This role pays less than
81%
of similar roles. Most pay
$142,875–$210,817
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$134k
versus about
$177k
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
23 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$110,000–$129,000
across 23 roles with salary data.
Mechanical Engineer Principal/New Generation
The Mechanical Engineer Principal supports gas, coal, and renewable plant retrofit and new-generation self-build projects by defining mechanical design-basis expectations and overseeing the procurement of rotating and static equipment, piping, structures, and balance-of-plant systems. This role involves developing technical specifications for turbines, generators, heat exchangers, and cooling systems while collaborating with AE and EPC firms to ensure designs meet safety and regulatory requirements. The engineer manages RFx engagements, evaluates vendor submittals, and provides construction and commissioning support. Key technical competencies include advanced knowledge of natural gas simple and combined cycle plants, turbomachinery performance, rotor dynamics, and piping stress analysis. Required skills include proficiency in ASME, API, and ANSI codes, along with experience using tools like AutoCAD, MathCAD, or MATLAB to solve complex engineering problems within the power generation sector.
What does a Mechanical Engineer earn?
Median $150500 from 76 postings across 18 companies.
Develop and document mechanical design basis for turbines, generators, heat exchangers, piping, and structural systems.
Apply advanced knowledge of simple and combined cycle gas turbine plants to equipment selection and system integration.
Review and approve mechanical designs, engineering calculations, and technical drawings in coordination with AE and EPC firms.
Prepare procurement specifications, scope documents for self-build proposals, and RFx deliverables for vendor engagement.
Interface with OEMs during the procurement process to ensure technical compliance, lead times, and warranty requirements.
Perform or review stress, vibration, thermal, and piping flexibility analyses to validate mechanical designs.
Ensure all designs comply with industry codes such as ASME, API, ANSI, and NFPA.
Provide on-site construction, commissioning, and startup support including site inspections and troubleshooting.
What we're looking for
Bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET accredited program with experience, or a Master's/PhD with experience.
Professional Engineering (PE) license in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico (preferred).
Advanced knowledge of natural gas simple cycle and combined cycle equipment, including combustion turbines, HRSG, steam turbines, and balance-of-plant systems.
Experience in mechanical engineering for power generation projects involving gas, coal, and renewable energy.
Proficiency with rotating equipment, pressure systems, piping, pumps, valves, and structural/mechanical design.
Familiarity with industry codes and standards such as ASME, API, ANSI, NFPA, and IEEE.
Proficiency with CAD and engineering calculation tools like AutoCAD, MicroStation, MathCAD, MATLAB, SolidWorks, or PDMS/AVEVA.