Structural Engineer Principal | NEW GENERATION & Oversight Engineering

American Electric Power•Columbus, OH

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Structural Engineer will support gas, coal, and renewable plant retrofit and new generation self build projects by defining and executing structural design basis expectations and delivering structural calculations, drawings, and specifications for buildings, equipment supports, foundations, platforms, stacks, and other plant structures. This role 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 engineer will participate in RFx/OEM engagements, support self-build proposals, and provide construction, commissioning, and lifecycle support.

Requirements

Strong knowledge of structural steel and reinforced concrete design, connection design, and fabrication practices.
Understanding of dynamic and vibration effects from turbomachinery and implications for support design and isolation.
Competence with seismic, wind, thermal, and fatigue loading; application of relevant codes (AISC, ACI, ASCE, IBC, AWS).
Familiarity with erection sequencing, rigging/lifting plans, temporary works, and field inspection protocols.
Strong technical writing and communication skills for coordination with multi‑discipline teams and stakeholders.
Proficiency with MS Office and document control systems.
Has typically acquired eight (8) or more years of related engineering experience along with a Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET; OR, Six (6) years of related engineering experience along with a Master's or PhD in engineering from a program accredited by ABET.
Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico is preferred for this position unless approval to waive this requirement is given by the organization's EVP.ABET - Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
Acceptable alternative is: (1) a Bachelor's degree in engineering (non-ABET) plus a Master's degree or PhD in engineering from a university with an ABET accredited Bachelor's program.
Confirmation is preferred to ensure the PE obtained in Puerto Rico aligns with NCEES standards.

Nice To Haves

Professional Engineer (PE) license or actively pursuing PE.
Direct experience with simple/combined‑cycle plant structures, HRSG supports, stack design, and renewable plant structural scopes.
Experience with construction management, shop fabrication practices, and NDT/welding specifications.
Bachelor’s degree in Structural or Civil Engineering with structural emphasis.
Structural engineering experience on power generation, industrial, or heavy construction projects.
Proficiency with structural analysis and design software (e.g., STAAD.Pro, SAP2000, ETABS, RISA, RAM) and CAD/3D tools (AutoCAD, Revit, PDMS/AVEVA).
Experience producing and reviewing structural calculations, shop drawings, and RFx/vendor submittals.

Responsibilities

Develop and document structural design criteria and requirements for buildings, supports, foundations, steel framing, platforms, ladders, and access structures.
Perform and review structural analyses and calculations: gravity, wind, seismic, thermal, dynamic, fatigue, and equipment‑induced loads.
Coordinate foundation and anchor design with geotechnical and civil inputs; verify equipment anchor loads, grout and anchorage details.
Prepare and review structural drawings, connection details, material specifications, and fabrication/shop drawings.
Interface with OEMs during RFx/procurement to confirm structural loadings, lift points, shipping/restraint needs, and installation constraints.
Collaborate with Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, and I&C teams to resolve structural interfaces, alignment, access, and maintenance requirements.
Support construction and erection: shop drawing reviews, welding/NDT requirements, field inspections, NCR resolution, and as‑built documentation.
Evaluate retrofit/modification scopes and recommend reinforcement, bracing, or replacements to meet code and lifecycle requirements.
Ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards and contribute to inspection and long‑term asset management planning.