Entry Level Data Engineering Jobs in Columbus, OH

Job Posting End Date

08-29-2026

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

Job Summary

As an Associate CEMS Engineer, you will develop hands-on experience supporting Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems across our Gas and Coal fleet. This role provides exposure to a unique mix of instrumentation, controls, analyzers, sample systems, DAHS platforms, alarming, and field troubleshooting while helping improve system reliability, data integrity, and fleet standardization. You will work with experienced engineers, plant personnel, and Environmental Services to learn a specialized area that is critical to reliable and compliant generation operations.

Job Description

More Specific to This Opportunity:

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of CEMS gas analyzers, flow monitors, opacity, mercury, particulate systems, probes, and sample systems.
• Provide remote and on-site support for configuration, troubleshooting, diagnosis, and calibration coordination of CEMS instrumentation and DAHS systems.
• Support DAHS operations, data validation, quality assurance reviews, and alarming.
• Participate in linearity tests, cylinder gas audits, RATA support, and QA/QC activities.
• Review CEMS data for accuracy, identify issues, and help resolve data gaps or system performance concerns before data is handed off to Environmental Services.
• Participate as an I&C resource to project teams to evaluate and implement CEMS and DAHS project requirements.
• Support Environmental Services and plant operations personnel on technical matters related to CEMS/DAHS system function and configuration.
• Interpret and follow applicable regulations, codes, and standards relevant to CEMS/DAHS systems, with guidance from experienced engineering and Environmental Services personnel.
• Document work and contribute to procedures and fleet standardization efforts.
• Travel to generating stations for field support as needed.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Technical Expertise: Possesses entry-level knowledge and experience in the application of theory to solve well-defined problems or provide analysis, with guidance from higher-level engineers. Assists higher-level engineers in handling well-defined portions of more complex problems and analyses. Exhibits fundamental understanding of standards, codes and regulations relevant to the area of assignment. Gains familiarity with standards, codes and regulations relevant to the area of assignment. Gains familiarity with pertinent equipment, materials, systems and business processes.

Leadership & Guidance: Coordinates work activities of others as required to resolve routine engineering tasks. Demonstrates working knowledge of appropriate policies and procedures; however, activities are generally monitored by higher-level employees to ensure work is performed in accordance with established guidelines. Performs work activities as assigned and coached by higher-level employees. Demonstrates ability to work with others in both supplying information and seeking assistance as necessary. Demonstrates willingness and capabilities to assume leadership roles.

Planning & Organization Ability: Provides input to routine project planning documents related to scheduling and understands the use of scheduling techniques (CPM, PERT, flow charts, etc.) for budget and planning activities. Monitors project status and recommends action accordingly. Prepares cost estimates using established standards. Develops understanding of the workflow for routine engineering projects. Accomplishes work according to plans and schedules established by higher-level employees.

Problem Solving & Initiative: Actively seeks out information and understanding of engineering problems and solution techniques applicable to area of responsibility. Applies basic techniques to perform analysis associated with the resolution of routine technical problems. Uses initiative in looking for opportunities and presenting new ideas and new approaches.

Communication: Assists and participates in the preparation of reports and technical papers. Assimilates information and instructions readily. Communicates effectively, both verbally and in writing and presents ideas clearly. Listens to and understands instructions, and requests clarification as required.

Interpersonal Skills: Begins networking with peers to share information and encourage cooperation. Understands the agendas and perspectives of others. Develops effective give-and-take relationship. Demonstrates the ability to be a team player. Relates to people in an open, friendly, and sincere manner.

Decision Making: Knows which decisions they are authorized to make. Develops decision-making skills under guidance of higher-level employees and makes routine decisions subject to review and contributes to team decision-making.

Business Awareness & Characteristics: Demonstrates an attitude and desire to listen to and satisfy both internal and external customers who use and depend upon their organizational unit's work. Applies economic analysis techniques in problem solving. Pursues effective ways to protect and enhance the environment while providing reliable electricity at a competitive cost. Active participation in professional and business organizations is encouraged. Develops an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the department.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

This is an entry-level position for new graduates with a Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET*; Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering examination in preparation for future licensing as a Professional Engineer (PE) is encouraged and preferred.

Individuals with a Bachelor's degree in Engineering Technology can satisfy this degree requirement, if they obtain a certified Professional Engineering (PE) license.

*VP or above may waive the requirement for a degree from a university with an Non ABET accredited program

Other Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related technical field in Instrumentation/Electronics plus relevant experience.
• Experience in instrumentation, controls, environmental monitoring, or power plant systems.
• Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude with willingness to work in operating plant environments.
• Ability to quickly learn CEMS hardware, sample systems, DAHS platforms, and basic operational aspects of code and regulation requirements.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel periodically.

Knowledge and Skills

• Basic knowledge, understanding, and application of process/industrial control and monitoring systems.
• Basic knowledge of process instrumentation, including CEMS-specific equipment (e.g., gas analyzers, sampling systems, probes).
• Basic knowledge of, or aptitude to learn, DAHS configuration and administration.
• Familiarity with PLC programming is a plus.
• Basic experience with computer networking, in addition to Modbus, OPC, and other communications protocols, including the ability to troubleshoot issues.
• Ability to analyze and interpret technical writings and drawings such as SAMA logic diagrams, flow diagrams, one-line diagrams, electrical elementary diagrams, wiring diagrams, P&IDs, schematics, and other technical documentation.
• Comfortable with data tools (Excel required; SQL or similar a plus).
• Strong analytical skills (verbal and written) and clear communication skills.
• Willingness to develop OT network and cybersecurity awareness as they apply to CEMS.
• Experience with computer-based instruments is a plus.

Working Conditions

• Primarily day shift with overtime as required.
• Periodic travel (day trips and overnight stays) to generating stations.
• Indoor/outdoor work with exposure to heat, cold, noise, dust, fumes, and operating equipment.
• Mandatory PPE at stations: hard hat, eye/hearing protection, steel-toed shoes with heels and non-slip soles.
• Strict adherence to site-specific safety requirements.

Join a team building real bench strength in CEMS and emissions monitoring across the generation fleet.

WHAT YOU'LL GET

Base Salary: approximately $86K - $90K

In addition to base salary, AEP offers competitive Total Rewards including: discretionary annual incentive, 401(k), pension, health insurance, vacation, educational assistance, etc.

WHO WE ARE

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!

AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER (on-site)

$86K - $90K / Year

#AEPCareers

#LI-ONSITE

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

SP20-006

Compensation Range:

$74,551.00 - $128,688.00

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.