Principal Mechanical Engineer – New Generation

American Electric Power

. Define and document mechanical design bases and requirements for plant equipment, including turbines, generators, HRSGs/boilers, heat exchangers, pumps, compressors, cooling systems, piping, and structures .

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 mechanical design and engineering for power generation projects, with a strong focus on gas, coal, and renewable energy systems. Proficient in project management, vendor evaluation, and compliance with industry standards and safety regulations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Mechanical Engineering ExperienceProfessional Engineer (PE) LicenseAdvanced Gas Turbine KnowledgeCAD ProficiencyReliability Engineering

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Mechanical DesignTurbomachinery PerformancePiping Stress AnalysisVibration AnalysisThermal AnalysisTechnical Specification ReviewConstruction ManagementData AnalysisLifecycle Cost AnalysisProblem-Solving

Soft Skills

Strong Troubleshooting SkillsTeam CoordinationTraining and Guidance

Tools & Technologies

AutoCADMicroStationMathCADMATLABSolidWorksPDMS/AVEVA

Certifications & Qualifications

Professional Engineer (PE) LicenseABET-Accredited Engineering Degree

Industry Keywords

Power GenerationGas TurbinesCombined-Cycle PlantsHRSGSafety ComplianceASME StandardsAPI StandardsANSI StandardsNFPA StandardsIEEE Standards

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Define and document mechanical design bases and requirements for plant equipment, including turbines, generators, HRSGs/boilers, heat exchangers, pumps, compressors, cooling systems, piping, and structures
Apply advanced simple- and combined-cycle gas turbine knowledge to equipment selection, system integration, and performance evaluations
Review, comment on, and approve AE/EPC mechanical designs, drawings, and engineering calculations
Prepare and review technical and procurement specifications, self-build proposal scope documents, and RFx deliverables
Interface with OEMs during RFx and procurement regarding technical compliance, lead times, warranties, and vendor submittals
Support vendor evaluations and bid reviews, focusing on turbine/HRSG interfaces and steam-cycle integration
Provide construction, commissioning, and startup support through site inspections, punch-list resolution, and troubleshooting
Perform or review stress, vibration/rotor dynamics, thermal, piping flexibility, and fatigue analyses
Ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards
Lead reliability, FMEA, RCM, and obsolescence-mitigation activities
Coordinate with electrical, I&C, civil, and operations stakeholders
Support O&M documentation, spare-parts lists, and lifecycle-cost assessments
Promote safe design practices and site-specific safety compliance
Coordinate work activities and provide training and guidance to lower-level employees
Forecast costs and use scheduling techniques for project budgeting and planning
Prepare, review, and present technical reports, studies, and analyses
Resolve routine engineering problems, identify non-routine issues, and initiate corrective action
Support self-build proposals and provide lifecycle support for gas, coal, and renewable generation projects

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
Bachelor's degree in Engineering Technology requires a certified Professional Engineering (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
Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent certifications; PE registration in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico is preferred unless waived
Proven mechanical engineering experience on power generation projects involving gas, coal, and/or renewables
Advanced hands-on knowledge of natural gas simple-cycle and combined-cycle plants, 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 ASME, API, ANSI, NFPA, IEEE, and local codes and standards
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 such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, MathCAD, MATLAB, SolidWorks, PDMS/AVEVA, or equivalent
Experience with simple- and combined-cycle gas turbine projects, plant integration, and commissioning
Familiarity with construction management, commissioning, and startup practices on utility-scale generation projects
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
Knowledge of maintenance strategies, reliability engineering, and lifecycle cost analysis
Data analysis skills for equipment health monitoring and reliability improvements
Work in indoor and outdoor environments with exposure to heat, cold, noise, dust, fumes, and operating machinery
Mandatory generating-station safety gear: hard hat, eye/hearing protection, and steel-toed shoes with heels and non-slip soles
Adherence to site-specific safety requirements

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive compensation
Comprehensive benefits package supporting employee well-being
Company-sponsored training programs
Educational assistance
Social and recreational programs
Compensation and benefits
Approximately 25% travel, including day trips and overnight stays (up to a week or more)