Mechanical Engineer Principal/New Generation
About The Position
The Mechanical Engineer Principal supports gas, coal, and renewable plant retrofit and new-generation self-build projects. The role defines mechanical design-basis expectations and supports technical specifications, engineering, and procurement for rotating and static equipment, piping, structures, and balance-of-plant systems. A central focus is advanced knowledge of natural gas simple-cycle and combined-cycle equipment, systems, and plant configurations, including combustion turbines, HRSGs, steam turbines, balance-of-plant integration, heat recovery systems, and auxiliaries. The engineer collaborates with Architect & Engineering (AE) and Engineer, Procure and Construct (EPC) firms and coordinates with internal and external stakeholders to ensure mechanical designs meet performance, reliability, constructability, safety, and regulatory requirements. The role participates in RFx and OEM engagements, supports self-build proposals, and provides construction, commissioning, startup, and lifecycle support. The position involves approximately 25% travel, including day trips and overnight stays of up to a week or more. Work takes place indoors and outdoors, with potential exposure to heat, cold, noise, dust, fumes, and operating machinery. Mandatory station safety gear and adherence to site-specific safety requirements are required.
Requirements
- Typically, at least 8 years of related engineering experience with a bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program, or at least 6 years of related engineering experience with a master's degree or PhD in engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
- A bachelor's degree in Engineering Technology may satisfy the degree requirement if the candidate obtains a certified Professional Engineering (PE) license.
- An acceptable alternative is a bachelor's degree in engineering from a non-ABET-accredited program plus a master's degree or PhD in engineering from a university with an ABET-accredited bachelor's program.
- Proven mechanical engineering experience on power-generation projects involving gas, coal, and/or renewables.
- Advanced hands-on knowledge of natural gas simple- and combined-cycle plants, including combustion turbines, HRSGs, steam turbines, and auxiliary systems.
- Hands-on experience with rotating equipment, pressure systems, piping, pumps, valves, and structural/mechanical design.
- Familiarity with industry codes and standards, including ASME Sections I, II, and VIII and API.
- Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills in complex industrial environments.
- Experience reviewing vendor drawings, technical specifications, and RFx responses.
- Proficiency with CAD and engineering-calculation tools such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, MathCAD, MATLAB, SolidWorks, PDMS/AVEVA, or equivalent, and with engineering calculation practices.
- Experience with simple- and combined-cycle gas-turbine projects, including plant integration and commissioning.
- Professional Engineering (PE) license or equivalent certifications.
- Familiarity with construction management, commissioning, and startup practices on utility-scale generation projects.
- Ability to interpret and produce mechanical drawings, P&IDs, datasheets, and technical reports.
- Knowledge of welding practices, nondestructive testing (NDT), metallurgy basics, and fabrication processes.
- Knowledge of maintenance strategies, reliability engineering, and lifecycle-cost analysis.
- Data-analysis skills to monitor equipment health, improve system performance, and inform reliability improvements.
- Strong communication skills for team collaboration.
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.
- Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools and their application to mechanical components.
- Proficiency in MS Access, Excel, Word, SQL, SharePoint, or Visual Basic.
- Confirmation is preferred to ensure that a PE obtained in Puerto Rico aligns with NCEES standards.
Responsibilities
- Develop and document mechanical design bases and requirements for plant equipment, including turbines, generators, HRSGs/boilers, heat exchangers, pumps, compressors, cooling systems, piping, and structures.
- Apply advanced knowledge of simple- and combined-cycle gas turbine plants to equipment selection, system integration, and performance evaluations.
- Work with AE and EPC teams to review, comment on, and approve mechanical designs, drawings, and engineering calculations.
- Prepare and review technical and procurement specifications, self-build proposal scope documents, and RFx deliverables.
- Interface with OEMs during RFx and procurement to confirm technical compliance, lead times, warranties, and vendor submittals.
- Support vendor evaluations and bid reviews, focusing on turbine/HRSG interfaces and steam-cycle integration.
- Provide construction, commissioning, and startup support, including site inspections, punch-list resolution, and troubleshooting.
- Perform or review stress, vibration/rotor-dynamics, thermal, piping-flexibility, and fatigue analyses as needed to validate designs.
- Ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards, including ASME, API, ANSI, NFPA, IEEE, and local codes.
- Lead reliability, FMEA, RCM, and obsolescence-mitigation activities.
- Coordinate with electrical, I&C, civil, and operations stakeholders.
- Support development of O&M documentation, spare-parts lists, and lifecycle-cost assessments.
- Promote safe design practices and ensure adherence to site-specific safety requirements.
Benefits
- AEP offers a comprehensive benefits package intended to support and enhance employees' overall well-being.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
