Project Engineer Senior/Principal

American Electric Power•Kenova, WV

2d•$98,993 - $151,133•Onsite

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 across internal engineering teams, external consultants, original equipment manufacturers, EPC contractors, developers, and other project stakeholders to support the safe, reliable, cost-effective delivery of utility-scale power generation assets. The project portfolio includes new-build and major retrofit initiatives involving simple-cycle and combined-cycle gas turbine plants, utility-scale solar facilities, wind generation projects, battery energy storage systems, and environmental retrofit and fuel-conversion projects for existing thermal plants. The position is responsible for engineering planning and design review, coordinating engineering work, resolving technical issues, communicating progress, supporting construction, and facilitating project closeout. Travel to AEP generation facilities is required as needed, including travel outside Ohio during construction.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program, or an eligible alternative degree path specified in the posting.
For Engineer Senior SG8: typically at least 4 years of related engineering experience with a bachelor’s degree, or at least 2 years with a master’s degree or PhD in engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
For Engineer Principal SG9: typically at least 8 years of related engineering experience with a bachelor’s degree, or at least 6 years 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 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.
For the Principal position, a PE license is preferred unless the organization’s EVP approves a waiver. For the Senior position, PE registration in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico is encouraged and preferred.
Collaborative and consensus-building skills, including the ability to work as a team leader and team member across multiple disciplines.
Ability to coordinate engineering work, lead meetings, communicate technical information effectively, and exercise judgment in making decisions involving risks and uncertain outcomes.
Ability to travel 25% outside Ohio within the AEP footprint during the construction phase of projects.

Nice To Haves

Professional Engineer (PE) registration in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico.
Mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology background.
Experience overseeing multidisciplinary engineering work.
For PE registration obtained in Puerto Rico, confirmation that it 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, original equipment manufacturers, and other project partners for generation capital projects.
Coordinate design efforts with internal AEP Engineering, Operations, and IT/Technology teams, and with external partners, consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
Schedule and lead engineering meetings with project stakeholders.
Provide technical support during construction and facilitate project closeout activities.
Provide regular engineering progress updates to the project team and stakeholders.
Guide and coordinate the work activities of other engineers, promoting engineering professionalism and standards and ensuring work complies with company policies and applicable external regulations and procedures.
Help develop plans by establishing measurable goals, objectives, and requirements; identify when objectives are not being met and initiate corrective action.
Identify, analyze, and resolve routine and complex engineering problems, including problems involving inadequate or conflicting data.
Prepare, review, or develop clear and concise reports on complex technical subjects for management.
Analyze options and risks and make decisions affecting project plans and goals, including where precedents or a definite decision-making framework are limited.
Travel to AEP generation facilities as needed, including occasional overnight trips and travel outside Ohio within the AEP footprint during construction.