Plant Engineer - Plant Engineer Sr.

American Electric Power; Texas; On-site; USD 88,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power seeks a Plant Engineer to lead engineering support for safe, reliable operation of our power plant. You will monitor performance, diagnose issues, and coordinate projects with vendors and internal teams to improve efficiency and compliance.

The role requires an ABET-accredited engineering degree with 2+ years of related experience; P.E. license preferred. The position offers a competitive base salary and comprehensive benefits, consistent with industry standards in Texas.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering ABET-accredited or military equivalent with two+ years of engineering experience.
• ABET-Engineering Accreditation Commission preferred; Master’s degree may allow entry at Sr level.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering support for plant operations and maintenance by diagnosing equipment and system issues and supporting startups and shutdowns.
• Perform structured troubleshooting and root cause analysis to improve reliability and reduce recurrence of issues.
• Monitor and analyze plant operating data to identify performance gaps affecting availability, heat rate, and efficiency.
• Support reliability and condition monitoring programs (e.g., vibration analysis, thermography, oil analysis, controls diagnostics).
• Maintain configuration control and technical documentation, including drawings, procedures, and Management of Change records.
• Coordinate capital projects with vendors, contractors, and internal teams to ensure safe, compliant execution.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and code requirements (NERC, pressure systems) and maintain audit readiness.

Skills

Root cause analysis

Troubleshooting

Equipment reliability

Data analysis

Regulatory compliance

Project management

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

Master's degree in engineering

Tools

Vibration analysis

Thermography

Oil analysis

Controls diagnostics

Microsoft Office

Job description

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

This posting represents a position that offers a range of opportunities for advancement. The minimum qualifications outlined below apply to the Plant Engineer, with increased requirements for the Plant Engineer Sr level.

What you'll do:

Essential Job Functions & Tasks

• 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 Work Experience requirements are listed below:

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.

**VP or above may waive the requirement for a degree from a university with a non-ABET accredited program

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

What you'll get:

Base Salary from $87,633.00-$109,543.00/year. 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.

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

$87,633.00 - $128,688.00

Physical Demands

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

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.

AEP Culture

"AEP offers an outstanding group of people to be a part of. The AEP culture values your integrity and awards your hard work."

This role is responsible to the assigned manager for performing entry level engineering work activities and projects requiring the application of engineering knowledge in a safe, effective, efficient and economic accomplishment of assigned objectives.

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.

AEP is investing to support significant load growth driven by new industry, data centers, and widespread electrification, and we are seeking an underground transmission Subject Matter Expert who wants to help build what comes next. In this role, you will lead the design, engineering, installation, testing, and restoration of high voltage and extra high voltage underground cable systems spanning 34.5 kV to 765 kV, across both AC and DC applications. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in solid dielectric XLPE and high-pressure fluid-filled pipe-type cable systems, complex jointing and termination practices, and thermal performance analysis. As a technical leader within our underground transmission engineering organization, you will guide projects from front-end engineering design through commissioning and energization, set standards that others follow, and shape how AEP delivers safe, reliable, and resilient power for decades to come.

AEP offers generous time off, competitive pay, and educational opportunities to help employees advance their careers.

Our culture is purpose-driven and team