Principal Mechanical Engineer, Power Plant Systems

AEP Service Corporation; United States; On-site; USD 116,000 - 151,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power (On-Site) seeks a Mechanical Engineer Principal to guide mechanical design for retrofit and new-generation projects, defining design-basis expectations and coordinating with AE/EPC teams to meet performance and safety standards.

You will handle rotating and static equipment, piping, structures, and balance-of-plant systems, review vendor drawings, prepare specs, and support construction, commissioning, and lifecycle activities across RFx engagements.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree in engineering with 8+ years of related experience, or master’s/PhD with 6+ years.
• PE license preferred; may be required for certain jurisdictions.
• Experience in mechanical engineering for power generation (gas/coal/renewables).
• Hands-on knowledge of simple/combined cycle plants, turbines, HRSGs, and auxiliaries.

Responsibilities

• Develop and document mechanical design basis for plant equipment (turbines, generators, HRSGs, boilers, pumps).
• Apply knowledge of simple/combined cycle plants to equipment selection and integration.
• Review drawings, calculations, and vendor submittals with AE and EPC teams.
• Prepare technical and procurement specifications for self-build proposals and RFx deliverables.
• Interface with OEMs during RFx and procurement to confirm compliance and lead times.
• Provide construction, commissioning, and startup support including site inspections and punch lists.

Skills

Rotating equipment

Piping stress analysis

CAD interpretation

Team collaboration

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

PE license (preferred)

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

PDMS/AVEVA

MATLAB

Job description

American Electric Power (On-Site) seeks a Mechanical Engineer Principal to guide mechanical design for retrofit and new-generation projects, defining design-basis expectations and coordinating with AE/EPC teams to meet performance and safety standards.

You will handle rotating and static equipment, piping, structures, and balance-of-plant systems, review vendor drawings, prepare specs, and support construction, commissioning, and lifecycle activities across RFx engagements.