Principal Electrical Engineer - Power Plant Systems

American Electric Power; United States; On-site; USD 116,000 - 151,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power on-site role seeks an Engineer Principal SG9 to lead electrical design for gas, coal, renewables, and storage projects. You will define design-basis requirements, support specifications, procurement, and commissioning across generation assets.

You will collaborate with A/E and EPC firms, ensure compliance with IEEE/NEC/ANSI/IEC codes, and participate in RFx/OEM engagements and lifecycle support. ABET degree with PE preferred and 8+ years experience are expected.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of related engineering experience with a Bachelor's in engineering (ABET-accredited).
• 6+ years with a Master's or PhD from an ABET-accredited program.
• PE license in any US state preferred or waiver possible.
• Experience across gas, coal, and renewable projects.
• Commissioning experience on simple/combined-cycle plants.
• Experience with battery storage and interconnection practices.
• Familiarity with MV/HV electrical systems and interconnection practices.
• Proficiency with electrical design/analysis tools (ETAP, SKM/PowerTools, CYME, MATLAB, AutoCAD/MicroStation).

Responsibilities

• Develop electrical design-basis and equipment requirements (generators, transformers, switchgear).
• Perform power system studies and data prep (load flow, short-circuit, protection) under senior review.
• Review vendor drawings and RFx deliverables, provide comments.
• Prepare technical and procurement specifications and scope documents.
• Coordinate with procurement: submittal review and testing coordination.
• Provide construction and commissioning support: site inspections and testing.
• Assist with protection relay settings and grounding design.
• Ensure designs comply with IEEE/NEC/ANSI/IEC codes.
• Collaborate with mechanical/I&C/civil/ops for integration and SCADA interfaces.
• Contribute to O&M docs, spares lists, lifecycle cost input.

Skills

Protection relays

Grounding

MV/HV equipment

Single-line diagrams

Power electronics

MS Office

Scripting/Databases

Cross-functional communication

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Tools

ETAP

SKM/PowerTools

CYME

MATLAB

AutoCAD/MicroStation

Job description

American Electric Power on-site role seeks an Engineer Principal SG9 to lead electrical design for gas, coal, renewables, and storage projects. You will define design-basis requirements, support specifications, procurement, and commissioning across generation assets.

You will collaborate with A/E and EPC firms, ensure compliance with IEEE/NEC/ANSI/IEC codes, and participate in RFx/OEM engagements and lifecycle support. ABET degree with PE preferred and 8+ years experience are expected.