Job Information
American Electric Power Mechanical Engineer (Sr - Principal) - Balance of Plant (BoP) Engineering (GENERATION) in Columbus, Ohio
Job Posting End Date
06-25-2024
Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date
Job Summary
The Balance of Plant Engineer is the design basis holder for a vast amount of equipment at the power generation facility. This position mostly focuses on heat exchangers, pumps and blowers applications, but may be called upon to support other disciplines since this equipment is in many processes in the plant. The successful candidate would lead major projects in their area which would total up to $10 million a year. A strong background in fluids dynamics and or thermodynamics will help the individual in developing system improvements and troubleshooting concepts.
Job Description
BUSINESS UNIT: Generation
DEPARTMENT: Balance of Plant (BoP) Engineering
Based on education, experience and interview evaluation, this opportunity will be filled commensurately at any title:
Engineer Principal (grade 9) = bachelor's degree in engineering (mechanical preferred) + 8 years of experience; OR, master's degree in engineering (mechanical preferred) + 6 years of experience. PE License is required.
Engineer Sr. (grade 8) = bachelor's degree in engineering (mechanical preferred) + 6 years of experience; OR, master's degree in engineering (mechanical preferred) + 4 years of experience
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
Provide remote and on-site design, operation and maintenance support for the AEP fleet as it relates to Balance of Plant equipment (Heat exchangers, Compressors, Air Dryers, Tanks, Pumps, etc.)
Responsible for the safe and reliable operation of the Balance of Plant equipment including: condensers, cooling towers, pumps, air compressors, air dryers, heat exchangers, system processing equipment, etc.
Support forecasting and development of inspection/repair and replacement projects for BOP equipment in the AEP fleet.
Generating equipment specifications/work scopes for both equipment repair and replacement.
Lead and/or provide mechanical support for projects associated with BOP Equipment for the generating fleet.
Work on multi-million dollar Capital Projects for major equipment replacement and/or repair, including documentation development required for the approval process of major equipment/component replacements. Develop project estimates, schedules and economic benefits for the project.
Opportunity to participate in code committees and/or participate on EPRI committees/projects
Pump system layout and design, including sizing of pumps for new applications.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
Must have a minimum of five (5) years' experience with maintaining and troubleshooting BOP equipment.
Must have an intermediate level of knowledge on heat exchangers, rotating equipment, and fluid systems.
Must have strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the capability to identify solutions to unusual and complex problems and situations and the ability to communicate the technical options and risks to management so that the appropriate actions are taken without compromising safety.
Must have strong communication skills (verbal and written) and be comfortable conducting presentations and taking part in panel discussions.
Lead discussions with other resources within AEP, OEMs and AEs.
Must have ability to analyze and interpret technical writings and drawings such as flow diagrams/P&ID, elementary diagrams, wiring diagrams and other schematics.
Experience working with PI Systems (Process Book and PI Vision) to monitor equipment performance/ efficiency and remotely diagnose operation issues is a plus.
Experience performing root cause analysis of rotating equipment failure is a plus.
WORKING CONDITIONS, ENVIRONMENT, AND REQUIREMENTS:
Candidate will be required to workdays and/or nights as required by the assigned task or project. Availability to work overtime is required.
Travel is required, 20-30% to support outage and plant needs. Timing may be flexible and will consist of some day trips and some overnight, up to a week, possibly more.
The primary work location is a remote office environment with a one day a week in the corporate office. Depending upon circumstances, this requirement may be relaxed
When visiting a power station, the use of a hard hat, eye and hearing protection, steel toed shoes with distinctive heel and non-slip soles are required at all times. A respirator fit test may be required for unit inspection support.
When visiting a power station, the candidate may be required to work in an environment that consists of exposure to hot surfaces, dust, grease, hazardous fumes and chemicals, loud noises, small and large operating machinery and equipment, indoors and outdoors in extreme heat and cold, rain, ice, snow, and all other forms of weather.
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.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Has typically acquired 6 or more years of related engineering experience along with a Bachelor's degree in engineering (mechanical engineering preferred) in a program accredited by ABET; or 4 years of related engineering experience along with a Master's degree or PhD in engineering (mechanical engineering preferred) 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 alternatives are:
(1) a Bachelor's degree in engineering (non-ABET), plus a Professional Engineers (PE) license in any state of the U.S. or
(2) 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.
Additional Expectations: relevant working experience with Heat Exchangers and Pumps (5+ years) required. Experience in Compressed air systems, ASME section VIII is a plus.
INITIAL BASE SALARY FUNDING: ($94,225 - $143,852). In addition to base salary, AEP offers competitive Total Rewards including: discretionary annual incentive, 401(k), pension, health insurance, vacation, etc.
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Compensation Data
Compensation Grade:
SP20-008
Compensation Range:
$94,225.00-122,490.00 USD
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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 aspects 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, age, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we must record certain information to be made part of an Affirmative Action Plan. Applicants for employment may also be invited to participate in the Affirmative Action Program by self-identifying their Race or Ethnic Identity.