Thermal Performance Engineer

Job Summary:

The Thermal Performance Engineer / Thermal Systems Engineer is responsible for performing detailed thermal analyses and heat balance development for simple cycle and combined cycle power plants. This role involves sizing major plant equipment, supporting field operations, troubleshooting, and collaborating across teams to optimize plant performance. The engineer will apply expertise in thermodynamics, power generation systems, and plant performance analysis throughout project execution and operational phases. Responsibilities:

• Perform thermal performance analysis for simple cycle and combined cycle power plants.
• Develop, review, and maintain plant heat balances and thermodynamic models using specialized software.
• Prepare technical reports, engineering calculations, specifications, and performance documentation.
• Size and select major rotating and heat transfer equipment for new installations and retrofit projects.
• Conduct mass and energy balance calculations to evaluate plant performance.
• Support plant commissioning, startup, and performance testing activities.
• Troubleshoot plant equipment during warranty and operational periods and provide technical field support.
• Collaborate with engineering, project management, commissioning, and operations teams.
• Analyze plant operating data and recommend performance improvements.
• Utilize advanced Excel capabilities for engineering calculations, data analysis, and reporting.
• Travel up to 25% to customer sites, power plants, and project locations.

Required Skills & Certifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited university.
• 7-10 years of relevant experience in thermal performance engineering, power generation, or related fields.
• Minimum 3 years of direct experience in thermodynamics and heat balance analysis.
• Strong knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and power plant performance engineering.
• Experience with simple cycle and combined cycle power plants, mass and energy balance calculations, heat balance development and analysis, and equipment sizing and selection.
• Proficiency in heat balance software such as Thermoflow, GateCycle, or equivalent tools.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to develop detailed engineering reports and technical specifications.

Preferred Skills & Certifications:

• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• OEM experience with companies such as GE, Siemens, Nooter Erickson, or Toshiba.
• Plant site engineering and commissioning experience.
• Experience troubleshooting operational and performance-related issues in power generation equipment.
• Familiarity with EPC project environments and retrofit projects.
• Exposure to performance testing and plant optimization initiatives.

Special Considerations:

• Role requires up to 25% travel to customer sites, power plants, and project locations.
• Work may involve office, plant-site, operating power plants, industrial facilities, and construction environments.

Scheduling:

• Standard work schedule with possible requirements to support commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting activities.
• May require flexibility to work on-site during critical project phases or operational needs.