Mechanical or Aerospace Engineer (Renewables)

American Electric Power is seeking a Mechanical or Aerospace Engineer (Renewables) in Columbus, OH. The role involves complex engineering tasks, providing leadership and guidance to other engineers, planning and organizing projects, solving problems, and effective communication. Candidates should demonstrate advanced technical expertise, decision-making skills, and the ability to coordinate work efficiently. The position requires adherence to company policies and external regulations.
Job Posting End Date

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

Job Summary

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.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

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 guidance and 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 complies with the regulations and procedures required by external agencies. Promotes engineering professionalism and standards. Coordinates and conducts training sessions.

Planning & Organization Ability: Participates in the development of plans by establishing measurable goals, objectives and requirements for specific areas of responsibility. Coordinates the development of input necessary to establish projected cost of all projects. Is proficient in use of scheduling techniques (CPM, PERT, flow charts, etc.) for budget and planning activities. Identifies and initiates appropriate corrective action when objectives are not being met.

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. Develops, 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. Leverages network to get things done.

Decision Making: Makes decisions affecting plans and goals based on analysis of uncertain input and outcomes. Uses 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.

Job Description

The role involves providing comprehensive engineering support to the renewables portfolio of generating assets, with a particular focus on wind turbine blade inspections and assessments. The engineer will be responsible for ensuring optimal performance and reliability of renewable energy systems through critical anomaly evaluation and effective remediation recommendations. Collaboration with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and coordination of engineering support needs are key components of the position. Additionally, the engineer will contribute to the blade warranty program and cold weather preparedness plans for the renewables fleet. The role also includes supporting other new generation projects, including gas and select renewable (BESS and Solar) technologies.

Key Responsibilities
• Conduct thorough inspections of wind turbine blades to identify and assess critical anomalies.
• Develop and recommend remediation strategies to address identified issues.
• Coordinate with OEMs to facilitate engineering support and ensure alignment with industry standards.
• Provide support for the blade warranty program, ensuring compliance and addressing warranty claims, as necessary.
• Prepare and coordinate cold weather preparedness plans for the renewables fleet to ensure operational reliability during adverse weather conditions.
• Offer additional engineering support for new generation projects, including gas and select renewable energy initiatives, as workload allows.

Knowledge And Skills
• Strong understanding of wind turbine technology and blade design.
• Proficiency in engineering principles related to renewable energy generation.
• Familiarity with inspection methodologies and anomaly assessment techniques.
• Excellent communication and coordination skills for effective OEM engagement.
• Ability to analyze data and make informed recommendations for remediation.
• Preferred knowledge of warranty management processes within the renewable energy sector.
• Preferred experience developing cold weather preparedness plans.
• Familiarity with gas generation systems, other renewable technologies, and related engineering practices is a plus.

Working Conditions
• Primarily office-based with occasional fieldwork for turbine inspections and assessments.
• May require travel (~25% max) to various generating asset locations for on-site evaluations.
• Work may involve exposure to varying weather conditions during field inspections.
• Climbing wind tower structures is required periodically to perform inspections.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, projects, operations, and maintenance personnel.
• The role may demand flexibility in hours to accommodate project needs and deadlines.
• Mandatory safety gear at generating stations: hard hat, eye/hearing protection, steel-toed shoes with heels and non-slip soles.
• Adherence to site-specific safety requirements.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Has typically acquired 6 or more years of related engineering experience (Renewables / Wind Turbine experience preferred) along with a Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET*; or 4 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.

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.

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

SP20-008

Compensation Range:

$96,110.00-124,940.00 USD

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.