Project Engineer Senior/Principal
About The Position
The Project Engineer serves as AEP’s 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 coordinates internal engineering teams, external consultants, original equipment manufacturers, EPC contractors, and other project stakeholders to support 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 retrofits or fuel conversions at existing thermal plants. The engineer develops and manages engineering work plans, leads design reviews, responds to requests for information, supports construction, and facilitates project closeout. The position also leads engineering meetings, provides progress updates, and may require travel to generation facilities, including occasional overnight trips. The posting covers Engineer Senior SG8 and Engineer Principal SG9 levels. The final grade and compensation depend on the successful candidate’s education, experience, and relevant skills. The role is onsite in Columbus, Ohio, or Huntington, West Virginia, and is open to qualified candidates throughout the AEP footprint. Travel of 25% outside Ohio within the AEP footprint is expected during project construction.
Requirements
- For Engineer Senior SG8: 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 with a master's degree or Ph.D. in engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
- For Engineer Principal SG9: 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 with 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.
- A non-ABET bachelor's degree in engineering may be accepted with a master's degree or Ph.D. in engineering from a university with an ABET-accredited bachelor's program.
- Ability to lead and coordinate multidisciplinary engineering work and collaborate across teams and organizations.
- Ability to communicate complex technical subjects clearly, prepare or review reports, and lead meetings effectively.
- Ability to exercise judgment in making decisions amid uncertain inputs, conflicting interests, or limited precedent.
- Willingness to travel 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 Engineer Senior; it is preferred for Engineer Principal unless waived by the organization’s EVP.
- 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/Engineer firms, 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 and regulatory agencies.
- Schedule and lead engineering meetings with project stakeholders.
- Provide engineering support during construction and facilitate project closeout activities.
- Provide regular updates on engineering progress to project teams and stakeholders.
- Guide and coordinate other engineers’ work, promoting engineering professionalism and ensuring work follows company policies, standards, and applicable external regulations and procedures.
- Help establish measurable goals, objectives, and requirements for areas of responsibility, and initiate corrective action when objectives are not being met.
- Resolve routine and complex engineering problems, develop solutions and new approaches, and assess risks and options when making decisions.
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
