Principal Mechanical Engineer
$180,000–$200,000 year
On-siteHouston, Texas, United States
Job Summary
Establish mechanical engineering philosophy and act as the final technical decision-maker for gas-fired power plant design, equipment selection, and lifecycle issues. Lead plant-level system engineering from concept through execution, defining standards for rotating equipment, redundancy, and design margins while governing EPC and OEM deliverables. Provide technical leadership for prime movers, major auxiliaries, and balance-of-plant systems, including fuel gas, cooling, and heavy civil structures. Review and approve P&IDs, layouts, and stress analyses to ensure alignment with owner objectives for reliability and availability. Support project acquisitions, due diligence, and commercial negotiations by identifying mechanical risks affecting CAPEX, OPEX, and schedule. Mentor senior engineers and coordinate with electrical, commercial, and regulatory teams to drive continuous improvement in plant performance.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, or Industrial Engineering
- 10+ years of experience in power plant mechanical engineering, EPC, OEM, or owner-side roles
- Proven experience with gas turbine and/or gas engine power plants
- Professional Engineer (PE) license
- Familiarity with applicable standards (ASME, API, ISO, OEM standards)
Desired Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience acting as a discipline lead or technical authority is strongly preferred
- Experience supporting data center power supply projects or other high-availability applications
- Exposure to engine-based generation or hybrid plant configurations
- Experience with hydrogen-ready or low-carbon power technologies
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