Project Engineer Senior/Principal
About The Position
The Project Engineer serves as the AEP Engineering Lead for complex, multidisciplinary generation projects throughout the project lifecycle, with a primary focus on conceptual and detailed design, procurement, and technical support during construction and commissioning. The role provides technical leadership and coordination among internal engineering teams, external consultants, original equipment manufacturers, EPC contractors, developers, and other project stakeholders to support safe, reliable, and cost-effective delivery of utility-scale power generation assets. The portfolio includes new-build and major retrofit projects involving simple-cycle and combined-cycle gas turbine plants, utility-scale solar facilities, wind generation projects, battery energy storage systems, and environmental retrofits and fuel-conversion projects for existing thermal plants. The position leads engineering activities, manages engineering plans and design reviews, coordinates stakeholder meetings, addresses requests for information, provides progress updates, supports construction, and facilitates project closeout. The role is onsite in Columbus, Ohio, or Moundsville, West Virginia, and is open to qualified candidates throughout the AEP footprint. Travel is required, including travel to AEP generation facilities and up to 25% travel outside Ohio within the AEP footprint during the construction phase. Occasional overnight trips may be needed. The position is posted at Senior and Principal levels; final grade and compensation depend on the successful candidate’s education, experience, and relevant skills.
Requirements
- Senior level: Typically, at least 4 years of related engineering experience and a bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program; alternatively, at least 2 years of related engineering experience and a master's degree or Ph.D. in engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
- Principal level: Typically, at least 8 years of related engineering experience and a bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program; alternatively, at least 6 years of related engineering experience and a master's degree or Ph.D. 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 Engineer (PE) license.
- An acceptable alternative is a bachelor's degree in engineering from a non-ABET-accredited program plus a master's degree or Ph.D. in engineering from a university with an ABET-accredited bachelor's program.
- For the Principal position, a degree from a university with a non-ABET-accredited program may be waived by a VP or above.
- Collaborative and consensus-building skills, with the ability to function as a team leader and team member and build networks across disciplines and organizations.
- Ability to coordinate other engineers’ work, lead meetings, and communicate complex technical subjects clearly and effectively.
- Ability to exercise judgment and discretion, solve complex problems, and assess decision risks when inputs are uncertain or precedents are limited.
- Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% outside Ohio within the AEP footprint during project construction.
Nice To Haves
- Professional Engineer (PE) registration in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico is encouraged and preferred for the Senior level.
- Professional Engineer (PE) registration in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico is preferred for the Principal level unless the organization’s EVP approves a waiver.
- Mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology background.
- Experience overseeing multidisciplinary engineering work.
- Confirmation that a PE license obtained in Puerto Rico aligns with NCEES standards is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Develop and manage the Engineering Work Plan.
- Lead the Engineering Design Review process and respond to Requests for Information (RFIs).
- Lead, facilitate, and coordinate engineering activities among AEP, developers, architect-engineers, and original equipment manufacturers for generation capital projects.
- Coordinate design efforts with internal AEP Engineering, Operations, and IT/Technology teams, as well as external partners and regulatory agencies.
- Schedule and lead engineering meetings with project stakeholders.
- Provide technical support during construction and facilitate project closeout activities to support timely and efficient completion.
- Provide regular engineering progress updates to project teams and stakeholders.
- Guide and coordinate other engineers and ensure work complies with company policies, practices, standards, rules, and applicable external regulations and procedures.
- Participate in planning by establishing measurable goals, objectives, and requirements, and initiate corrective action when objectives are not being met.
- Identify, analyze, and resolve routine and complex problems, including problems involving inadequate or conflicting data; develop opportunities and present new ideas and approaches.
- Prepare, develop, or review reports on complex technical subjects for clear and effective presentation to management.
- Assess options and risks and make decisions affecting project plans and goals, including where precedents or a definite decision framework are limited.
- Travel to AEP generation facilities as needed, including occasional overnight trips and travel during construction.
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
