American Electric Power

Construction Lead Principal

American Electric Power • $116K — $151K *
Niles, MI 49120In-Person
Real Estate & Construction
8 - 10 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or Engineering with 8 years of relevant experience, or equivalent qualifications with varying experience levels.
  • Thorough knowledge of the Bulk Electric System from design/operations perspective.
  • Experience in Construction Management, Transmission Engineering, or Distribution Operations.
  • Demonstrated leadership skills in mentoring junior personnel.
  • Strong analytical and technical capabilities with project documentation.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and oversee high-voltage and medium-voltage electrical infrastructure construction.
  • Ensure safety and quality in construction execution, focusing on risk identification and mitigation.
  • Coordinate work in energized environments considering outage sequencing and system reliability effects.
  • Interpret discipline-specific technical documents and drawings to guide construction activities.
  • Facilitate communication between construction teams and cross-functional partners for alignment.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package to support overall employee well-being.
  • Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.
  • Collaborative work culture promoting teamwork and healthy relationships among personnel.
  • Travel opportunities exceeding 25% for site oversight and project coordination.
Full Job Description
Job Posting End Date
07-08-2026
Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

The role of a Construction Lead Principal within one or more primary disciplines including Constructability, Construction Planning, Transmission Lines, Substations, Distribution, Fiber Communications, or Tower Communications is to provide leadership and field oversight to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality construction execution, with a strong emphasis on identifying and addressing safety risks. This position serves as the subject matter expert and primary liaison between Construction Management and cross functional partners, supporting project planning, coordination, and execution while ensuring alignment across stakeholders, schedules, and field activities.

Job Description

What You'll Do:

Transmission Lines, Substations, and Distribution
  • Requires expertise in high-voltage and medium-voltage electrical infrastructure construction, including transmission line systems, distribution networks, and substation equipment such as transformers, breakers, and bus systems. Includes interpretation of discipline-specific technical documentation such as transmission plan and profile drawings, structure loading trees, sag and tension charts, substation one-line diagrams, protection and control schematics, and distribution staking sheets and feeder layouts. Involves construction methods unique to these systems, including conductor stringing, sagging and tension operations, structure erection, substation equipment installation, and distribution activities such as pole setting, framing, and overhead and underground conductor installation. Requires coordination of work in energized or near-energized environments with consideration for construction, outage sequencing, planning, switching requirements, and system reliability impacts.


What We're Looking For:

Construction Lead Principal SG9

Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field with eight (8) years of experience in the applicable discipline;
  • OR Bachelor's degree in Construction Technology or ABET accredited Engineering Technology with ten (10) years of relevant experience;[JB1.1]
  • OR Associate degree in Construction Management Technology or ABET-accredited Electrical or Civil Engineering Technology with twelve (12) years of relevant experience;
  • OR high school diploma (or equivalent) with fourteen (14) years of experience in construction, project execution, or field operations within electric utility or infrastructure environments.

Experience:
  • A thorough knowledge of the Bulk Electric System, from a design and/or operations perspective, AND experience within Construction Management, Transmission Engineering, Transmission Operations, or Distribution Operations is required to fulfill responsibilities of this job.
  • Related experience is defined as involvement with Construction Management, Transmission Engineering, Transmission Operations, or Distribution Operations.


