
Real job — pulled straight from American Electric Power’s careers page · Verified September 4, 2026 · No reposts.
Job description
American Electric Power is hiring a Principal Designer — a full-time, based in Columbus, OH role. Apply directly on American Electric Power's careers page below.
Designer Prin
Location: Columbus, OH
Time Type: Full time
Job Description
Job Posting End Date
09-17-2026Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.
Job Summary
This role is primarily responsible for owning and overseeing electrical design deliverables, ensuring drawings, models, and technical packages are complete, accurate, constructible, and aligned with Engineering Services standards.Job Description
What You'll Do:
- Develop, review, and approval of electrical design drawings, including:
- Single‑line diagrams
- Elementary/Schematics and wiring diagrams
- Cable schedules and routing
- Equipment layouts and interface details
- Electrical Physical Drawings
- Ensure electrical designs are complete, coordinated, and aligned with approved design basis, specifications, and project requirements.
- Maintain high standards for drafting quality, accuracy, and document control, including as‑built documentation.
- Coordinate closely with electrical engineers to ensure design intent is correctly reflected in drawings and models.
- Review vendor and OEM drawings and submittals for design completeness, constructability, and interface alignment prior to engineer approval.
- Provide electrical design support during construction, commissioning, and closeout, including:
- Design clarifications and field change evaluations
- Redline and as‑built updates
- Proficiency with CAD and design tools (AutoCAD, MicroStation).
- Strong working knowledge of power generation electrical systems, including generators, transformers, switchgear, station service, UPS/DC systems, and grounding.
- Develop and coordinate design drawings and sketches.
- Proficiency in the use of computer aided design software.
- Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office software.
- Prepare and analyze calculations and conduct design and engineering studies as required.
- Carry to completion, drawings and related information representing final studies and designs necessary for construction.
- Check manufacturers' drawings and shop details and recommend changes to same. Check design drawings of other sections and exchange information with other design groups.
- Check drawings and perform design verification as assigned.
- Coordinate and review the work of others, when required.
- Prepare material and cost estimates as required.
- Perform work according to applicable design standards, criteria and procedures.
- Write notes relative to progressive steps to be taken at various stages of construction.
- Furnish work direction and assist in training of other employees in related work as required.
- Submit progress reports on status of job(s).
- Lead training for AEP or third-party employees in basic skills of the position.
- Promote and support the Company's Accident Prevention and Safety and Health programs.
- Demonstrate ethical behavior as outlined in the AEP corporate policies.
- Support the AEP Corporate Compliance policies.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
What We're Looking For:
- Education requirements are listed below:
- Associate degree in applied science (AAS) in drafting and design computer aided design (CAD) or in civil, electrical or mechanical engineering technology
- A minimum of 7 years of equivalent experience.
- Equivalent experience without AAS degree - high school graduate and 10 years of experience in electric utility and/or related industrial drafting and/or computer aided drafting work.
Other:
- Must be proficient in working with conventional drafting symbols and drafting methods and have the ability to distinguish colors.
- Must be able to operate a company motor vehicle and possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.
- Must meet all vehicle operation requirements as designated by federal and/or state law.
- This position may require shift work or overtime.
- Occasional overnight travel to and work within a substation or power plant environment in obedience to all safety regulations and use of personal protection equipment.
In addition to competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.
Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do
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!
Compensation Data
Compensation Grade:
SP20-007Compensation Range:
$42.13 - $52.67The 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.Get Principal Designer jobs like this→
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Frequently asked questions
How do I apply for Principal Designer at American Electric Power?
You can view the full description and apply for Principal Designer at American Electric Power on EchoJobs: https://echojobs.io/job/american-electric-power-designer-prin-38sd3.