Site/Civil Land Development Designer (Prin-Staff)

AEP; Roanoke (VA); On-site; USD 99,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power in Roanoke, VA seeks a Site/Civil Land Development Designer at Prin-Staff level to draft and review construction drawings for substation and related projects. The role involves supervising consultants, mentoring designers, and developing training materials to improve best practices.

Qualified candidates bring strong AutoCAD Civil 3D and Vault expertise, deep knowledge of AEP design standards, and the ability to coordinate with internal teams while producing compliant site

Qualifications

• Qualified candidates shall possess knowledge of civil site design principles through education and/or demonstrated project experience related to site grading, stormwater management, drainage design, roadway design, erosion and sediment control, permitting, surveying.
• Expert knowledge of AEP Design Standards, procurement processes and Civil 3D & Vault Utilization Tools.
• Ability to scope and develop drawing packages for specialized projects with minimal engineering guidance.
• Good technical writing skills and ability to develop Site Civil Standard Guidelines.
• Strong communication skills to convey information across the organization.
• Experience acting as lead designer and coordinating tasks.
• Experience creating and maintaining AutoCAD Civil 3D models, drawings, and sketches.
• Ability to implement local municipality design standards and submittals.
• Willingness to assume additional duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Perform as SME in AutoCAD Civil 3D & Vault and mentor other Designers.
• Develop training materials and programs for knowledge transfer.
• Lead designer responsibilities in development/checking of standards and projects.
• Maintain and apply AEP design standards and procurement processes.
• Scope and develop drawing packages for complex projects.
• Draft and revise Site Civil Standard Guidelines detailing practices.
• Communicate information effectively across internal teams.
• Create, revise and maintain civil engineering models and drawings.

Skills

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Vault

Mentoring

Technical writing

Communication

Lead designer

Design standards

Municipal standards

Training materials

Education

AAS in drafting/CAD or civil/electrical/mechanical engineering technology

Experience equivalent to 7+ years with AAS; 10+ years without AAS

Designer Staff path: 12+ years with AAS; 16+ years without AAS

Tools

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Civil 3D & Vault Utilization Tools

Job description

## Site/Civil Land Development Designer (Prin-Staff)Apply: Roanoke, VA: Full time: Posted Today: End Date: October 26, 2026 (30+ days left to apply): R19208**Job Posting End Date**10-26-2026Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.**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.** Qualified candidates shall possess knowledge of civil site design principles through education and/or demonstrated project experience related to: • 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 - $52.63Designer 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.