Principal Mechanical Engineer - Power Plant Design & Integration

American Electric Power Co.; Columbus, Northern (OH, KY); Hybrid; USD 116,000 - 151,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power Co. is seeking an Mechanical Engineer Principal SG9 to lead mechanical design and technical evaluations for gas, coal, and renewable plant retrofit and new generation projects at on-site locations in the Columbus area.

The role emphasizes advanced gas turbine knowledge, piping, and balance-of-plant systems, with collaboration across AE and EPC teams. The position requires extensive experience in power generation, strong problem solving, and a PE license or equivalent

Qualifications

• Experience in mechanical design for power generation projects.
• Proficiency with mechanical drawings, P&IDs, datasheets, and calculations.
• Familiarity with industry codes (ASME, API) and safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop mechanical design basis for plant equipment (turbines, HRSGs, boilers, pumps).
• Review vendor drawings, specs, and RFx responses for compliance and performance.
• Provide construction, commissioning, and startup support at sites.

Skills

Power plant design

Mechanical design

Piping stress analysis

Team collaboration

Communication

Education

ABET-accredited Bachelor's in Engineering

PE license (preferred)

Tools

CAD (AutoCAD / MicroStation)

MathCAD / MATLAB

Job description

American Electric Power Co. is seeking an Mechanical Engineer Principal SG9 to lead mechanical design and technical evaluations for gas, coal, and renewable plant retrofit and new generation projects at on-site locations in the Columbus area.

The role emphasizes advanced gas turbine knowledge, piping, and balance-of-plant systems, with collaboration across AE and EPC teams. The position requires extensive experience in power generation, strong problem solving, and a PE license or equivalent