Engineer Principal- Staff

Job Posting End Date
10-05-2026
Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

Responsible to the assigned supervisor for performing highly advance engineering work activities and projects requiring the application of engineering knowledge in a safe, effective, efficient and economic accomplishment of assigned objectives.

Job Description

What you’ll do:

- Be responsible for the engineering design basis and technical oversight of new steam generation equipment projects on the AEP fleet, as well as maintaining current design basis and providing technical support for the existing generating fleet.
- Collaborate and consult with multiple project teams, OEMs and EPC contractors on new generation plant design, performance specifications, unit operability and maintainability expectations.
- Integrate strong technical and risk management skills to support strategic business objectives without compromising safety.
- Lead, mentor and coach less-experienced engineers as they build skill.  Provide oversight and support their development in safely executing projects and troubleshooting technical issues.

·         Develop and administer Circular Letters and fleet-wide technical programs that impact steam generation equipment and systems.

- Consult with Central/Region Engineering and power plant staff on a variety of technical issues, troubleshooting, and equipment/systems-related problem-solving pertaining to steam generating equipment and systems on the AEP fleet.

·         Technical Expertise: Exhibits a high level of proficiency and expert knowledge of a specialized technical area that enables the engineer to serve as the subject matter expert for the company in that area.

·         Leadership & Guidance: Leads project and development activity related to specific, unique, and/or highly specialized areas of engineering application. Influences the direction of thinking throughout the AEP system as a recognized authority in an area of expertise.

·         Planning & Organization Ability: Develops, recommends, and implements plans to address AEP system-wide issues within

·         Problem Solving & Initiative: Identifies, resolves, and initiates solutions to highly complex problems that are unique to the company and industry and requires extensive specialized knowledge of equipment and/or problem- solving techniques, or the development of knowledge and techniques.

·         Communication: Leads in the preparation and presentation of complex technical subjects, clearly, concisely, and persuasively, bringing in ancillary issues before senior leadership, professional organizations, regulatory bodies, etc.

·         Interpersonal Skills: Builds teams and networks that extend through AEP, and other companies, professional organizations, regulatory agencies, and academia.

·         Decision Making: Makes decisions that are likely to impact the AEP system, business objectives and strategic direction. Possesses the knowledge and experience to make these decisions and be accountable.

·         Business Awareness & Characteristics: Demonstrates the ability to make their area of expertise a strategic asset of the AEP system.

What we’re looking for:

Engineer Principal SG9

·         Has typically acquired 8 or more years of related engineering experience along with a Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET*;

·         Or 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

Engineer Staff SG10

- Has typically acquired 10 or more years of related engineering experience along with a Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET*;
- Or 8 years of related engineering experience along with a Master's degree 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.

Individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology can satisfy this degree requirement, if they obtain a certified Professional Engineering (PE) license.

Acceptable alternative:

- 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.

**VP or above may waive the requirement for a degree from a university with an Non ABET accredited program

In addition:

- Experience and operating knowledge of utility-scale boilers, heat recovery steam generators (HRSG), combustion systems and design configurations.
- Experience maintaining and troubleshooting equipment and ancillary systems (e.g. pulverizers, windboxes, air preheaters, burners, sootblowers, etc.) furnace and convection pass pressure parts, etc.).
- Understanding of upstream equipment/systems impact on combustion and steam generation, as well as the common phenomena impacting steam generation components and pressure parts (e.g. flow accelerated corrosion, creep damage, furnace and water-side issues, etc.) impacting reliability, availability, unit performance, and efficiency.
- Knowledge and awareness of codes and regulations impacting steam generation, combustion systems and equipment design, operations and maintenance, including ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), as well as Federal and State regulations for emissions compliance.
- Experience performing and assessing detailed root cause analyses of steam generator equipment and pressure part failures, and combustion system issues.
- Casual Overtime up to 10% and expected travel up to 20%.
- While this position is full-time (40 hrs per week), there is an expectation that the individual be available outside of normal working hours for emergent technical support if needed.

Where you’ll work:

This role sits on site at AEP Headquarters in  Columbus, Ohio

What you’ll get:

Engineer Principal SG9($116,000-$151,000)

Engineer Staff SG10($136,000-$177,000)

In addition to competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.

Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do

At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!

American Electric Power (On-Site)

$116K- $177K / Year

#LI-Onsite

#AEPCareers

#engineer

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

SP20-010

Compensation Range:

$116,255.00 - $177,503.00

The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S – Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

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It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.