Electrical Engineer Principal/New Generation at American Electric Power in Columbus, OH

Job description

Job Posting End Date 10-30-2026 Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date. Job Summary The Electrical Engineer will support gas, coal, renewable, and new-generation self-build projects by defining electrical design-basis requirements and supporting the technical specification, engineering, procurement, integration, and commissioning of power generation electrical systems. A required focus of this role is advanced knowledge of utility-scale power plant electrical systems and equipment, including generators, generator step-up transformers (GSUs), medium- and low-voltage distribution systems, switchgear, motor control centers (MCCs), protective relaying, grounding systems, black-start systems, auxiliary power systems, and grid interconnection requirements. This role collaborates with Architect & Engineering (A/E) and Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC) firms and coordinates with internal and external stakeholders to ensure electrical designs meet performance, reliability, maintainability, constructability, safety, cybersecurity, and regulatory requirements. The engineer will participate in RFx/OEM engagements, support self-build proposals, and provide construction, commissioning, startup, and lifecycle support across the generation portfolio. Job Description What you’ll do: Key Responsibilities Support development of electrical design-basis and equipment requirements (generators, transformers, switchgear, station service, UPS/DC, cabling). Assist with power system studies and data preparation (load flow, short‑circuit, protection coordination, arc‑flash, harmonics) under senior review. Review vendor drawings, technical bids, and RFx deliverables and prepare comments for senior engineers. Help prepare technical and procurement specifications and scope documents for proposals. Support OEM interfacing during procurement: submittal review, factory/field testing coordination, and lead‑time tracking. Provide construction and commissioning support: site inspections, cable/power testing, relay settings assistance, witness testing, and punch‑list follow‑up. Assist with protection relay settings, grounding design, cable routing, and MV/HV equipment testing. Ensure designs comply with relevant codes and standards (IEEE, NEC/NFPA70, ANSI, IEC) and assist with reliability/obsolescence tasks. Coordinate with mechanical, I&C, civil, and operations teams to resolve integration and SCADA/DCS interface items. Contribute to O&M documentation, spares lists, and lifecycle cost input. Knowledge & Skills Understanding of protection relays, CT/VT selection, relay coordination fundamentals. Basic skills in grounding, cable sizing, testing, and MV/HV equipment installation practices. Ability to interpret single‑line diagrams, schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical reports. Familiarity with power electronics for renewables and storage is a plus. Proficiency in MS Office; familiarity with scripting or databases is beneficial. Effective written and verbal communication for cross‑functional coordination. 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 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 we’re looking for: Engineer Principal SG9 Education/Experience: 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 requireme