Engineer Principal- Staff

American Electric Power•Columbus, OH

9d•$116,255 - $177,503•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible to the assigned supervisor for performing highly advanced engineering work and projects requiring the application of engineering knowledge to accomplish assigned objectives safely, effectively, efficiently, and economically. The role provides engineering design basis and technical oversight for new steam generation equipment projects across the AEP fleet, maintains the current design basis, and provides technical support for the existing generating fleet. The position works with project teams, OEMs, and EPC contractors on new generation plant design, performance specifications, unit operability, and maintainability. It applies technical and risk-management expertise to support strategic business objectives without compromising safety, and provides leadership, mentoring, and coaching to less-experienced engineers. The role also develops and administers Circular Letters and fleet-wide technical programs affecting steam generation equipment and systems, and consults with engineering and power plant staff on technical issues and troubleshooting. This full-time position is based on site at AEP Headquarters in Columbus, Ohio. It is 40 hours per week, with casual overtime up to 10%, expected travel up to 20%, and availability outside normal working hours for emergent technical support when needed. The stated compensation range is $116,255 to $177,503 per year, with grade-specific ranges listed as $116,000–$151,000 for Engineer Principal SG9 and $136,000–$177,000 for Engineer Staff SG10.

Requirements

Engineer Principal SG9: Typically 8 or more years of related engineering experience with a bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program; alternatively, 6 years of related engineering experience with a master's or PhD in engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
Engineer Staff SG10: Typically 10 or more years of related engineering experience with a bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program; alternatively, 8 years of related engineering experience with a master's degree or PhD in engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
Experience and operating knowledge of utility-scale boilers, heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs), combustion systems, and design configurations.
Experience maintaining and troubleshooting equipment and ancillary systems, including pulverizers, windboxes, air preheaters, burners, sootblowers, furnace and convection-pass pressure parts, and related equipment.
Understanding of how upstream equipment and systems affect combustion and steam generation, and of phenomena affecting steam generation components and pressure parts, including flow-accelerated corrosion, creep damage, and furnace and water-side issues.
Knowledge of codes and regulations affecting steam generation, combustion systems, equipment design, operations, and maintenance, including the ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code, NFPA requirements, and federal and state emissions regulations.
Experience performing and assessing detailed root cause analyses of steam generator equipment and pressure-part failures and combustion system issues.
Availability outside normal working hours for emergent technical support when needed.
Ability to meet expected travel of up to 20% and casual overtime of up to 10%.

Nice To Haves

Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico is preferred, unless the organization's EVP approves a waiver.
For a PE obtained in Puerto Rico, confirmation is preferred to ensure it aligns with NCEES standards.

Responsibilities

Establish and provide technical oversight of the engineering design basis for new steam generation equipment projects across the AEP fleet.
Maintain the current design basis and provide technical support for the existing generating fleet.
Collaborate and consult with project teams, OEMs, and EPC contractors on generation plant design, performance specifications, unit operability, and maintainability.
Apply technical and risk-management skills to support strategic business objectives while maintaining safety.
Lead, mentor, and coach less-experienced engineers, and support their development in executing projects and troubleshooting technical issues safely.
Develop and administer Circular Letters and fleet-wide technical programs affecting steam generation equipment and systems.
Consult with Central and Region Engineering and power plant staff on technical issues, troubleshooting, and problem-solving involving steam generating equipment and systems.
Serve as a technical subject matter expert and lead specialized engineering projects and development activities.
Develop, recommend, and implement plans addressing system-wide issues.
Identify, resolve, and initiate solutions to highly complex engineering problems.
Lead preparation and presentation of complex technical subjects to senior leadership, professional organizations, regulatory bodies, and other audiences.
Build teams and professional networks across AEP and with other companies, organizations, regulatory agencies, and academia.
Make and take accountability for decisions that may affect the AEP system, business objectives, and strategic direction.