In addition:
  • Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, mentor, and train junior personnel.
  • Must be a team player, inquisitive, analytical, and be able to interact with and maintain working relationships with diverse teams.
  • Ability to read and interpret one-line station diagrams and transmission line switching diagrams.
  • Aptitude to understand switching and tagging and clearance points, with knowledge of P&C zones of protection.
  • Capacity to lead in understanding, developing, and transmitting complex outage reservation communications to capital project stakeholders.
  • Must have strong computer skills and apply skills to provide business-specific reports.
  • Promote a healthy culture within the Construction Management Team through effective collaboration.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook, for data analysis, reporting, and communications
  • Experience using Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive for collaboration, document management, and team coordination
  • Familiarity with Power BI for data visualization and reporting, and Power Automate for workflow optimization is a plus
  • Strong ability to develop professional presentations, dashboards, and reports to communicate project status, risks, and performance metrics
  • Experience working in a digital, collaboration-driven environment with structured file management and version control practices
  • Ability to quickly learn and apply enterprise systems such as project scheduling tools, work management systems, and GIS platforms
  • Strong organizational and documentation skills to support standardized processes, reporting, and knowledge sharing across teams
  • An understanding of Bulk Electric System operations, construction management practices, or engineering disciplines supporting transmission, distribution, or communication infrastructure is required.
  • Candidates must demonstrate strong analytical and technical capabilities, including the ability to interpret project documentation, plans, and schedules.
  • Travel Requirements: >25%


Where you'll work:

This role sits on site in Niles, Michigan

What you'll get:

Construction Lead Principal SG9($116,255-$151,132)

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.

American Electric Power (On-Site)

$116K- $151K / Year

#LI-Onsite

#AEPCareers

#Construction

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

SP20-009

Compensation Range:

$116,255.00 - $151,132.50

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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About American Electric Power

American Electric Power generates, transmits, and distributes electricity, serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers nationwide. AEP serves millions of customers across 11 states. It operates in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, providing power to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. AEP generates electricity using diverse sources, including coal, natural gas, nuclear, and renewable energy like wind and solar. The company maintains a vast transmission network that delivers electricity from power plants to local distribution systems, ensuring a stable and reliable power supply. AEP is actively involved in renewable energy initiatives, investing in wind farms and solar facilities to diversify its energy portfolio and reduce its environmental impact. Additionally, the company engages in community outreach, supporting education, environmental conservation, and various social initiatives.

American Electric Power Careers

Join the dynamic team at American Electric Power (AEP), one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, and ignite your career with a company known for its commitment to innovation and leadership in the energy sector.

Opportunities Await

At AEP, we offer a multitude of job opportunities that cater to a variety of skills and professional interests. Whether you're seeking an entry-level position or a more senior role, our diverse range of employment options ensures that there's a place for every ambitious individual in our team.

Grow and Innovate

Embark on a journey of growth and professional development with AEP. Our company is at the forefront of the energy industry’s transformation, integrating sustainable and innovative practices that not only lead the market but also contribute to a greener planet. Engage in work that challenges the status quo, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the energy sector.

Culture and Benefits

AEP is dedicated to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion, where every team member’s contribution is valued. We offer competitive benefits that support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees and their families. From comprehensive health benefits to professional development programs and diversity training, AEP ensures that our team is equipped for both personal and professional success.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with an AEP internship. Our programs provide invaluable industry experience and networking opportunities that pave the way for future employment. Interns at AEP work on real projects, learn from seasoned professionals, and gain the hands-on experience necessary to succeed in the fast-paced world of energy.

Leadership and Development

Leadership at AEP means more than guiding teams – it involves inspiring change and driving innovation. With leadership development programs, employees are prepared to take on challenging roles that shape the future of the company and the industry. Our focus on leadership and continuous improvement creates an environment where ambitious professionals can thrive.

Join Our Team

Explore the career possibilities at American Electric Power today. Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are constantly hiring new talent and look for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Prepare your resume, ace the interview, and join a company where your career can flourish.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest at AEP by following our careers blog. Gain insider perspectives, industry-leading insights, and career tips that you can put to use today—all from the people who work here.

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Explore American Electric Power Jobs

Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the industry, AEP offers a dynamic work environment where innovation, leadership, and growth are part of everyday life. Join us in powering a new and brighter future for everyone.
Learn more about American Electric Power
Size
16,688 employees
Market Cap
$48.8 billion
Industry
Energy & Utilities
Net Income
$2.2 billion
Founded
1906
5 Year Trend
+0.5%
Revenue
$14.9 billion
NASDAQ
AEP
* Ladders Estimates

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