Site/Civil Land Development Designer (Prin-Staff)

American Electric Power; Roanoke (VA); On-site; USD 99,000 - 129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

American Electric Power in Roanoke, VA, is seeking a Site/Civil Land Development Designer (Prin-Staff) to craft and review civil drawings for substation projects using AutoCAD Civil 3D. You’ll mentor teammates, develop training materials, and ensure designs comply with AEP standards.

The role focuses on leading design efforts, creating package drawings, and coordinating with internal teams while upholding safety and regulatory requirements. On-site work with some travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in drafting/CAD or civil/electrical/mechanical engineering technology with 7+ years in electric utility drafting.
• Equivalent experience: high school grad with 10+ years of related drafting work.
• Designer Staff: 12+ years with AEP standards and design practices; equivalent experience applies.

Responsibilities

• Perform SME work in AutoCAD Civil 3D & Vault and mentor Designers.
• Develop training materials for knowledge transfer and accelerated learning.
• Lead designer responsibilities in development/checking of standards/projects per AEP.
• Create and revise civil drawings and ensure compliance with AEP standards.
• Scope and develop drawing packages for specialized projects with minimal guidance.
• Draft Site Civil Standard Guidelines for Station & T-Line practices.
• Communicate information effectively within the organization.
• Coordinate with internal/external teams and ensure regulatory compliance.

Skills

Mentoring

Communication

Leadership

Team coordination

Education

AAS in CAD or Eng Tech

High school diploma + 10+ years experience

Tools

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Autodesk Vault

Job description

Site/Civil Land Development Designer (Prin-Staff)

Location: Roanoke, VA

Job Summary

In this role, you'll be proficient in performing daily work activities with minimal supervision. Proficient level work activities to be performed include: computer aided drafting to prepare and maintain maps, sketches, schematics and other engineering related drawings. Assist engineer in designing and producing construction drawings for substation projects and other projects as required. Oversee consultant’s work product and provide review comments. Participate in civil and geotechnical engineering group communities of practice to help develop training and creating best practices.

Job Description

This role is designated as on-site and the primary location of this posting is in Roanoke, VA.

• site grading
• stormwater management
• drainage design
• roadway design
• erosion and sediment control
• permitting
• surveying
• plan set development

What You'll Do:

• Perform as subject matter expert (SME) in AutoCAD Civil 3D & Vault and serve as technical mentor and coach to other Designers in their group.

• Participate in the development of training materials and programs for knowledge transfer and accelerated learning programs that will assist employees along their career track progression in the Designer family.

• Perform department or group level lead designer responsibilities (i.e. create drawings, perform peer to peer reviews, mentor, etc.) in the development or checking of standards/projects in accordance with applicable AEP Standards.

• Possess expert knowledge of AEP Design Standards, procurement processes and Civil 3D & Vault Utilization Tools.

• Possess the ability to scope and develop drawing packages for specialized projects with minimal engineering guidance based on their expert knowledge of the system and implementing, integrating and coordinating AEP design standards.

• Possess good technical writing skills and assist in the development and creation of Site Civil Standard Guidelines detailing AEP Station & T-Line practices and policies.

• Possess communication skills to appropriately convey information throughout the organization (internal and external).

• Ensure activities are conducted in accordance to company policies, standards and regulatory requirements; to appropriately identify emerging issues, inform, resolve and/or delegate as required.

• Facilitates and coordinates work activities of others within department or those external to the company and assumes the role of lead for assigned tasks.

• Create, revise and maintain civil engineering models, drawings, and sketches using AutoCad Civil 3D.

• Ability to find, understand, and implement standards from local municipalities as it relates to design, plan formatting, and submittals.

• Assume other duties and responsibilities as assigned as standalone or in support of teammates.

What We're Looking For:

Designer Principal:

Education requirements: Associate degree in applied science (AAS) in drafting and computer aided design (CAD) or in civil, electrical or mechanical engineering technology AND a minimum of 7 years of experience including experience with AEP standards and design practices.

Equivalent experience without AAS degree, high school graduate AND 10 years of experience in electric utility and/or related industrial drafting and/or computer aided drafting work.

Designer Staff:

Education requirements are listed below: Associate degree in applied science (AAS) in drafting and computer aided design (CAD) or in civil, electrical or mechanical engineering technology and a minimum of 12 years of experience including experience with AEP standards and design practices.

Equivalent experience without AAS degree ' high school graduate and 16 years of experience in electric utility and/or related industrial drafting and/or computer aided drafting work.

What You'll Get:

Designer Principal (Non Exempt): $42.13 - $52.63

Designer Staff (Exempt): $98,993 - $128,688

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.

Other:

• Must be proficient in working with conventional drafting symbols and drafting methods and have the ability to distinguish colors.
• Must be able to operate a company motor vehicle and possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.
• Must meet all vehicle operation requirements as designated by federal and/or state law.
• This position may require shift work or overtime.
• Occasional overnight travel to and work within a substation or power plant environment in obedience to all safety regulations and use of personal protection equipment.

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 stride 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

$42.13 - $128,688.00

Physical Demands

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.

AEP offers generous time off, competitive pay, and educational opportunities to help employees advance their careers.

Our culture is purpose-driven and team-oriented: we combine innovation with a customer-first focus to deliver reliable energy and brighter futures.