Engineer Principal - Engineer Staff

Job Posting End Date

09-15-2025

Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

The advanced Mechanical or Nuclear engineer role will provide comprehensive engineering support to AEP's evolving Nuclear Generation program. This role will develop program requirements including technical specification development, third-party technical contract negotiations, OEM technology assessments, and early site permitting (ESP) for potential nuclear sites. The engineering role will focus to ensure optimal performance and reliability of nuclear systems and components through effective analysis and recommendations, while collaborating with OEMs to evaluate new equipment, systems, and processes.

Job Description

We are considering applicants at two grades for this role. Candidates will be assessed and hired at the highest grade for which they qualify.

What You'll Do:

- Develop program requirements, including technical specifications for new equipment, systems, and processes within the Nuclear Generation program.

- Engage in third-party technical contract negotiations to secure necessary services and equipment for the Nuclear Generation program.

- Conduct OEM technology assessments to evaluate and recommend technical solutions that enhance operational efficiency and safety.

- Assist in the early site permitting (ESP) process for potential nuclear sites to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and project timelines.

- Analyze nuclear systems and components to identify areas for improvement and provide recommendations for enhancements.

- Prepare and deliver presentations to executive leadership, effectively communicating project progress, findings, and strategic technical recommendations.

- Participate in community outreach presentations and Q&A sessions to engage with stakeholders and address public inquiries regarding the Nuclear Generation program.

- Coordinate with OEMs to facilitate engineering support and ensure alignment with industry standards and best practices.

- Contribute to the development and implementation of safety protocols and regulatory compliance measures specific to nuclear generation.

Knowledge and Skills

- Demonstrate an advanced understanding of mechanical or nuclear engineering principles as they pertain to nuclear generation.

- Apply expertise in thermal-hydraulics, reactor design, and safety analysis.

- Utilize familiarity with regulatory compliance and best practices in the nuclear industry.

- Exhibit excellent communication and presentation skills for effective engagement with executive leadership and stakeholders.

- Analyze complex data sets and make informed recommendations for system and process improvements.

- Understand and apply industry standards related to nuclear safety and operational excellence.

- Experience with advanced nuclear technologies, systems, and regulatory frameworks is strongly desired.

- Knowledge and experience with NRC standards is strongly desired.

Working Conditions

- Work primarily in an office setting with occasional fieldwork for assessments of nuclear systems and components.

- Travel to various generating asset locations for on-site evaluations may be required.

- Exposure to varying environmental conditions may occur during field inspections.

- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, operations, and regulatory compliance personnel.

- Maintain flexibility in hours to accommodate project needs and evolving operational demands.

What We're Looking For:

Engineer Principal (Grade 9):

- 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.

Acceptable alternative is:

- 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 an Non ABET accredited program

Engineer Staff (Grade 10):

- Has typically acquired 10 or more years of related engineering experience along with a Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET*; OR

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

Acceptable alternative is:

- 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 an Non ABET accredited program

Nice To Haves:

- Engineering degrees in Mechanical or Nuclear disciplines.

What You'll Make:

- Grade 9: $112,869 - $146,730

- Grade 10: $132,562 - $172,333

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!

American Electric Power (On-Site)

$112K- $172K / Year

#LI-Onsite

#AEPCareers

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

SP20-009

Compensation Range:

$112,869.00-146,730.50 USD

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.