Technical Specialist Principal/Staff

AEP; Columbus, Northern (OH, KY); Hybrid; USD 116,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power in Columbus, Ohio is seeking a Technical Specialist at Principal/Staff level to lead and oversee steam generation projects for the AEP fleet. You will forecast, install, and commission enhancements, and guide site personnel through technical challenges with a strong emphasis on safety and reliability.

The role requires advanced engineering expertise, leadership, and the ability to collaborate with multiple teams, OEMs, and contractors to meet fleet objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field or associate’s with relevant experience.
• 10+ years of direct experience and advanced proficiency in specialized programs/systems for SG9.
• 12+ years for SG10 role with advanced proficiency and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Design basis and technical oversight of new steam generation equipment projects.
• Lead forecasting, planning, installation, and commissioning enhancements across programs/equipment.
• Collaborate with project teams, OEMs, and EPC contractors on design, performance specs, operability and maintainability.
• Provide mentorship and coaching to less-experienced engineers; oversee safety and execution.
• Consult with central/regional engineering and plant staff on technical issues and problem-solving.

Skills

Leadership

Engineering expertise

Project management

Safety awareness

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in technical field

Tools

ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code

NFPA

Job description

## Technical Specialist Principal/StaffApply: Columbus, OH: Full time: Posted Today: End Date: October 5, 2026 (11 days left to apply): R19109**Job Posting End Date**10-05-2026Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.**Job Summary**Advanced level of proficiency plus advanced level of knowledge and leadership responsibility to drive the development, administration, implementation, and maintenance of programs/ systems/ equipment required to support the AEP generating fleet. Assumes a leadership role to collaborate with others to stay up to date on program requirements, system/equipment upgrades, and operational issues. Acts as the primary resource to lead the forecasting, planning, installation, and commissioning of enhancements to these programs/systems/equipment to meet AEP requirements. Is the key resource to assist site personnel with any issues.**Job Description****What you’ll do:*** Be responsible for the design basis and technical oversight of new steam generation equipment projects on the AEP fleet, as well as maintaining current design basis and providing technical support for the existing generating fleet.* Collaborate and consult with multiple project teams, OEMs and EPC contractors on new generation plant design, performance specifications, unit operability and maintainability expectations.* Integrate strong technical and risk management skills to support strategic business objectives without compromising safety.* Lead, mentor and coach less-experienced engineers as they build skill. Provide oversight and support their development in safely executing projects and troubleshooting technical issues.* Consult with Central/Region Engineering and power plant staff on a variety of technical issues, troubleshooting, and equipment/systems-related problem-solving pertaining to steam generating equipment and systems on the AEP fleet.· Possess an Aadvanced level of proficiency and leadership responsibility to establish the requirements and processes to provide advanced technical support for steam generation equipment and auxiliary systems, within the Generation Organization.· Develops and administer Circular Letters and fleet-wide technical programs that impact steam generation equipment and systemss.· Provides leadership and support to ensure the design basis and maintenance of the specialized programs/ systems/steam generation equipment and systems across the fleet.· Reviews and approves plans for equipment design basis changes and/or modifications.· Leads in the preparation and presentation of complex technical subjects, clearly, concisely, and persuasively, bringing in ancillary issues before senior management, professional organizations, regulatory bodies,· Leads, facilitates, and coordinates work activities of others within the work group, team, department, corporate entity, or those external to the company and assumes the role of project or function manager for assigned tasks. Influences the direction of thinking throughout the organizational unit as a recognized authority in an area of expertise.· Performs other project-related support and administrative activities as required.· Possesses a high level of safety awareness and Aassures safety of all activities.**What we’re looking for:****Technical Specialist Principal SG9***Education:*· Bachelor’s degree in applicable technical field or Associate’s degree with 2 years of relevant work experience.*Experience:*· In addition to any experience required above, 10 years of direct experience and advanced level of proficiency, knowledge, and leadership of the specialized programs/ systems/ equipment is typically required for this role.*Licenses/Certifications:*· Professional registration or certification in a related engineering, project, or technology field is preferred for this position.**Technical Specialist Staff SG10***Education:*· Bachelor’s degree in applicable technical field or associate’s degree with relevant work experience.*Experience:*· In addition to any experience required above, 12 years of direct experience and advanced level of proficiency, knowledge, and leadership of the specialized programs/ systems/ equipment is typically required for this particular role.*Licenses/Certifications:*· Professional registration or certification in a related engineering, project, or technology field is preferred for this position.*In addition:** Experience and operating knowledge of utility-scale boilers, heat recovery steam generators (HRSG), combustion systems and design configurations.* Experience maintaining and troubleshooting equipment and ancillary systems (e.g. pulverizers, windboxes, air preheaters, burners, sootblowers, etc.) furnace and convection pass pressure parts, etc.).* Understanding of upstream equipment/systems impact on combustion and steam generation, as well as the common phenomena impacting steam generation components and pressure parts (e.g. flow accelerated corrosion, creep damage, furnace and water-side issues, etc.) impacting reliability, availability, unit performance, and efficiency.* Knowledge and awareness of codes and regulations impacting steam generation, combustion systems and equipment design, operations and maintenance, including ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), as well as Federal and State regulations for emissions compliance.* Experience performing and assessing detailed root cause analyses of steam generator equipment and pressure part failures, and combustion system issues.* Casual Overtime up to 10% and expected travel up to 20%.* While this position is full-time (40 hrs per week), there is an expectation that the individual be available outside of normal working hours for emergent technical support if needed.· Physical demand level varies depending on specific job duties/requirements.**Where you’ll work:**· This role sits on site at AEP Headquarters in Columbus, Ohio**What you’ll get:**Technical Specialist Principal SG9($116,255-$151,132)Technical Specialist Staff SG10($136,539-$177,503)**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!****American Electric Power (On-Site)****$116K- $177K / Year****#LI-Onsite****#AEPCareers****#TechnicalSpecialist****#utility****Compensation Data****Compensation Grade:**SP20-009**Compensation Range:**$116,255.00 - $177,503.00The 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.