Principal Electrical Engineer–Power Gen & Grid Interconnect

American Electric Power; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 116,000 - 151,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power in Columbus, Ohio is seeking an Engineer Principal SG9 to lead electrical design for gas, coal, renewables, and self-build projects. The role involves defining design-basis requirements, coordinating with A/E and EPC firms, and ensuring compliance with safety, reliability, and regulatory standards.

The position requires an ABET-accredited engineering degree, 8+ years of experience, and expertise in protection relays, MV/HV systems, and protective relaying.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of related engineering experience with a Bachelor's degree in engineering (ABET accredited).
• 6+ years with a Master’s or PhD in engineering from ABET-accredited program.
• PE license preferred or ability to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Develop electrical design-basis and equipment requirements (generators, transformers, switchgear, station service, UPS/DC, cabling).
• Review vendor drawings and RFx deliverables; provide comments for senior engineers.
• Prepare technical and procurement specifications and scope documents.
• Coordinate OEM interfacing during procurement: submittal review, factory testing coordination, lead-time tracking.
• Provide construction and commissioning support: site inspections, testing, relay settings, punch-lists.

Skills

Protection relays

Grounding design

MV/HV equipment

Single-line diagrams

Power system studies

Vendor RFx reviews

Cross-functional coordination

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

PE license (preferred)

Tools

ETAP

SKM/PowerTools

CYME

MATLAB

AutoCAD/MicroStation

Job description

American Electric Power in Columbus, Ohio is seeking an Engineer Principal SG9 to lead electrical design for gas, coal, renewables, and self-build projects. The role involves defining design-basis requirements, coordinating with A/E and EPC firms, and ensuring compliance with safety, reliability, and regulatory standards.

The position requires an ABET-accredited engineering degree, 8+ years of experience, and expertise in protection relays, MV/HV systems, and protective relaying.