Principal Project Engineer

Jobtailor; Rockport (KY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power seeks an AEP Engineering Lead to drive multi-disciplinary generation projects from conception through commissioning. You will shape the Engineering Work Plan, lead design reviews, manage RFIs, and coordinate with internal teams and OEMs to ensure timely delivery.

The role requires ABET-accredited engineering education, PE licensure, and a track record in leading complex projects. Travel and onsite work in Rockport, IN or Columbus, OH are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an ABET-accredited program; experience varies by grade.
• Engineer SG7: two or more years of related engineering experience.
• Engineer SG8: 4+ years with bachelor's, or 2+ years with master's/PhD.
• Engineer SG9: 8+ years with bachelor's, or 6+ years with master's/PhD.
• Master's or PhD may satisfy alternate pathways.
• PE license encouraged; PE registration preferred for SG9.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex engineering projects across full lifecycle (design to closeout).
• Coordinate design efforts among multiple teams and external partners.
• Develop, review, and present engineering reports for management.
• Travel to project sites as needed; onsite in Rockport, IN or Columbus, OH.

Skills

Team Leadership

Stakeholder Communication

Facilitation Skills

Risk Analysis

Construction Support

Project Lifecycle Management

Education

ABET-accredited Bachelor's degree in engineering

Professional Engineering (PE) license

Master's degree or PhD in engineering

Job description

• Serve as the AEP Engineering Lead for complex, multi-disciplinary generation projects across the full project lifecycle


• Focus on conceptual and detailed design, procurement, and technical support during construction and commissioning


• Develop and manage the Engineering Work Plan


• Lead Engineering Design Reviews and respond to Requests for Information (RFIs)


• Coordinate design efforts with AEP Engineering, Operations, IT/Technology, developers, architects/engineers, OEMs, and regulatory agencies


• Lead, facilitate, and coordinate engineering activities among AEP, developers, A/E firms, and OEMs


• Schedule and lead engineering meetings with project stakeholders


• Support construction and facilitate project closeout activities


• Provide regular engineering progress updates to project teams and stakeholders


• Guide and direct other engineers and coordinate work across internal and external teams


• Develop, review, and prepare complex technical reports for management


• Analyze options, risks, uncertain inputs, and conflicting project interests


• Travel to generation facilities and project sites as needed

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program, with experience requirements varying by grade


• Engineer SG7: two or more years of related engineering experience


• Engineer SG8: 4 or more years of related engineering experience with a bachelor's degree, or 2 years with a master's degree or PhD


• Engineer SG9: 8 or more years of related engineering experience with a bachelor's degree, or 6 years with a master's degree or PhD


• Master's degree or PhD in engineering from an ABET-accredited program may satisfy alternative education/experience pathways


• Bachelor's degree in Engineering Technology requires obtaining a certified Professional Engineering (PE) license


• PE registration in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico is preferred/encouraged; for SG9, preferred unless waived


• Experience overseeing multi-discipline engineering work is preferred


• Mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology background preferred


• Travel 25% outside of Ohio within the AEP footprint during construction


• Ability to travel to AEP generation facilities, including occasional overnight trips


• Must work onsite in Rockport, Indiana or Columbus, Ohio


• Engineering program accreditation must meet ABET requirements, subject to stated alternatives

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in leading complex engineering projects throughout the full project lifecycle, including design, procurement, and construction support. Proficient in coordinating multi-disciplinary teams and managing engineering work plans while ensuring compliance with ABET accreditation standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Engineering Project Leadership


• Multi-Discipline Coordination


• Technical Report Development


• PE Registration


• Construction Support

ATS Optimization Keywords

Hard Skills

• Engineering Design


• Project Lifecycle Management


• Risk Analysis


• Technical Support


• Engineering Work Plan Development

Soft Skills

• Team Leadership


• Stakeholder Communication


• Facilitation Skills

Certifications & Qualifications

• Professional Engineering (PE) License

Industry Keywords

• ABET Accreditation


• Mechanical Engineering


• Generation Projects


• Requests for Information (RFIs)


• Construction Closeout Activities