Mechanical Engineer Principal/New Generation
American Electric Power· startup· Utilities· Oct 23, 2026 · 3d ago
Columbus OH
In office
Full-time
Principal
$116K–$151K
6+ years exp
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 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.
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.
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!
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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.
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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.
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