Project Engineer Senior or Principal

American Electric Power; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 88,000 - 151,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power in Columbus, OH is seeking an intermediate-level engineer responsible for applying engineering knowledge to projects under supervision. You will perform analysis, coordinate team activities and contribute to cost forecasting and process improvements.

The role requires an ABET-accredited engineering degree with 2+ years of related experience; a Master’s degree may be considered for entry at this level, and a PE license is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in engineering; ABET accreditation; two+ years of related engineering experience.
• Master's degree in engineering may qualify for entry at this level.
• Bachelors in engineering technology acceptable with PE license.
• Alternative: non-ABET degree plus Master/PhD in ABET-accredited program.

Responsibilities

• Provide intermediate engineering work under supervision.
• Coordinate work activities within the group and provide guidance to others.
• Forecast costs and use CPM/PERT techniques for budgeting and planning.
• Identify problems beyond routine and propose improvements to processes.
• Prepare and present technical reports and analyses.

Skills

Engineering knowledge

Analytical techniques

Problem solving

Communication

Leadership

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

Master's degree in engineering (advantage)

PE license (preferred)

Job description

Job Posting End Date 08-17-2026. 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

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Technical Expertise: Possesses intermediate level knowledge and performs varied assignments with proficiency in the application of theory and analytical techniques to solve diverse problems and complete extensive analysis. Demonstrates competency in analytical techniques necessary to handle assignments of moderate complexity. (e.g., by dividing the problem into component steps, and performing the analysis necessary to complete each step). Exhibits ability to understand interrelationship between systems and component equipment. Demonstrate ability to analyze and recommend enhancements to business processes.

Leadership & Guidance: Coordinates work activities of others within the work group, department, or other corporate entity as necessary to complete routine activities. Performs routine engineering activity with minimum direction from higher-level employees. Follows policies, practices, standards and rules of the company and those regulations and procedures required by external agencies.Provides training and guidance to lower-level employees.

Planning & Organization Ability: Coordinates the development of input necessary to forecast costs for the routine projects, improvements requisitions, etc. Uses scheduling techniques (CPM, PERT, flow charts, etc.) for budget and planning activities. Initiates corrective action when project objectives are not being met.

Problem Solving & Initiative: Resolves and initiates solutions to routine problems which usually require additional definition/clarification before analysis can begin. Demonstrates ability to identify problems that are beyond the normal routine. Demonstrates ability and desire to seek out opportunities and embrace new ideas and approaches.

Communication: Develops, reviews, or presents technical reports such as improvement requisitions, studies, and analyses in as clear, concise and effective fashion.

Interpersonal Skills: Is an active team member. Networks with peers inside and outside the AEP system. Identifies key stakeholders. Uses informal network to get things done. Resolves conflict, builds consensus.

Decision Making: Makes decisions subject to review within established policies and procedures. Makes decisions that affect the work of the team. Aware of risks. Demonstrates the ability to extrapolate beyond known facts to reach logical conclusions.

Business Awareness & Characteristics: Understands AEP's organizational structure and the specific role and responsibility of their individual organizational unit. Demonstrates an understanding of the budgeting and approval process. Is proficient in the application and use of economic analysis techniques in problem solving. Develops an understanding of utility regulation and financing.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

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.

• ABET - Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

Acceptable alternative is:

• a 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.
• VP or above may waive the requirement for a degree from a university with an Non ABET accredited program

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade: SP20-007

Compensation Range: $87,633.00 - $151,132.50

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.

EEO statement: 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.