Engineer (Sr. - Principal) | NEW GENERATION Projects & Interconnection

American Electric Power•Columbus, OH

2d•$98,993 - $151,132•Onsite

About The Position

The New Generation Projects & Interconnection Engineer provides technical support for the development, evaluation, and grid integration of new gas, wind, solar, and energy storage facilities. The role develops owner requirements and technical request-for-proposal documents, performs proposal and equipment due diligence, supports generation siting and RTO interconnection activities, and conducts electrical planning studies for new and operating generation assets. The engineer applies advanced technical knowledge, keeps current with products and technologies, analyzes system and equipment interactions, interprets codes and regulations, and develops relevant standards. The role also guides and coordinates engineering work, supports planning and budgeting, resolves complex problems, communicates technical findings, and makes decisions that affect department operations and project outcomes. This posting covers multiple grade levels; the stated minimum qualifications apply to the Engineer Sr. level, with higher-level roles requiring increased education, skills, or experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or another engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited program, with typically at least 4 years of related engineering experience; alternatively, a master’s degree or PhD in engineering from an ABET-accredited program with at least 2 years of related engineering experience.
A bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology may satisfy the degree requirement if the individual obtains a certified Professional Engineering (PE) license.
Acceptable alternative: a non-ABET bachelor’s degree in engineering plus a master’s degree or PhD in engineering from a university with an ABET-accredited bachelor’s program. Confirmation is required to ensure a PE obtained in Puerto Rico aligns with NCEES standards. The degree requirement for a non-ABET program may be waived by a VP or above.
Working knowledge of power generation technologies, electric power systems, and utility or RTO generator interconnection processes.
Ability to interpret engineering studies, drawings, specifications, proposals, contracts, and regulatory or reliability requirements.
Strong analytical, project coordination, technical writing, and communication skills.
Ability to guide and coordinate the work of other engineers and collaborate across disciplines and organizations.
Ability to use scheduling techniques such as CPM, PERT, and flow charts for budget and planning activities.
Ability to analyze uncertain or conflicting information, assess risks, and make decisions where few precedents or a definite framework exist.

Nice To Haves

Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico is encouraged and preferred.
Relevant utility, consulting, power plant, project development, or interconnection experience is preferred.
Engineer-in-Training or Professional Engineer credential is a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop owner specifications, design criteria, scopes of work, and technical RFP materials for generation projects.
Evaluate bids, project designs, equipment suppliers, and wind and solar resource assessments; document technical risks and recommendations.
Support site screening, generation interconnection planning, RTO application processes, and the development and review of generator interconnection agreements.
Perform or coordinate plant/transmission interface, voltage regulation, transformer tap, excitation limit, arc-flash, and short-circuit analyses.
Provide technical support related to FERC requirements and applicable NERC policies and standards.
Coordinate with project teams, consultants, equipment suppliers, transmission organizations, and internal stakeholders to deliver timely, technically sound work products.
Provide guidance and direction to other engineers and coordinate work activities within and outside the work group as needed.
Develop and coordinate plans, measurable goals, project requirements, cost estimates, budgets, and schedules; initiate corrective actions when objectives are not being met.
Interpret codes and regulations and develop standards relevant to the assigned area.
Prepare, review, and present reports on complex technical subjects; lead meetings and coordinate engineering work.
Coordinate and conduct training sessions and promote engineering professionalism and standards.
Analyze problems, options, risks, and uncertain outcomes to make decisions affecting plans, goals, department operations, and projects.