Lead Mechanical Engineer - Power Generation

Position Summary

The Lead Mechanical Engineer is responsible for the end-to-end design, development, and technical leadership of mechanical systems for combined cycle and simple cycle power plants. This role oversees engineering design activities, ensures compliance with industry standards, supports project execution, and provides technical guidance across multidisciplinary teams.

Key Responsibilities

Mechanical System Design & Leadership

• Lead the design and engineering of major mechanical systems, including: 
  • Gas turbines, steam turbines, and generators
  • Heat Recovery Steam Generators (HRSG)
  • Balance of Plant (BOP) systems (cooling water, condensate, feedwater, fuel gas, etc.)
• Develop layouts, P&IDs, 3D models, performance specifications, lists, and other mechanical related drawings and documentation.
• Ensure designs meet performance, reliability, safety, and cost targets.
• Provide technical leadership through all project phases: feasibility, detailed engineering, commissioning, and start-up.

Project Execution

• Serve as mechanical engineering lead for assigned projects.
• Coordinate with OEMs, vendors, construction contractors, and internal stakeholders.
• Review and approve vendor drawings, datasheets, and technical submittals.
• Support procurement by defining technical requirements and evaluating bids.
• Participate/lead design reviews with project stakeholders, including system reviews, model walkdowns, and constructability reviews.
• Ensure adherence to project schedules and budgets.

Technical Expertise & Analysis

• Perform and validate thermal and hydraulic calculations.
• Conduct equipment sizing, stress analysis, and system optimization studies.
• Troubleshoot complex mechanical issues during design, construction, and operation.
• Support root cause analysis (RCA) and reliability improvements.

Standards & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards, such as: 
  • ASME, API, ANSI, ISO
  • Environmental and safety regulations
• Maintain engineering quality and documentation standards.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Interface with Electrical, Civil, and I&C engineering teams.
• Collaborate with operations and maintenance teams to improve plant performance and maintainability.
• Support construction activities, including participation in constructability reviews and installation planning, responding to request for information, and field troubleshooting.
• Support commissioning, testing, and performance validation activities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
• 10+ years of experience in power generation or industrial energy projects.
• Proven experience with: 
  • Combined cycle and/or simple cycle plant design
  • Mechanical systems integration and BOP design
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Experience with major Turbine and Heat Recovery Steam Generator OEMs.
• Familiarity with digital engineering tools (e.g., AutoCAD, SmartPlant, Aspen, MATLAB).
• Experience in EPC project deliveries.

Key Competencies

• Technical leadership and decision-making
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Effective communication and stakeholder management
• Project management and organizational skills
• Ability to mentor and develop junior engineers

Work Environment

• Office-based with periodic travel as required by project needs.

Reporting Structure

Reports to: Engineering Manager / Project Manager
Direct Reports: May include junior and senior mechanical engineers

Career Impact

This position offers a unique opportunity to help shape a newly established power generation business within a well-established engineering firm. This role will influence overall business direction, support the establishment of growth strategies, and serve as a leadership position within the developing team. It will also create the opportunity to define critical workflows, procedures, and engineering guidelines for the new power generation engineering group while providing a strong platform for rapid career growth into broader leadership positions.