Mechanical Engineer Associate - Principal

About the role

Job Posting End Date

11-02-2026

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

Job Summary

The Mechanical Engineer Senior is responsible to the assigned supervisor for performing complex engineering work activities and projects requiring the application of engineering knowledge in a safe, effective, efficient and economic accomplishment of assigned objectives.

Essential Job Functions & Tasks

• Technical Expertise: Exhibits journey level proficiency plus advanced knowledge that enables the engineer to serve as a leader within the assigned organization. Keeps abreast of new products, developments, technologies, procedures, and equipment. Understands and analyzes interrelationships between systems and component equipment. Interprets codes and regulations and develops standards relevant to the area of assignment.
• Leadership & Guidance: Provides guidance and exercises judgment and discretion in providing training, guidance and/or direction to other Engineers. Leads, facilitates, and coordinates work activities of others within the work group, team, department, corporate entity, or those external to the company as required to perform all routine engineering work. Ensures all work activities are performed in accordance with the policies, practices, standards, and rules of the company and comply with the regulations and procedures required by external agencies. Promotes engineering professionalism and standards. Coordinates and conducts training sessions.
• Problem Solving & Initiative: Identifies, clarifies, resolves, and initiates solutions to routine and/or complex problems that sometimes involve analysis of inadequate or conflicting data. Demonstrates the ability to divide problems into component steps. Consistently looks for and develops opportunities and presents new ideas and approaches.
• Communication: Coordinates the work of other engineers in an efficient and effective manner. Develop reviews or prepares reports on complex technical subjects clearly, concisely, and effectively, in a manner suitable for presentation to management, professional societies, regulatory bodies, etc. Leads and facilitates meetings effectively.
• Interpersonal Skills: Possess collaborative and consensus building skills. Functions as a team leader and member. Networks upward and downward in several disciplines inside and outside the AEP system. Leverage network to get things done.
• Decision Making: Makes decisions affecting plans and goals based on analysis of uncertain input and outcomes. Use diverse approaches to make decisions in the absence of a definite framework or where few precedents exist. Can handle conflicting interests related to approaches on projects or studies. Analyzes options and risks and possesses the experience and knowledge to assess the risk of decisions and act accordingly. Makes decisions that affect the operations or results of the department and may have some impact on a major project.
• Business Awareness & Characteristics: Exhibits an awareness of AEP's competitive position and how business decisions impact their organizational unit. Understands the specific goals and objectives of their individual organizational unit and is proficient in establishing measurable goals and objectives. Effectively manages project budgets using cost management techniques and understands how their decisions and recommendations impact AEP's expenses and revenues. Demonstrates an awareness of profit incentives, optimizing growth of customers' businesses and using our services to attract new business.

What We're Looking For

Note: This position is posted at multiple grade levels and offers a range of opportunities for advancement. The minimum qualifications outlined below apply to the Engineer Senior level, with increased educational, skill, experience and certification requirements for a higher level Engineer Principal.

Engineer Senior

Minimum Requirements

• Has typically acquired four (4) or more years of related engineering experience along with a Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET*

OR

• Two (2) 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 encouraged and preferred.
• *ABET - Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
• Individuals with a Bachelor's degree in Engineering Technology can satisfy this degree requirement, if they obtain a certified Professional Engineering (PE) license.

Acceptable alternative is

• A 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 required 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 a Non ABET accredited program

Other Requirement

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering strongly preferred.

Engineer Principal

Minimum Requirements

• Has typically acquired eight (8) or more years of related engineering experience along with a Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET*

OR

• Six (6) years of related engineering experience along with a Master's degree or PhD in engineering from a program accredited by ABET*

Additional information

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.

What You'll Get

Standard base pay is

• Engineer Senior - $98,993 - $128,689 /year.
• Engineer Principal - $116,255 - $151,132.50 /year.

• In addition to 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!

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade

SP20-008

Compensation Range

$98,993.00 - $151,132.50

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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