Project Engineer

Project Engineer

The Project Engineer serves as the AEP Engineering Lead for complex, multi-disciplinary Generation Projects, spanning the full project lifecycle with a primary focus on conceptual and detailed design, procurement, and technical support during construction and commissioning. This role provides technical leadership and coordination across internal engineering teams, external consultants, OEMs, EPC contractors, and project stakeholders to ensure safe, reliable, cost-effective delivery of utility-scale power generation assets.

The portfolio includes both new-build and major retrofit initiatives, such as:

• Simple Cycle Gas Turbine Plants
• Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) Plants
• Utility-Scale Solar Facilities
• Wind Generation Projects
• Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
• Environmental Retrofit and fuel Conversion Projects for existing thermal plants

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage Engineering Work Plan.
• Lead the Engineering Design Review process and respond to Requests for Information (RFIs).
• Coordinate design efforts with internal AEP teams (Engineering, Operations, IT/Technology) and external partners (Developers, Architects/Engineers, Original Equipment Manufacturers, regulatory agencies).
• Provide support during construction and Facilitate project closeout activities to ensure timely and efficient completion.
• Provide regular updates on engineering progress to the project team and stakeholders.
• Travel to AEP generation facilities as needed, including occasional overnight trips.

What you'll do:

• Lead, facilitate and coordinate the overall engineering activities among AEP, Developer, Architect Engineer (A/E), and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for Generation capital projects.
• Schedule and lead Engineering meetings, with project stakeholders.
• Provide regular engineering progress updates to the project team and stakeholders.

Technical Expertise: Exhibits journey level proficiency plus advanced knowledge that enables the engineer to serve as a leader within the assigned organization.

Leadership & Guidance: Provides guidance and exercises judgment and discretion in providing guidance and direction to other Engineers. Leads, facilitates, and coordinates work activities of others within the work group, team, department, corporate entity, or those external to the company as required to perform all routine engineering work. Ensures all work activities are performed in accordance with the policies, practices, standards, and rules of the company and complies with the regulations and procedures required by external agencies. Promotes engineering professionalism and standards.

Planning & Organization Ability: Participates in the development of plans by establishing measurable goals, objectives, and requirements for specific areas of responsibility. Identifies and initiates appropriate corrective action when objectives are not being met.

Problem Solving & Initiative: Identifies, clarifies, resolves, and initiates solutions to routine and/or complex problems that sometimes involve analysis of inadequate or conflicting data. Demonstrates the ability to divide problems into component steps. Consistently looks for and develops opportunities and presents new ideas and approaches.

Communication: Coordinates the work of other engineers in an efficient and effective manner. Develops, reviews, or prepares reports on complex technical subjects clearly, concisely, and effectively, in a manner suitable for presentation to management. Leads and facilitates meetings effectively.

Interpersonal Skills: Possess collaborative and consensus building skills. Functions as a team leader and member. Networks upward and downward in several disciplines inside and outside the AEP system. Leverages network to get things done.

Decision Making: Makes decisions affecting plans and goals based on analysis of uncertain input and outcomes. Uses diverse approaches to make decisions in the absence of a definite framework or where few precedents exist. Can handle conflicting interests related to approaches on projects or studies. Analyzes options and risks and possesses the experience and knowledge to assess the risk of decisions and act accordingly.

What we're looking for:

Engineer/Engineering Technologist Senior SG8

• Has typically acquired 4 or more years of related engineering experience along with a Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET*;
• Or 2 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 encouraged and preferred.
• Individuals with a Bachelor's degree in Engineering Technology can satisfy this degree requirement, if they obtain a certified Professional Engineering (PE) license.

Engineer/Engineering Technologist 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 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.
• 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.

**ABET - Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

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

In addition:

• 50% outside of Ohio within the AEP footprint during construction phase of the projects

Mechanical engineers and mechanical engineering technologist preferred

• Experience overseeing multi-discipline engineering work is preferred.

Where you'll work:

This role sits onsite in Columbus Ohio

What you'll get:

Engineer/Engineering Technologist Senior SG8($110,000-$129,000)

Engineer/Engineering Technologist Principal SG9($116,000-$151,000)

In addition to a 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!