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Electrical Engineer Principal/New Generation

American Electric Power

Columbus, OHPrincipalH-1B sponsor company
Sign in to applyVerified 2h ago
Location
Columbus, OH
Work model
On-Site
Level
Principal
H-1B history
16 approvals (FY2023)
Posted
Sep 17, 2026

Skills

Cybersecurity

About this role

Job Posting End Date 10-02-2026 Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

The Electrical Engineer will support gas, coal, renewable, and new-generation self-build projects by defining electrical design-basis requirements and supporting the technical specification, engineering, procurement, integration, and commissioning of power generation electrical systems. A required focus of this role is advanced knowledge of utility-scale power plant electrical systems and equipment, including generators, generator step-up transformers (GSUs), medium- and low-voltage distribution systems, switchgear, motor control centers (MCCs), protective relaying, grounding systems, black-start systems, auxiliary power systems, and grid interconnection requirements. This role collaborates with Architect & Engineering (A/E) and Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC) firms and coordinates with internal and external stakeholders to ensure electrical designs meet performance, reliability, maintainability, constructability, safety, cybersecurity, and regulatory requirements. The engineer will participate in RFx/OEM engagements, support self-build proposals, and provide construction, commissioning, startup, and lifecycle support across the generation portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

Support development of electrical design-basis and equipment requirements (generators, transformers, switchgear, station service, UPS/DC, cabling). Assist with power system studies and data preparation (load flow, short‑circuit, protection coordination, arc‑flash, harmonics) under senior review. Review vendor drawings, technical bids, and RFx deliverables and prepare comments for senior engineers. Help prepare technical and procurement specifications and scope documents for proposals. Support OEM interfacing during procurement: submittal review, factory/field testing coordination, and lead‑time tracking. Provide construction and commissioning support: 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 designs comply with relevant codes and standards (IEEE, NEC/NFPA70, ANSI, IEC) and assist with reliability/obsolescence tasks. Coordinate with mechanical, I&C, civil, and operations teams to resolve integration and SCADA/DCS interface items. Contribute to O&M documentation, spares lists, and lifecycle cost input. Knowledge & Skills Understanding of protection relays, CT/VT selection, relay coordination fundamentals. Basic skills in grounding, cable sizing, testing, and MV/HV equipment installation practices. Ability to interpret single‑line diagrams, schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical reports. Familiarity with power electronics for renewables and storage is a plus. Proficiency in MS Office; familiarity with scripting or databases is beneficial. Effective written and verbal communication for cross‑functional coordination.

Working Conditions

Approximately 25% travel, including day trips and overnight stays (up to a week or more). Work in both indoor and outdoor environments with exposure to heat, cold, noise, dust, fumes, and operating machinery. Mandatory safety gear required at generating stations: hard hat, eye/hearing protection, steel-toed shoes with heels and non-slip soles. Adherence to site-specific safety requirements is mandatory. Technical Expertise: Possesses intermediate level knowledge and performs varied assignments with proficiency in the application of theory and analytical techniques to solve diverse problems and complete extensive analysis. Demonstrates competency in analytical techniques necessary to handle assignments of moderate complexity. (e.g., by dividing the problem into component steps, and performing the analysis necessary to complete each step). Exhibits ability to understand

Listing verified 2h ago. Applications go through the company's official careers site.

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Electrical Engineer Principal/New Generation at American Electric Power, Columbus, OH | Yoinka