Instrumentation & Controls Engineer – Principal

American Electric Power

. Support gas, coal, and renewable plant retrofit projects and new generation self-build projects .

Posted 9/17/2026full-timeColumbus • Louisiana • United StatesLead💰 $116,255 - $151,133 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive experience in instrumentation and controls engineering, particularly in power generation projects, with a strong focus on gas, coal, and renewable energy systems. Proficient in managing OT and IT systems integration, cybersecurity practices, and developing compliant control strategies.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Instrumentation And Controls EngineeringPower Generation ProjectsProfessional Engineer (PE) LicenseDCS, PLC, And SCADA SystemsOT And IT Systems Integration

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Instrumentation And Controls SystemsTechnical Specification DevelopmentControl Strategies DevelopmentCybersecurity Best PracticesNetwork ConfigurationGas/Combustion Turbine TechnologyGE Mark VIe Control SystemsEPC Services Scope DocumentsTechnical Reports And AnalysesBudgeting And Planning

Soft Skills

CollaborationTraining And GuidanceStakeholder CoordinationProblem SolvingCommunication

Tools & Technologies

DCSPLCSCADAEthernetModbusOPCFirewallsNetwork DevicesControl SystemsSafety Gear

Certifications & Qualifications

Professional Engineer (PE) LicenseABET-Accredited Engineering Degree

Industry Keywords

Gas ProjectsCoal ProjectsRenewable Energy ProjectsEmerging TechnologiesIndustry Best PracticesRetrofit ProjectsSelf-Build ProjectsTechnical ComplianceSafety RequirementsObsolescence Management

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Cyber SecurityFirewalls

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support gas, coal, and renewable plant retrofit projects and new generation self-build projects
Define design basis expectations for instrumentation and controls systems
Support technical specification, engineering, and design of equipment and I&C systems
Collaborate with AE and EPC firms to implement I&C design basis expectations
Ensure OT and IT systems meet design requirements and industry best practices
Manage OT networks and associated devices for system integration and communication
Implement cybersecurity best practices for control systems
Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to align project goals
Engage OEMs during RFx processes to ensure compliance with technical specifications
Support equipment and AE/EPC services scope documents and self-build proposals
Develop safe, reliable, and compliant control strategies with cross-functional teams
Develop and review technical, EPC, and equipment specifications and designs
Support construction of retrofit and new-build projects
Assist with technology evolution and obsolescence management
Develop, review, and present technical reports, studies, analyses, and improvement requisitions
Coordinate work activities and provide training and guidance to lower-level employees
Forecast routine project costs, support budgeting and planning, and initiate corrective action when objectives are not met

Requirements

What you’ll need

8 or more years of related engineering experience with a Bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program; or 6 years of related engineering experience with a Master's or PhD in engineering from an ABET-accredited program
Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico is preferred
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology requires a certified PE license
Bachelor’s degree in non-ABET engineering plus a Master's degree or PhD in engineering from a university with an ABET-accredited Bachelor's program is an acceptable alternative
Experience working with gas, coal, and renewable energy projects
Knowledge of industry best practices and emerging technologies in I&C systems
Professional Engineering (PE) license or equivalent certifications
Proven instrumentation and controls engineering experience, particularly in power generation projects
Strong understanding of gas/combustion turbine technology and GE Mark VIe control systems
Hands-on experience with DCS, PLC, and SCADA systems
Strong understanding of OT and IT systems integration and cybersecurity practices
Familiarity with network configuration, firewalls, Ethernet, Modbus, OPC, and datalink setup is advantageous
Approximately 25% travel
Ability to work indoors and outdoors with exposure to heat, cold, noise, dust, fumes, and operating machinery
Ability to wear mandatory safety gear, including hard hat, eye/hearing protection, and steel-toed shoes
Adherence to site-specific safety requirements

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive benefits package supporting employees’ overall well-being
Competitive compensation