Structural Engineer Principal | NEW GENERATION & Oversight Engineering

Location: Columbus, OH Job Summary 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. Key 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. Knowledge & Skills 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. Working Conditions Approximately 25% travel, including day trips and overnight stays (up to a week or more). Work in both indoor and outdoor environments with exposure to heat, cold, noise, dust, fumes, and operating machinery. Mandatory safety gear required at construction sites and generating stations: hard hat, eye/hearing protection, steel‑toed shoes with heels and non‑slip soles. Adherence to site‑specific safety requirements is mandatory. What You’ll Do Technical Expertise: Exhibits advanced level proficiency plus advanced knowledge of a specialized technical area that enables the engineer to serve as a resource for the company in an area such as system production, underground systems, extensive control systems, thermo‑hydraulic control systems, distribution standards, fossil or nuclear plant operations, etc. Leadership & Guidance: Influences the direction of thinking throughout the organizational unit as a recognized authority in an area of expertise. Leads, facilitates and coordinates work activities of others within work group, team, department, corporate entity, or those external to the company and assumes the role of project or function manager for assigned tasks. Planning & Organization Ability: Develops, recommends, and implements plans that include all scheduling, resource, and cost information and control required to address complex engineering problems that require the input and efforts of a wide array of entities both internal and external to the company. Problem Solving & Initiative: Identifies, clarifies, resolves, and initiates solutions to complex problems that require multi‑functional, or organizational, interfacing and/or multi‑disciplined analytical techniques. Develops opportunities and new ideas and approaches that have system‑wide impact. Communication: Leads in the preparation and presentation of complex technical subjects, clearly, concisely, and persuasively, bringing in ancillary issues before senior management, professional organizations, regulatory bodies, etc. Projects credibility and competence on technical issues and has highly developed presentation skills. Interpersonal Skills: Builds teams and networks that extend through AEP, and other companies, professional organizations, regulatory agencies, and academia. Networks throughout AEP, other companies, professional organizations, and regulatory agencies. Decision Making: Possesses the experience and knowledge to make some technical decisions based on calculated risks without management review. Makes decisions affecting long‑range plans and goals based on analysis of highly uncertain input and outcomes. Visualizes long‑term results. Makes decisions where differences of opinion are likely to exist. Makes decisions that have an impact across organizational boundaries. Business Awareness & Characteristics: Demonstrates vision in identifying business opportunities for the organizational unit. Understands how strategies and decisions impact the relationship with our customers and suppliers. What We’re Looking For 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. Acceptable alternative: 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. VP or above may waive the requirement for a degree from a university with a non‑ABET accredited program. Preferred Qualifications 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. What You’ll Get Base Salary: $117K – $151K In addition to base salary, AEP offers competitive Total Rewards including: discretionary short‑/long‑term incentives, 401(k), pension, health insurance, vacation, educational assistance, etc. Physical Demands 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. Equal Employment Opportunity 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr AEP