, equipment reliability, and plant performance improvement.
• Experience with control systems, instrumentation, and performance monitoring tools used to optimize plant efficiency and availability.
• Proven ability to manage engineering projects, coordinate with contractors and vendors, and support plant operations and maintenance.
• Knowledge of applicable industry codes and standards and the ability to develop technical documentation, procedures, and reports.
• Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office and technical reporting.
• Licenses/Certifications: Professional Engineer (P.E.) license Preferred

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: SP20-007
• Compensation Range: $87,633.00 - $109,543.00

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.