Principal Staff Engineer

American Electric Power (AEP)

Confirmed live yesterday High trust
Closes in 7 days

Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
Columbus, OH
Salary
$116,000–$151,000 / yr
Employment
Full-time
Posted
5 days ago
Freshness
Confirmed live yesterday
Closes
Oct 5, 2026 (soon)

Market check

Salary context

Below market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $197k
This role $134k
$98k most similar roles pay here $280k

This role pays less than 93% of similar roles. Most pay $174,600–$219,000 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $134k versus about $197k for comparable roles.

Based on 240 similar postings.

Employer

About American Electric Power (AEP)

American Electric Power (AEP) is one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, delivering electricity to customers across 11 states through an extensive transmission and distribution network. Industry: Electric Utilities

American Electric Power (AEP) currently has 16 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $110,000–$129,000 across 13 roles with salary data.

Most-posted roles

View all roles at American Electric Power (AEP)

At a glance

TL;DR · Principal Staff Engineer

Engineer Principal- Staff serves as a technical authority and mentor within the engineering team, overseeing the design basis and technical requirements for new steam generation equipment projects across the fleet. The role involves collaborating with project teams, OEMs, and EPC contractors to manage performance specifications, unit operability, and maintainability while developing fleet-wide technical programs and Circular Letters. Candidates must possess expert knowledge in utility-scale boilers, heat recovery steam generators, combustion systems, and related components like pulverizers and sootblowers. Key competencies include performing root cause analyses of pressure part failures and ensuring compliance with ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code and NFPA regulations. The position addresses complex technical problems regarding flow accelerated corrosion, creep damage, and emissions compliance to ensure the reliability and efficiency of steam generating systems within the power generation infrastructure.

What does a Engineer earn?

Median $180500 from 249 postings across 57 companies.

See salary data

What you'll do

  • Manage engineering design basis and technical oversight for new steam generation equipment projects.
  • Provide technical support and maintain design standards for the existing generating fleet.
  • Consult with project teams, OEMs, and contractors on plant design, performance specifications, and maintainability.
  • Develop and administer Circular Letters and fleet-wide technical programs for steam systems.
  • Resolve complex technical issues and provide troubleshooting for equipment and systems across the fleet.
  • Lead, mentor, and coach less-experienced engineers in project execution and technical problem-solving.
  • Perform detailed root cause analyses of steam generator failures and combustion system issues.
  • Present complex technical subjects to senior leadership, regulatory bodies, and professional organizations.

What we're looking for

  • Must have 8 years of engineering experience with an ABET-accredited Bachelor's degree or 6 years with an ABET-accredited Master's/PhD.
  • Must have engineering experience with an ABET-accredited Bachelor's degree or with an ABET-accredited Master's/PhD for the Staff level.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) registration in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico is preferred.
  • Experience and operating knowledge of utility-scale boilers, heat recovery steam generators (HRSG), and combustion systems are required.
  • Must have experience maintaining and troubleshooting equipment such as pulverizers, windboxes, air preheaters, and burners.
  • Knowledge of codes including ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code, NFPA, and federal/state emissions regulations is required.
  • Experience performing detailed root cause analyses of steam generator equipment and pressure part failures is required.
  • Ability to lead, mentor, and coach less-experienced engineers in technical troubleshooting and project execution.

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