Engineer/Engineering Technologist (Mid - Sr.) | GENERATION Instrumentation & Controls Systems Engineering

American Electric Power • Columbus, OH

6h • Onsite

About The Position

Responsible to the assigned supervisor for performing intermediate to complex engineering work activities and projects requiring the application of engineering knowledge in a safe, effective, efficient and economic accomplishment of assigned objectives. Control Systems Engineer As a Control Systems Engineer, you will support Gas, Coal, and Renewable operations by maintaining and upgrading major equipment and critical systems, including Burner Management Systems (BMS), Combustion Control Systems (CCS), Turbine Control Systems (TCS), Environmental Control Systems, and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA). Your expertise in troubleshooting and optimization will ensure the reliability and efficiency of our energy infrastructure. More Specific to This Opportunity: - Burner Management System/Combustion Control System upgrade. - Onboarding new facilities by c onfiguring the connection between the control system and commercial operations. WHAT YOU'LL DO Technical Expertise: Exhibits journey level proficiency plus advanced knowledge that enables the engineer to serve as a leader within the assigned organization. Keeps abreast of new products, developments, technologies, procedures and equipment. Understands and analyzes interrelationships between systems and component equipment. Interprets codes and regulations, and develops standards relevant to the area of assignment. Leadership & Guidance: Provides guidance and exercises judgment and discretion in providing guidance and direction to other Engineers. Leads, facilitates and coordinates work activities of others within the work group, team, department, corporate entity, or those external to the company as required to perform all routine engineering work. Ensures all work activities are performed in accordance with the policies, practices, standards and rules of the company and complies with the regulations and procedures required by external agencies. Promotes engineering professionalism and standards. Coordinates and conducts training sessions. Planning & Organization Ability: Participates in the development of plans by establishing measurable goals, objectives and requirements for specific areas of responsibility. Coordinates the development of input necessary to establish projected cost of all projects. Is proficient in use of scheduling techniques (CPM, PERT, flow charts, etc.) for budget and planning activities. Identifies and initiates appropriate corrective action when objectives are not being met. Problem Solving & Initiative: Identifies, clarifies, resolves, and initiates solutions to routine and/or complex problems that sometimes involve analysis of inadequate or conflicting data. Demonstrates the ability to divide problems into component steps. Consistently looks for and develops opportunities and presents new ideas and approaches. Communication: Coordinates the work of other engineers in an efficient and effective manner. Develops, reviews or prepares reports on complex technical subjects clearly, concisely and effectively, in a manner suitable for presentation to management, professional societies, regulatory bodies, etc. Leads and facilitates meetings effectively. Interpersonal Skills: Possess collaborative and consensus building skills. Functions as a team leader and member. Networks upward and downward in several disciplines inside and outside the AEP system. Leverages network to get things done. Decision Making: Makes decisions affecting plans and goals based on analysis of uncertain input and outcomes. Uses diverse approaches to make decisions in the absence of a definite framework or where few precedents exist. Can handle conflicting interests related to approaches on projects or studies. Analyzes options and risks and possesses the experience and knowledge to assess the risk of decisions and act accordingly. Makes decisions that affect the operations or results of the department and may have some impact on a major project. Business Awareness & Characteristics: Exhibits an awareness of AEP's competitive position and how business decisions impact their organizational unit. Understands the specific goals and objectives of their individual organizational unit and is proficient in establishing measurable goals and objectives. Effectively manages project budgets using cost management techniques and understands how their decisions and recommendations impact AEP's expenses and revenues. Demonstrates an awareness of profit incentives, optimizing growth of customers' businesses and using our services to attract new business.

Requirements

• Degree in mechanical, electrical, computer, or process engineering.
• Hands-on experience with any of the following: Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), and SCADA systems (e.g., AB Rockwell, Emerson Ovation, ABB Symphony, GE Mark VIe, Siemens, or Vestas is a plus).
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in complex environments.
• Familiarity with network configuration, protocols (e.g., Firewalls, Ethernet, Modbus, OPC), and datalink setup is advantageous.
• Solid grasp of control theory, including PID, adaptive, and model predictive control.
• Ability to interpret and create technical documentation (e.g., System Descriptions, SAMA logic diagrams, P&IDs, schematics).
• Understanding of cybersecurity principles for control systems.
• Data analysis skills to monitor and enhance system performance.
• Strong communication skills for team collaboration.
• Has typically acquired 4 or more years of related engineering experience along with a Bachelor's degree in engineering/engineering technology in a program accredited by ABET; or 2 years of related engineering experience along with a Master’s degree in engineering/engineering technology from a program accredited by ABET OR VP or above may waive the requirement for a degree from a university with an Non ABET accredited program Acceptable alternative is: (1) a Bachelor's degree in engineering/engineering technology (non-ABET) plus a Master's degree or PhD in engineering/engineering technology from a university with an ABET accredited Bachelor's program. Confirmation is required to ensure the PE obtained in Puerto Rico aligns with NCEES standards OR VP or above may waive the requirement for a degree from a university with an Non ABET accredited program

Nice To Haves

• Experience with servers, thin clients, network equipment, and computer-based instrumentation is a plus.
• Proficiency in MS Access, Excel, Word, SQL, SharePoint, or Visual Basic is a plus.
• Familiarity with CEMS, renewable energy systems (solar, battery, wind), or regulatory compliance is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Operational Technology (OT) Network and associated devices for seamless system integration and communication.
• Implement cybersecurity best practices to safeguard control systems from threats.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop safe, reliable, and compliant control strategies.
• Support Continuous Emissions Monitoring (CEMS) operations, with opportunities for career growth in this area.
• Provides guidance and exercises judgment and discretion in providing guidance and direction to other Engineers.
• Leads, facilitates and coordinates work activities of others within the work group, team, department, corporate entity, or those external to the company as required to perform all routine engineering work.
• Coordinates the work of other engineers in an efficient and effective manner.
• Leads and facilitates meetings effectively.

Benefits

• In addition to base salary, AEP offers competitive Total Rewards including: discretionary short-/long-term incentives, 401(k), pension, health insurance, vacation, educational assistance, etc.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level