Principal Electrical Engineer, Utility-Scale Power Systems

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

Job summary

American Electric Power seeks an Engineer Principal SG9 to lead electrical design across gas, coal, renewables, and self-build projects. You will define electrical design-basis requirements and support engineering, procurement, integration, and commissioning of power generation electrical systems.

The role requires deep knowledge of utility-scale plant electrical systems, including GSUs, MV/HV distribution, protection, grounding, and SCADA interfaces.

Qualifications

• Understanding of protection relays, CT/VT selection, relay coordination fundamentals.
• Basic skills in grounding, cable sizing, testing, and MV/HV equipment installation practices.
• Ability to interpret single-line diagrams, schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical reports.
• Familiarity with power electronics for renewables and storage is a plus.
• Proficiency in MS Office; familiarity with scripting or databases is beneficial.
• Effective written and verbal communication for cross-functional coordination.

Responsibilities

• Develop electrical design-basis and equipment requirements (generators, transformers, switchgear, station service, UPS/DC, cabling).
• Assist with power system studies and data preparation (load flow, short-circuit, protection coordination, arc-flash, harmonics).
• Review vendor drawings, technical bids, and RFx deliverables and prepare comments for senior engineers.
• Help prepare technical and procurement specifications and scope documents for proposals.
• Support OEM interfacing during procurement: submittal review, factory/field testing coordination, and lead-time tracking.
• Provide construction and commissioning support: site inspections, cable/power testing, relay settings assistance, witness testing, and punch-list follow-up.
• Assist with protection relay settings, grounding design, cable routing, and MV/HV equipment testing.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant codes and standards (IEEE, NEC/NFPA70, ANSI, IEC) and assist with reliability/obsolescence tasks.
• Coordinate with mechanical, I&C, civil, and operations teams to resolve integration and SCADA/DCS interface items.
• Contribute to O&M documentation, spares lists, and lifecycle cost input.

Skills

Relay protection

Grounding & MV/HV

SLDs & schematics

Power electronics

MS Office

Communication skills

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

PE license preferred

Tools

ETAP

SKM/PowerTools

CYME

MATLAB

AutoCAD

MicroStation

Job description

American Electric Power seeks an Engineer Principal SG9 to lead electrical design across gas, coal, renewables, and self-build projects. You will define electrical design-basis requirements and support engineering, procurement, integration, and commissioning of power generation electrical systems.

The role requires deep knowledge of utility-scale plant electrical systems, including GSUs, MV/HV distribution, protection, grounding, and SCADA interfaces.