Vice President of Engineering

VP of Engineering, Power Plant Design - Relocation provided About the Opportunity Brightsmith is partnered with a mission-driven clean energy developer advancing next-generation power solutions across the western United States. Our client's portfolio includes the staged development of multiple power plants designed to deliver clean, reliable baseload power, with a culture built on technical excellence, environmental stewardship, and collaborative leadership. Why This Role Exists The VP of Power Plant Design Engineering is a senior technical and strategic leader responsible for overseeing the design, development, optimization, and reliability of power-generation systems across our project portfolio. This role ensures that all surface-plant engineering, power-conversion systems, and grid-integration activities meet the highest standards of safety, performance, and commercial viability. The VP will lead multidisciplinary teams, support projects from concept through operations, and shape the long-term technology strategy for scalable power deployment. Role Impact This position plays a mission-critical role in transforming an emerging clean power technology into a scalable, bankable source of baseload energy. By owning the technical direction and performance of surface-power-generation systems, this role directly influences project economics, operational reliability, and our client's long-term growth trajectory. Key Responsibilities Build, develop, and supervise an Owner's Engineering team (5-10 engineers), including construction and commissioning monitors and specialized subcontractors across process, mechanical, electrical, and civil/structural disciplines Coordinate with internal resource and advanced technology teams to shape technology selection and vendor engagement strategies Oversee development of tendering packages, EPC bid evaluations, and technical clarifications Monitor EPC execution to ensure compliance with technical specifications, schedules, quality, and safety standards Interface with permitting and regulatory teams to integrate environmental and compliance requirements into engineering specifications Collaborate closely with peer VPs overseeing infrastructure, interconnection, resource development, and site operations to ensure cohesive surface engineering execution Provide clear reporting, risk identification, and technical guidance to senior leadership Qualifications 15+ years of engineering experience in power plant development, preferably within process-intensive facilities or other power generation projects Industry background in one or more of the following: geothermal, biogas, CCGT (combined cycle gas turbine), waste-to-energy, or other thermal/renewable power generation Strong background in mechanical and electrical systems, with experience overseeing commissioning activities Demonstrated leadership managing multidisciplinary teams and subcontractors Proven ability to coordinate complex project schedules and drive timely execution Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage effectively across technical, regulatory, and executive stakeholders #J-18808-Ljbffr