Principal Electrical Engineer – New Generation and Oversight

American Electric Power

. Support gas, coal, renewable, 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

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in electrical design and power generation systems, including commissioning and compliance with industry standards. Proficient in technical specifications, vendor management, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Electrical Design-Basis DevelopmentPower Generation Systems ExperienceCommissioning of Electrical SystemsProficiency with ETAP and AutoCADProfessional Engineer (PE) Registration

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Electrical DesignLoad Flow StudiesShort-Circuit AnalysisProtection CoordinationArc-Flash StudiesGrounding DesignCable RoutingMV/HV Equipment TestingTechnical Specification PreparationVendor Drawing Review

Soft Skills

Stakeholder CoordinationConsensus BuildingTraining and Guidance

Tools & Technologies

ETAPSKM/PowerToolsCYMEMATLABAutoCADMicroStationMS Office

Certifications & Qualifications

Professional Engineer (PE)Engineer in Training (EIT)

Industry Keywords

Power GenerationRenewable EnergyUtility Electrical SystemsIEEE StandardsNEC/NFPA70 ComplianceANSI StandardsIEC StandardsCombined-Cycle PlantsBattery StorageUtility Interconnection Practices

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Flash

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support gas, coal, renewable, and new-generation self-build projects
Define electrical design-basis requirements and support technical specification, engineering, procurement, integration, and commissioning of power generation electrical systems
Develop electrical design-basis and equipment requirements for generators, transformers, switchgear, station service, UPS/DC, and cabling
Assist with load flow, short-circuit, protection coordination, arc-flash, and harmonics studies
Review vendor drawings, technical bids, and RFx deliverables
Prepare technical and procurement specifications and scope documents
Support OEM procurement activities, including submittal review, factory/field testing coordination, and lead-time tracking
Provide construction and commissioning support through 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 compliance with IEEE, NEC/NFPA70, ANSI, and IEC standards
Coordinate with mechanical, I&C, civil, and operations teams on integration and SCADA/DCS interfaces
Contribute to O&M documentation, spares lists, and lifecycle cost inputs
Coordinate work activities and provide training and guidance to lower-level employees
Support cost forecasting, scheduling, budgeting, corrective actions, technical reporting, stakeholder coordination, consensus building, and engineering decisions

Requirements

What you’ll need

Typically 8 or more years of related engineering experience with a Bachelor's degree in engineering in 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 unless waived
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Engineering, or related discipline
Two or more years of engineering experience in power generation, utility, or industrial electrical systems
Experience across gas, coal, and renewable projects
Commissioning experience on simple- or combined-cycle plants
EIT or progressing toward PE
Experience with battery storage, inverters, or utility interconnection practices
Working knowledge of simple- and combined-cycle plant electrical systems, generator synchronization, and MV/HV equipment
Familiarity with power system study tools and analysis methods
Experience reviewing vendor drawings and RFx responses
Proficiency with ETAP, SKM/PowerTools, CYME, MATLAB, AutoCAD/MicroStation, or equivalent
Understanding of protection relays, CT/VT selection, and relay coordination fundamentals
Basic grounding, cable sizing, testing, and MV/HV equipment installation skills
Ability to interpret single-line diagrams, schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical reports
Proficiency in MS Office
Approximately 25% travel
Ability to work indoors and outdoors in heat, cold, noise, dust, fumes, and around operating machinery
Ability to wear mandatory safety gear at generating stations
Adherence to site-specific safety requirements

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive benefits package
Competitive compensation
Equal Employment Opportunity
Company-sponsored training programs
Educational assistance
Social and recreational programs