Mechanical Engineer Principal/New Generation — Columbus, OH

Job Posting End Date 10-02-2026 Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date. Job Summary The Mechanical Engineer Principal will support gas, coal, and renewable plant retrofit and new-generation self-build projects by defining mechanical design-basis expectations and supporting technical specifications, engineering, and procurement of rotating and static equipment, piping, structures, and balance-of-plant systems. A required focus of this role is advanced knowledge of natural gas simple cycle and combined cycle equipment, systems, and power plant configurations (combustion turbines, HRSG, steam turbines, balance-of-plant integration, heat recovery systems, and auxiliaries). 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. Job Description What you’ll do: Key Responsibilities • Develop and document mechanical design basis and requirements for plant equipment, including turbines, generators, HRSGs/boilers, heat exchangers, pumps, compressors, cooling systems, piping, and structures. • Apply advanced knowledge of simple and combined cycle gas turbine plants to equipment selection, system integration, and performance evaluations. • Work with AE and EPC teams to review, comment on, and approve mechanical designs, drawings, and engineering calculations. • Prepare and review technical and procurement specifications, scope documents for self-build proposals, and RFx deliverables. • Interface with OEMs during RFx and procurement to confirm technical compliance, lead times, warranties, and vendor submittals. • Support vendor evaluation and bid reviews, focusing on turbine/HRSG interfaces and steam cycle integration. • Provide construction, commissioning, and startup support: site inspections, punch list resolution, and troubleshooting. • Perform or review analyses as required (stress, vibration/rotor dynamics, thermal, piping flexibility, fatigue) to validate designs. • Ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards (ASME, API, ANSI, NFPA, IEEE, local codes) and lead reliability/FMEA/RCM and obsolescence mitigation activities. • Coordinate with electrical, I&C, civil, and operations stakeholders and support development of O&M documentation, spare parts lists, and lifecycle cost assessments. • Promote safe design practices and ensure adherence to site-specific safety requirements. Knowledge & Skills • Deep understanding of turbomachinery performance, rotor dynamics, vibration analysis, alignment, and balancing. • Competence with piping stress analysis, pipe supports, and expansion management in high-temperature HRSG/steam systems. • Ability to interpret and produce mechanical drawings, P&IDs, datasheets, and technical reports. • Familiarity with welding practices, NDT, metallurgy basics, and fabrication processes. • Experience with FEA and CFD tools and application to mechanical components is a plus. • Knowledge of maintenance strategies, reliability engineering, and lifecycle cost analysis. • Data analysis skills to monitor equipment health, enhance system performance, and inform reliability improvements. • Proficiency in MS Access, Excel, Word, SQL, SharePoint, or Visual Basic is a plus. • Strong communication skills for team collaboration. 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. Technical Expertise: Possesses intermediate level knowledge and performs varied assignments with proficiency in the application of theory and analytical techniques to solve diverse problems and complete extensive analysis. Leadership & Guidance: Coordinates work activities of others within the work group, department, or other corporate entities as necessary to complete routine activities. Performs routine engineering activity with minimum direction from higher-level employees. Follows policies, practices, standards and rules of the company and those regulations and procedures required by external agencies. Provides training and guidance to lower-level employees. Planning & Organization Ability: Coordinates the development of input necessary to forecast costs for the routine projects, improvements requisitions, etc. Uses scheduling techniques (CPM, PERT, flow charts, etc.) for budget and planning activities. Initiates corrective action when project objectives are not being met. Problem Solving & Initiative: Resolves and initiates solutions to routine problems which usually require additional definition/clarification before analysis can begin. Demonstrates ability to identify problems that are beyond the normal routine. Demonstrates ability and desire to seek out opportunities and embrace new ideas and approaches. Communication: Develops, reviews, or presents technical reports such as improvement requisitions, studies, and analyses in as clear, concise and effective fashion. Interpersonal Skills: Is an active team member. Networks with peers inside and outside the AEP system. Identifies key stakeholders. Uses informal network to get things done. Resolves conflict, builds consensus. Decision Making: Makes decisions subject to review within established policies and procedures. Makes decisions that affect the work of the team. Aware of risks. Demonstrates the ability to extrapolate beyond known facts to reach logical conclusions. Business Awareness & Characteristics: Understands AEP's organizational structure and the specific role and responsibility of their individual organizational unit. Demonstrates an understanding of the budgeting and approval process. Is proficient in the application and use of economic analysis techniques in problem solving. Develops an understanding of utility regulation and financing. 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 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 a Non-ABET accredited program In addition: • Proven experience in mechanical engineering for power generation projects (gas, coal, and/or renewables). • Advanced, hands-on knowledge of natural gas simple cycle and combined cycle plants, including combustion turbines, HRSGs, steam turbines, and auxiliary systems. • Hands-on experience with rotating equipment, pressure systems, piping, pumps, valves, and structural/mechanical design. • Familiarity with industry codes and standards (ASME Section I/II/VIII, API, etc.). • Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills in complex industrial environments. • Experience reviewing vendor drawings, technical specifications, and RFx responses. • Proficiency with CAD and engineering calculation tools (AutoCAD, MicroStation, MathCAD, MATLAB, SolidWorks, PDMS/AVEVA, or equivalent) and engineering calculation practices. • Experience working with gas, coal, and renewable energy projects. • Experience with simple and combined cycle gas turbine projects, including plant integration and commissioning. • Professional Engineering (PE) license or equivalent certifications. • Familiarity with construction management, commissioning, and startup practices on utility-scale generation projects. Where you’ll work: This role sits on site in Columbus Ohio, Shreveport, Louisiana, Tulsa, Oklahoma or Charleston, West Virginia What you’ll get: Engineer Principal SG9($116,255-$151,132) 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- $151K / Year   #LI-Onsite #AEPCareers #MechanicalEngineer Compensation Data Compensation Grade: SP20-009 Compensation Range: $116,255.00 - $151,132.50 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.   Hear about it first!   Get job alerts by email.  Log in to your Candidate Home Account today!  If you don't have an account, you can create one. 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.