Civil Engineer Principal | NEW GENERATION & Oversight Engineering

Job Posting End Date

07-18-2026

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

Job Summary

The Civil Engineer will support gas, coal, and renewable power generation retrofit and new build projects by defining civil/site design basis and delivering civil engineering scope across the project lifecycle. Responsibilities include site grading, foundations, drainage/stormwater systems, roads/paving, cooling system civil works, and site utilities.
This role collaborates with Architect & Engineering (AE) and Engineer, Procure and Construct (EPC) firms and coordinates with internal and external stakeholders to ensure mechanical designs meet performance, reliability, constructability, safety, and regulatory requirements. The engineer will participate in RFx/OEM engagements, support self-build proposals, and provide construction, commissioning, and lifecycle support.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and document civil/site design criteria: grading, drainage, stormwater management, roadways, paving, retaining systems, site utilities, and cooling‑system civil scopes.
• Interpret geotechnical investigations and translate findings into foundation and earthwork inputs (foundation types, allowable bearing, settlement criteria, piles/caissons).
• Prepare, review, and approve civil drawings, details, specifications, quantity takeoffs, and construction deliverables for procurement.
• Coordinate with AE/EPC teams to ensure constructability, site sequencing, logistics, access, and interface alignment with Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, and I&C.
• Interface with OEMs/vendors for equipment civil loads, anchor layouts, grout/anchorage details, and shipping/installation constraints.
• Lead permitting and regulatory coordination (NPDES/SWPPP, stormwater, erosion & sediment control, wetlands, local permits); prepare technical submittals and H&H modeling support.
• Design and specify stormwater BMPs, SWPPP elements, and perform hydrology/hydraulic analyses (HEC‑HMS/HEC‑RAS, HydroCAD, EPA SWMM as applicable).
• Support construction phase: site inspections, QA/QC oversight, materials testing coordination, punch‑list resolution, RFIs, and as‑built documentation.
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and environmental/sustainability objectives; support lifecycle and obsolescence planning for civil assets.
• Contribute to O&M documentation, spares/renewal planning, and cost or schedule inputs for civil scopes.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of site grading, drainage design, stormwater BMPs, erosion/sediment control, and stormwater permitting (NPDES/SWPPP).
• Working knowledge of pavements, retaining structures, earthworks, sediment control systems, and temporary construction works.
• Ability to produce and interpret civil construction drawings, details, and technical specifications.
• Familiarity with site utility systems (water, wastewater, stormwater, potable, fire water) and permitting requirements.
• Experience with hydrology/hydraulic modeling tools (HEC‑RAS, HydroCAD, EPA SWMM) and GIS for site analysis.
• Experience supporting materials testing, QA/QC processes, and contractor coordination.
• Proficiency with MS Office; ability to use spreadsheets for calculations and reporting.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for collaboration with engineers, contractors, regulators, and stakeholders.

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.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Technical Expertise: Exhibits advanced level proficiency plus advanced knowledge of a specialized technical area that enables the engineer to serve as a resource for the company in an area such as system production, underground systems, extensive control systems, thermo-hydraulic control systems, distribution standards, fossil or nuclear plant operations, etc.

Leadership & Guidance: Influences the direction of thinking throughout the organizational unit as a recognized authority in an area of expertise. Leads, facilitates and coordinates work activities of others within work group, team, department, corporate entity, or those external to the company and assumes the role of project or function manager for assigned tasks.

Planning & Organization Ability: Develops, recommends, and implements plans that include all scheduling, resource, and cost information and control required to address complex engineering problems that require the input and efforts of a wide array of entities both internal and external to the company.

Problem Solving & Initiative: Identifies, clarifies, resolves, and initiates solutions to complex problems that require multi-functional, or organizational, interfacing and/or multi-disciplined analytical techniques. Develops opportunities and new ideas and approaches that have system-wide impact.

Communication: Leads in the preparation and presentation of complex technical subjects, clearly, concisely, and persuasively, bringing in ancillary issues before senior management, professional organizations, regulatory bodies, etc. Projects credibility and competence on technical issues and has highly developed presentation skills.

Interpersonal Skills: Builds teams and networks that extend through AEP, and other companies, professional organizations, regulatory agencies, and academia. Networks throughout AEP, other companies, professional organizations, and regulatory agencies.

Decision Making: Possesses the experience and knowledge to make some technical decisions based on calculated risks without management review. Makes decisions affecting long range plans and goals based on analysis of highly uncertain input and outcomes. Visualizes long-term results. Makes decisions where differences of opinion are likely to exist. Makes decisions that have an impact across organizational boundaries.

Business Awareness & Characteristics: Demonstrates vision in identifying business opportunities for the organizational unit. Understands how strategies and decisions impact the relationship with our customers and suppliers.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

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 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 preferred for this position unless approval to waive this requirement is given by the organization's EVP.*ABET - Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

Acceptable alternative is:

(1) 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 preferred 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 an Non ABET accredited program

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license or actively pursuing licensure.
• Experience with power‑plant cooling systems, water treatment civil scopes, and utility interconnection civil work.
• Familiarity with simple/combined‑cycle plant site layouts and renewable generation civil requirements.
• Experience with Revit/BIM workflows, HEC‑HMS, and environmental permitting preparation.
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline.
• Civil/site engineering experience on power‑generation, industrial, or heavy infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated experience interpreting geotechnical reports and developing foundation/earthwork design criteria.
• Proficiency with civil/site design and drafting tools (AutoCAD Civil 3D, MicroStation) and standard engineering calculation practices.

WHAT YOU’LL GET

Base Salary:  $117K - $151K

In addition to base salary, AEP offers competitive Total Rewards including:  discretionary short-/long-term incentives, 401(k), pension, health insurance, vacation, educational assistance, etc.

WHO WE ARE

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!

AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER (on-site)

$117K - $151K / Year

#AEPCareers

#LI-ONSITE

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

SP20-009

Compensation Range:

$116,255.00 - $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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It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.