Region Engineer - Control Systems Lead

American Electric Power; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 137,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power in Ohio seeks an experienced engineer to lead advanced engineering activities on generation control systems, including DCS/PLC hardware, tuning, and plant networking. You will mentor engineers and set technical standards across the organization.

With 10+ years of experience and an ABET-accredited degree, PE licensure is highly preferred. This full-time role collaborates with executives, staff, and industry partners to deliver safe, reliable energy solutions.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited engineering degree required; PE preferred or license in process.
• 10+ years of related engineering experience; or 8+ years with a Master’s/PhD.
• Registration as a PE in a U.S. state or Puerto Rico is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead system-wide activities in specialized engineering areas.
• Influence decisions on generation control systems across AEP.
• Mentor developing engineers and serve as technical authority.
• Develop technical policies, procedures, and standards.
• Troubleshoot complex issues with plants and engineers.
• Communicate complex topics to executives and stakeholders.

Skills

DCS/PLC systems

Control system tuning

Plant networking

Process instrumentation

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

PE license preferred

Job description

Job Posting End Date

09-19-2026

Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

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

Job Description

What We Are Looking For:

Technical Expertise:

• Exhibits the highest level of proficiency and expert knowledge of the following specialized technical areas that enables the engineer to serve as the expert and highest-level resource.
  • Generation Facility Control System Hardware and Software (DCS, PLC, etc.)
  • Control System tuning and troubleshooting
  • Plant Networking Hardware, Architecture, and tools
  • Process Instrumentation

Leadership & Guidance:

• Leads AEP system-wide activities in specific areas of engineering. Leads project and development activity related to specific, unique, and/or highly specialized areas of engineering application.
• Influences the decisions related to Generation control systems throughout the AEP system as a recognized authority in an area of expertise.
• Serves as design-basis delegated authority of official reviews and approvals for technical area
• Serves as chief technical mentor for developing engineers within technical area
• Main plant contact for highly specialized technical support within technical area
• Member of Engineering, Projects, & Tech Services leadership team developing organization strategy and policies

Planning & Organization Ability:

• Develops, recommends, and implements plans to address AEP system-wide issues within specialized field of technical expertise.
• Works as part of leadership team as technical authority in development of technical training and mentorship programs.
• Works as part of leadership team managing workload and resource utilization and optimization within technical area.
• Accountable for development of technical policies, procedures, and standards for technical area.

Problem Solving & Initiative:

• Identifies, resolves, and initiates solutions to highly complex problems that are unique to the company and industry and requires extensive specialized knowledge of equipment and/or problem-solving techniques, or the development of knowledge and techniques.
• Works closely with plants and engineers to troubleshoot complex issues.
• Develops and owns continuous improvement initiatives within technical area.

Communication:

• Leads in the preparation and presentation of the most complex technical subjects, clearly, concisely, and persuasively, bringing in ancillary issues before senior management, professional organizations, regulatory bodies, etc.
• Communicates with executives, leadership team, plant staff, peers, engineers, and industry partners on technical matters related to subject matter area.

Interpersonal Skills:

• Builds teams and networks that extend through AEP, and other companies, professional organizations, regulatory agencies, and academia.
• Relates to multiple levels of organization to build and maintain professional relationships.
• Builds trust with customers and partners based on character, competence, and accountability.

Decision Making:

• Makes decisions that are likely to impact the AEP system, business objectives and strategic direction.
• Possesses the knowledge and experience to make and take full accountabilities for all technical decisions.

Business Awareness & Characteristics:

• Demonstrates the ability to make their area of expertise a strategic asset of the AEP system
• Demonstrates the Engineering, Projects, & Tech Services philosophy and culture of Safety, Compliance, Plant Partnership, Responsiveness, and Accountability.
• Exhibits AEP Ways of Working in beliefs and actions.

What You Will Need:

10 or more years of related engineering experience along with a bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET*; or 8 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 highly 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 is:

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

In addition to 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

Compensation Grade:

SP20-10

Compensation Range:

$136,539.00 - $177,503.00

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.

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.