Power Plant Cycle Performance Engineer
Houston, TX
Power Plant Cycle Performance Engineer
Maximizes performance, efficiency, and operational flexibility of simple cycle and combined cycle power plants using thermodynamic analysis, modeling, data analytics, and performance testing. Requires a bachelor’s degree, 7+ years’ experience, and a PE license or equivalent.
Position Summary
The Power Plant Cycle Performance Engineer is responsible for maximizing the performance, efficiency, and operational flexibility of simple cycle and combined cycle power plants. This role applies advanced thermodynamic analysis, modeling, and data-driven optimization techniques to improve plant heat rate, reliability, emissions performance, and overall economic value.
Key Responsibilities
Cycle Performance Optimization
Advanced Modeling & Simulation
Operational & Data Analytics
Design & Retrofit Support
Performance Testing & Validation
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Required Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
Key Competencies
Work Environment
Reporting Structure
Reports to: Lead Mechanical Engineer or Project Engineering Manager
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 provide meaningful influence over 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 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.
The Power Plant Cycle Performance Engineer is responsible for maximizing the performance, efficiency, and operational flexibility of simple cycle and combined cycle power plants. This role applies advanced thermodynamic analysis, modeling, and data-driven optimization techniques to improve plant heat rate, reliability, emissions performance, and overall economic value.
Key Responsibilities
Cycle Performance Optimization
- Lead the analysis and optimization of thermodynamic cycles for:
- Combined cycle power plants
- Simple cycle gas turbine plants
- Identify opportunities to improve:
- Heat rate and efficiency
- Output (MW capacity)
- Start-up times and cycling flexibility
- Fuel utilization and operating costs
- Develop and implement performance improvement strategies.
Advanced Modeling & Simulation
- Build and maintain detailed thermodynamic models using tools such as:
- GT PRO, Thermoflow, EBSILON, Aspen, or equivalent
- Simulate plant performance under various operating scenarios (ambient conditions, load profiles, fuel types).
- Conduct sensitivity analyses and optimization studies.
Operational & Data Analytics
- Analyze historical plant data, including:
- SCADA/DCS data
- Performance test data
- Identify performance gaps and degradation trends.
- Develop predictive models and digital optimization tools where applicable.
Design & Retrofit Support
- Provide technical guidance on design improvements and retrofit projects such as:
- Turbine upgrades and modifications
- HRSG enhancements
- Cooling system optimization
- Integration of energy storage or hybrid systems
- Support feasibility studies, FEED, and detailed engineering phases.
Performance Testing & Validation
- Lead and support performance testing activities in accordance with ASME PTC standards.
- Validate model predictions against field test results.
- Recommend corrective actions to address deviations.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with:
- Mechanical, Electrical, and I&C engineering teams
- Plant operations and maintenance personnel
- OEMs, key suppliers, and project execution partners
- Provide technical support during commissioning, outages, and troubleshooting.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Energy Engineering, or related field
- 7+ years of experience in power plant engineering, performance analysis, or cycle modeling.
- Strong expertise in:
- Thermodynamics and heat transfer
- Gas turbine and steam cycle operation
- Combined cycle integration
Preferred Qualifications
- Deep experience with industry modeling tools (e.g., GT PRO, Thermoflow suite).
- Knowledge of advanced optimization techniques (e.g., AI/ML-based optimization, digital twins).
- Experience with flexible operation and grid-supportive technologies.
- Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent.
Key Competencies
- Advanced analytical and modeling skills
- Strong problem-solving and optimization mindset
- Data-driven decision making
- Technical leadership
- Effective communication with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Work Environment
- Primarily office-based with occasional travel for collaboration with OEMs, site support, and field-testing activities.
Reporting Structure
Reports to: Lead Mechanical Engineer or Project Engineering Manager
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 provide meaningful influence over 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 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.