Electrical Engineer Principal/New Generation

American Electric Power•Columbus, OH
•$116,255 - $151,133•Onsite

About The Position

The Electrical Engineer will support gas, coal, renewable, and new-generation self-build projects by defining electrical design-basis requirements and supporting the technical specification, engineering, procurement, integration, and commissioning of power generation electrical systems. The role requires advanced knowledge of utility-scale power plant electrical systems and equipment, including generators, generator step-up transformers, medium- and low-voltage distribution systems, switchgear, motor control centers, protective relaying, grounding, black-start systems, auxiliary power systems, and grid interconnection requirements. The engineer collaborates with Architect & Engineering and Engineering, Procurement & Construction firms and coordinates with internal and external stakeholders to ensure electrical designs meet performance, reliability, maintainability, constructability, safety, cybersecurity, and regulatory requirements. The role participates in RFx and OEM engagements, supports self-build proposals, and provides construction, commissioning, startup, and lifecycle support across the generation portfolio. It includes approximately 25% travel, including day trips and overnight stays of up to a week or more, and work in indoor and outdoor environments with exposure to heat, cold, noise, dust, fumes, and operating machinery.

Requirements

  • Typically, 8 or more years of related engineering experience and a bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program; alternatively, 6 years of related engineering experience and a master's or PhD in engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) registration in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico is preferred unless waived by the organization's EVP.
  • A bachelor's degree in Engineering Technology may satisfy the degree requirement if the candidate obtains a certified PE license.
  • Acceptable alternative: a bachelor's degree in engineering from a non-ABET program plus a master's degree or PhD in engineering from a university with an ABET-accredited bachelor's program.
  • Experience across gas, coal, and renewable projects, including commissioning experience on simple- or combined-cycle plants.
  • Experience with battery storage, inverters, or utility interconnection practices.
  • Working knowledge of simple- and combined-cycle plant electrical systems, generator synchronization, and MV/HV equipment.
  • Familiarity with power system study tools and analysis methods.
  • Experience reviewing vendor drawings and RFx responses.
  • Proficiency with electrical design and analysis tools such as ETAP, SKM/PowerTools, CYME, MATLAB, AutoCAD, MicroStation, or equivalent.
  • Understanding of protection relays, CT/VT selection, and relay coordination fundamentals.
  • Basic skills in grounding, cable sizing, testing, and MV/HV equipment installation practices.
  • Ability to interpret single-line diagrams, schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical reports.
  • Proficiency in MS Office.
  • Effective written and verbal communication for cross-functional coordination.
  • Adherence to site-specific safety requirements and use of mandatory safety gear at generating stations.

Nice To Haves

  • Professional Engineer (PE) registration in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico, unless waived.
  • Familiarity with power electronics for renewables and storage.
  • Scripting or database familiarity.
  • Confirmation that a PE license obtained in Puerto Rico aligns with NCEES standards is preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Support development of electrical design-basis and equipment requirements for generators, transformers, switchgear, station service, UPS/DC, and cabling.
  • Assist with power system studies and data preparation, including load flow, short-circuit, protection coordination, arc-flash, and harmonics, under senior review.
  • Review vendor drawings, technical bids, and RFx deliverables and prepare comments for senior engineers.
  • Help prepare technical and procurement specifications and scope documents for proposals.
  • Support OEM interfacing during procurement, including submittal review, factory and field testing coordination, and lead-time tracking.
  • Provide construction and commissioning support through site inspections, cable and power testing, relay settings assistance, witness testing, and punch-list follow-up.
  • Assist with protection relay settings, grounding design, cable routing, and MV/HV equipment testing.
  • Ensure designs comply with relevant codes and standards, including IEEE, NEC/NFPA70, ANSI, and IEC, and assist with reliability and obsolescence tasks.
  • Coordinate with mechanical, I&C, civil, and operations teams to resolve integration and SCADA/DCS interface items.
  • Contribute to O&M documentation, spares lists, and lifecycle cost input.

Benefits

  • A comprehensive benefits package intended to support and enhance employees' overall well-being.
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