Project Engineer Senior or Principal

AEP Service Corporation; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 151,000; Full time

Job summary

AEP Service Corporation in Columbus, Ohio, seeks a Project Engineer to serve as the Engineering Lead for complex, multi-disciplinary generation projects across the full lifecycle, from conceptual design through commissioning.

You will coordinate internal teams and external partners, guide design reviews, schedule meetings, provide progress updates, and help ensure safe, reliable, and cost‑effective delivery of assets such as gas turbines, solar, wind, and storage facilities.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited engineering degree required; PE license encouraged.
• Relevant engineering experience varies by SG level and seniority.
• Ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and coordinate with external partners.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage Engineering Work Plan.
• Lead Engineering Design Review process and respond to RFIs.
• Coordinate design efforts with internal teams and external partners.
• Provide regular updates on engineering progress to stakeholders.
• Travel to generation facilities as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Project coordination

Engineering design review

Communication

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

PE license encouraged

Job description

Job Posting End Date

09-14-2026 Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

Responsible to the assigned supervisor for performing intermediate level engineering work activities and projects requiring the application of engineering knowledge in a safe, effective, efficient and economic accomplishment of assigned objectives.

Job Description Note

Note: This position is posted in a range. The final grade and compensation offered will be based on the successful candidate's education, experience, and relevant skills.

Overview

The Project Engineer serves as the AEP Engineering Lead for complex, multi-disciplinary Generation Projects, spanning the full project lifecycle with a primary focus on conceptual and detailed design, procurement, and technical support during construction and commissioning. This role provides technical leadership and coordination across internal engineering teams, external consultants, OEMs, EPC contractors, and project stakeholders to ensure safe, reliable, cost-effective delivery of utility-scale power generation assets. The portfolio includes both new-build and major retrofit initiatives, such as: Simple Cycle Gas Turbine Plants, Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) Plants, Utility-Scale Solar Facilities, Wind Generation Projects, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), Environmental Retrofit and fuel Conversion Projects for existing thermal plants.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage Engineering Work Plan.
• Lead the Engineering Design Review process and respond to Requests for Information (RFIs).
• Coordinate design efforts with internal AEP teams (Engineering, Operations, IT/Technology) and external partners (Developers, Architects/Engineers, Original Equipment Manufacturers, regulatory agencies).
• Provide support during construction and facilitate project closeout activities to ensure timely and efficient completion.
• Provide regular updates on engineering progress to the project team and stakeholders.
• Travel to AEP generation facilities as needed, including occasional overnight trips.

What you'll do

• Lead, facilitate and coordinate the overall engineering activities among AEP, Developer, Architect Engineer (A/E), and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for Generation capital projects.
• Schedule and lead Engineering meetings, with project stakeholders.
• Provide regular engineering progress updates to the project team and stakeholders.

Technical Expertise

Exhibits journey level proficiency plus advanced knowledge that enables the engineer to serve as a leader within the assigned organization.

Leadership & Guidance

Provides guidance and exercises judgment and discretion in providing guidance and direction to other Engineers. Leads, facilitates, and coordinates work activities of others within the work group, team, department, corporate entity, or those external to the company as required to perform all routine engineering work. Ensures all work activities are performed in accordance with the policies, practices, standards, and rules of the company and complies with the regulations and procedures required by external agencies. Promotes engineering professionalism and standards.

Planning & Organization Ability

Participates in the development of plans by establishing measurable goals, objectives, and requirements for specific areas of responsibility. Identifies and initiates appropriate corrective action when objectives are not being met.

Problem Solving & Initiative

Identifies, clarifies, resolves, and initiates solutions to routine and/or complex problems that sometimes involve analysis of inadequate or conflicting data. Demonstrates the ability to divide problems into component steps. Consistently looks for and develops opportunities and presents new ideas and approaches.

Communication

Coordinates the work of other engineers in an efficient and effective manner. Develops, reviews, or prepares reports on complex technical subjects clearly, concisely, and effectively, in a manner suitable for presentation to management. Leads and facilitates meetings effective.

Interpersonal Skills

Possess collaborative and consensus building skills. Functions as a team leader and member. Networks upward and downward in several disciplines inside and outside the AEP system. Leverages network to get things done.

Decision Making

Makes decisions affecting plans and goals based on analysis of uncertain input and outcomes. Uses diverse approaches to make decisions in the absence of a definite framework or where few precedents exist. Can handle conflicting interests related to approaches on projects or studies. Analyzes options and risks and possesses the experience and knowledge to assess the risk of decisions and act accordingly.

Engineer SG7

Has typically acquired a Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET* along with two or more years of related engineering experience. Individuals with a Master's degree in engineering from an engineering program accredited by ABET* may be considered for entry into the organization at this level. Individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology can satisfy this degree requirement, if they obtain a certified Professional Engineering (PE) license.

Engineer Senior SG8

Has typically acquired 4 or more years of related engineering experience along with a Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET*; Or 2 years of related engineering experience along with a Master's degree or PhD in engineering from a program accredited by ABET*; Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico** is encouraged and preferred. Individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology can satisfy this degree requirement, if they obtain a certified Professional Engineering (PE) license.

Engineer Principal SG9

Has typically acquired 8 or more years of related engineering experience along with a Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET*; Or 6 years of related engineering experience along with a Master's or PhD in engineering from a program accredited by ABET*. Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico** is preferred for this position unless approval to waive this requirement is given by the organization’s EVP.* ABET - Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. Individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology can satisfy this degree requirement, if they obtain a certified Professional Engineering (PE) license. Acceptable alternative: Bachelor’s degree in engineering (non-ABET) plus a Master's degree or PhD in engineering from a university with an ABET accredited Bachelor's program. ** Confirmation is preferred to ensure the PE obtained in Puerto Rico aligns with NCEES standards. ** ABET - Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. **VP or above may waive the requirement for a degree from a university with an non-ABET accredited program

Additional Requirements

In addition: 50% outside of Ohio within the AEP footprint during construction phase of the projects. Mechanical engineers and mechanical engineering technologist preferred. Experience overseeing multi-discipline engineering work is preferred.

Where you'll work

Location: Columbus, Ohio. The role sits onsite in Columbus, Ohio.

Where you'll get

• Engineer Senior SG8 ($110,000-$129,000)
• Engineer Principal SG9 ($116,000-$151,000)

In addition to a competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.

Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do At AEP

We're more than just an energy company — we're a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!

Compensation Data

American Electric Power (On-Site) $110K- $151K / Year #LI-Onsite #AEPCareers #engineering #projectengineer Compensation Data Compensation Grade: SP20-007 Compensation Range: $87,633.00 - $151,132.50

Physical Demand

The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S – Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Equal Employment Opportunity

It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.

Company Culture

At American Electric Power, we provide more than electricity to our millions of customers - we energize possibilities. We're redefining the future of energy by reducing our carbon footprint, empowering the communities we serve and building an engaged, talented workforce. All while delivering the reliable service our customers expect. It's an exciting time in the energy industry. Are you ready to be part of it? We're looking for team members to help create the grid of the future. Learn more about our commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive work culture that values different experiences.