Project Engineer Senior/Principal

American Electric Power • Columbus, OH

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, and other project stakeholders to support the 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 retrofit and fuel-conversion projects for existing thermal plants. The position is based onsite in Charleston, West Virginia, or Columbus, Ohio, and is open to qualified candidates throughout the AEP footprint. Travel to AEP generation facilities is required as needed, including travel outside Ohio within the AEP footprint during construction; the posting specifies 25% travel for this phase, with occasional overnight trips.

The position is posted at Senior and Principal levels. The final grade and compensation depend on the successful candidate’s education, experience, and relevant skills. The listed salary ranges are $110,000–$129,000 for Engineer Senior SG8 and $116,000–$151,000 for Engineer Principal SG9. A broader compensation range is also listed as $98,993–$151,132.50. AEP describes its benefits package as comprehensive and intended to support employee well-being.

Requirements

• For the Engineer Senior SG8 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 PhD in engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• For the Engineer Principal SG9 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 PhD in engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• A bachelor’s degree in engineering technology can satisfy the degree requirement if the candidate obtains a certified Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• An acceptable alternative is a bachelor’s degree in non-ABET-accredited engineering plus a master’s degree or PhD in engineering from a university with an ABET-accredited bachelor’s program.
• Travel 25% outside Ohio within the AEP footprint during the construction phase of projects.
• The job is onsite in Charleston, West Virginia, or Columbus, Ohio.

Nice To Haves

• Professional Engineer (PE) registration in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico is encouraged and preferred for Engineer Senior SG8.
• Professional Engineer (PE) registration in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico is preferred for Engineer Principal SG9, unless the organization’s EVP approves a waiver.
• Mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology background is preferred.
• Experience overseeing multidisciplinary engineering work is preferred.
• Confirmation is preferred to ensure that a PE license obtained in Puerto Rico aligns with NCEES standards.

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 teams, including Engineering, Operations, and IT/Technology, and with external partners, including developers, architects and engineers, OEMs, 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 the project team and stakeholders.
• Guide and direct other engineers, coordinate their work, and ensure activities comply with company policies, practices, standards, rules, and applicable external regulations and procedures.
• Participate in developing plans by establishing measurable goals, objectives, and requirements for areas of responsibility, and initiate corrective action when objectives are not being met.
• Identify, clarify, resolve, and initiate solutions to routine and complex problems, including problems involving inadequate or conflicting data.
• Prepare, develop, or review clear and effective reports on complex technical subjects for management, and lead and facilitate meetings.
• Assess options and risks, make decisions amid uncertain inputs or limited precedents, and address conflicting project interests.
• Travel to AEP generation facilities as needed, including travel during construction and occasional overnight trips.

Benefits

• AEP states that it offers a comprehensive benefits package intended to support and enhance employees’ overall well-being; specific benefits are not listed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior