Senior Instrumentation & Controls Engineer

American Electric Power

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

Posted 9/17/2026full-timeColumbus • Louisiana • United StatesSenior💰 $110,000 - $129,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in control systems engineering, including the design and implementation of instrumentation and controls systems, while ensuring compliance with cybersecurity best practices and industry standards. Proficient in project management, data analysis, and technical documentation to support gas, coal, and renewable energy projects.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Control Theory ExpertiseProfessional Engineer (PE) RegistrationInstrumentation and Controls Systems DesignCybersecurity Principles for Control SystemsData Analysis Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Control TheorySystem DescriptionsSAMA Logic DiagramsP&IDsTechnical Specification DevelopmentData AnalysisProject Cost ForecastingTechnical Report WritingEngineering DesignSystem Integration

Soft Skills

Stakeholder CoordinationTraining and GuidanceProblem SolvingDecision MakingCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

MS AccessExcelWordSQLSharePointVisual BasicNetwork EquipmentComputer-Based InstrumentationCEMSRenewable Energy Systems

Certifications & Qualifications

Professional Engineer (PE) LicenseABET-Accredited Engineering Degree

Industry Keywords

Gas PlantCoal PlantRenewable EnergyEPC ServicesCybersecurity Best PracticesControl SystemsRetrofit ProjectsNew Generation ProjectsRegulatory ComplianceSafety Requirements

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Cyber SecuritySQL

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 with AE/EPC firms
Ensure operational technology and information technology systems meet design requirements and industry best practices
Manage the OT network and associated devices for system integration and communication
Implement cybersecurity best practices for control systems
Coordinate internal and external stakeholders and align project goals
Engage OEMs throughout 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 design specifications
Support construction of retrofit and new-build projects
Assist with technology evolution and obsolescence concerns
Coordinate work activities and provide training and guidance to lower-level employees
Forecast project costs, support budgets and planning, and initiate corrective action
Develop, review, and present technical reports, studies, and analyses
Resolve routine engineering problems and make decisions within established policies and procedures

Requirements

What you’ll need

Typically 4 or more years of related engineering experience with a Bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program
Alternatively, 2 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
Acceptable alternative: 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
Professional Engineer (PE) registration in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico is preferred unless waived; PE registration is not required for the minimum qualification
Solid grasp of control theory, including PID, adaptive, and model predictive control
Ability to interpret and create System Descriptions, SAMA logic diagrams, P&IDs, and schematics
Understanding of cybersecurity principles for control systems
Data analysis skills to monitor and enhance system performance
Experience with servers, thin clients, network equipment, and computer-based instrumentation is a plus
Proficiency in MS Access, Excel, Word, SQL, SharePoint, or Visual Basic is a plus
Familiarity with CEMS, renewable energy systems, or regulatory compliance is advantageous
Approximately 25% travel, including day trips and overnight stays
Ability to work indoors and outdoors with exposure to heat, cold, noise, dust, fumes, and operating machinery
Mandatory use of hard hat, eye/hearing protection, and steel-toed shoes at generating stations
Adherence to site-specific safety requirements

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive benefits package supporting employee well-being
Competitive compensation