Engineer Staff - Consulting Engineer

American Electric Power•Columbus, OH

1d•$136,539 - $208,566

About The Position

Responsible to the assigned supervisor for performing highly advanced engineering work activities and projects, applying engineering knowledge to accomplish assigned objectives safely, effectively, efficiently, and economically. This position requires expert knowledge in a specialized technical area and may serve as the company’s highest-level resource in that area. The role leads AEP system-wide engineering activities and specialized projects, influences technical direction, develops plans for system-wide issues, resolves highly complex problems, and makes technical decisions with potential impacts on system operations, business objectives, and strategic direction. The position is posted at two grade levels; the stated minimum qualifications apply to the Engineer Staff level, with higher educational, skill, and experience requirements for the Consulting Engineer level. The role focuses on expertise related to Bulk Electric System operations and reliability, including transmission planning, protection and control systems, transmission and substation design, and field operations. Experience with NERC Reliability Standards, compliance documentation, compliance programs, audits, and evidence management is highly desirable. The engineer analyzes technical and regulatory requirements, assesses compliance risks, and collaborates across engineering, operations, and compliance functions. The role also involves presenting complex technical subjects to senior management, professional organizations, regulatory bodies, and other audiences, and building professional networks within AEP and externally.

Requirements

At least 10 years of related engineering experience with a bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program; or at least 8 years of related engineering experience with a master's degree or Ph.D. in engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico is preferred unless the organization’s EVP approves a waiver.
A bachelor's degree in Engineering Technology may satisfy the degree requirement if the candidate obtains a certified Professional Engineering (PE) license.
Acceptable alternative: a bachelor's degree in non-ABET-accredited engineering plus a master's degree or Ph.D. in engineering from a university with an ABET-accredited bachelor's program.
Strong understanding of and experience with Bulk Electric System operations and reliability principles, including transmission planning, protection and control systems, transmission and substation design, and transmission and substation field operations.
Expert-level proficiency and knowledge in a specialized technical area.
Ability to analyze technical and regulatory requirements, assess compliance risks, and collaborate across engineering, operations, and compliance functions.
Ability to lead complex engineering work, develop plans, solve highly complex problems, communicate technical subjects persuasively, and make accountable technical decisions.

Nice To Haves

Experience applying NERC Reliability Standards, reviewing compliance-related documentation, and supporting compliance programs, audit activities, and evidence management.
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering.
Professional Engineer registration in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico, unless waived by the organization's EVP.

Responsibilities

Lead AEP system-wide activities in specific engineering areas.
Lead project and development activity in specific, unique, or highly specialized areas of engineering application.
Influence technical thinking throughout the AEP system as a recognized authority in an area of expertise.
Develop, recommend, and implement plans to address AEP system-wide issues within the engineer’s specialized technical field.
Identify, resolve, and initiate solutions to highly complex problems that are unique to the company or industry.
Prepare and present complex technical subjects clearly, concisely, and persuasively to senior management, professional organizations, regulatory bodies, and other audiences.
Build teams and networks across AEP and with other companies, professional organizations, regulatory agencies, and academia.
Make and take full accountability for technical decisions that may affect the AEP system, business objectives, and strategic direction.
Analyze technical and regulatory requirements, assess compliance risks, and collaborate across engineering, operations, and compliance functions to support reliability and compliance objectives.