Director Project Engineering

American Electric Power•Columbus, OH

3d•$160,434 - $208,566

About The Position

The Director of Project Engineering leads the engineering organization responsible for developing and executing strategic generation capital projects across renewable energy, generation asset acquisitions, and major modernization projects at existing fossil generation facilities. The role provides leadership and oversight for engineering activities throughout the project lifecycle, with a focus on safe, reliable delivery on schedule, within budget, and in alignment with corporate growth and generation strategies. The Director leads Project Engineers supporting utility-scale renewable generation projects, acquisition integration activities, and complex capital investments across the company's generation portfolio. The role establishes engineering governance, standards, and execution processes, aligns engineering resources with business priorities, and works across enterprise functions to deliver strategic capital programs. AEP describes its mission as putting the customer first and delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. The company offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package intended to support employee well-being.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in engineering from a program accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in any U.S. state.
At least 12 years of experience in utility engineering work, including 5 years of direct supervision or management of engineering resources.
Maintain safety as the highest priority and demonstrate behaviors supporting zero harm at work and at home.
Demonstrate the highest standards of ethical behavior and support the Company's Corporate Compliance Policy.
Demonstrate leadership ability to organize, direct, and coordinate the work of other personnel.
Communicate effectively and present ideas clearly orally and in writing, including presentations and recommendations to senior management and external audiences.
Demonstrate teamwork and collaboration skills.
Demonstrate strategic risk assessment, customer focus, and business awareness to support technical decision-making.
Focus on continuous improvement and employee development.
Have strong planning and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and oversight for renewable generation projects, battery energy storage systems, generation asset acquisitions, environmental compliance projects, and major capital improvements at existing generating facilities.
Direct engineering activities from project development through commissioning and commercial operation.
Align engineering resources with business priorities, project schedules, and capital investment objectives.
Partner with Generation, Commercial Operations, Regulatory, Environmental, Supply Chain, Finance, and Project Management organizations to execute strategic capital programs.
Establish and maintain engineering governance, standards, and project execution processes that promote consistency, quality, and accountability.
Establish workforce planning, succession management, and employee development strategies to build organizational capability and technical expertise.
Foster a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Provide leadership and executive support to resolve significant project issues, technical challenges, and strategic initiatives.
Promote cross-functional collaboration and effective stakeholder engagement across the enterprise.
Support safe execution and delivery of projects within approved scope, schedule, budget, and milestone targets.
Support reliability, standardization, performance, and long-term value of generation assets, including integration of acquired facilities into the operating fleet.
Onboard, develop, and retain a high-performing project engineering organization.
Support strategic business objectives related to generation growth and asset optimization, and maintain business partner and stakeholder satisfaction.