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Combined Cycle Power Generation Plant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Zachry Group

Principal Engineer Electrical

Charlotte, NC

$130K - $160K/yr

Principal Electrical Engineer - Power Generation (Combined Cycle) Zachry's Charlotte, North ... Interfaces with instrumentation and control (I&C) and plant control systems Provide technical ...

Zachry Group

Principal Engineer Electrical

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Principal Electrical Engineer - Power Generation (Combined Cycle) Zachry's Charlotte, North ... Interfaces with instrumentation and control (I&C) and plant control systems • Provide technical ...

Zachry Group

Principal Engineer Electrical

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Principal Electrical Engineer - Power Generation (Combined Cycle) Zachry's is seeking an ... Interfaces with instrumentation and control (I&C) and plant control systems Provide technical ...

Zachry Group

Principal Engineer Electrical

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Principal Electrical Engineer - Power Generation (Combined Cycle) Zachry's is seeking an ... Interfaces with instrumentation and control (I&C) and plant control systems • Provide technical ...

TechPro Power Group Inc

Power I&C Technician

Granbury, TX · On-site

$145/day

... Generation, Oil & Gas/ Petrochemical, Heavy Process, and other Industrial end markets. We are a ... Spring Outage- Combined-Cycle Power Plant Location: Granbury, TX Duration: 40+ days (may extend ...

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Combined Cycle Power Generation Plant information

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How much do combined cycle power generation plant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for combined cycle power generation plant in the United States is $17.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a combined cycle power generation plant?

A combined cycle power generation plant is a type of power plant that uses both gas and steam turbines to produce electricity more efficiently. In this setup, a gas turbine generates electricity and produces hot exhaust gases. These exhaust gases are then used to produce steam, which drives a steam turbine to generate additional electricity. This combination allows for higher efficiency and lower emissions compared to traditional single-cycle plants. Combined cycle plants are commonly used for large-scale electricity generation due to their efficiency and lower environmental impact.

What are some common challenges faced by operators in a Combined Cycle Power Generation Plant, and how are they addressed?

Operators in a Combined Cycle Power Generation Plant often encounter challenges such as balancing the integration of gas and steam turbines, maintaining optimal efficiency, and responding to fluctuating energy demands. They must closely monitor complex control systems and coordinate with maintenance and engineering teams to prevent and quickly resolve equipment malfunctions. Ongoing training, adherence to safety protocols, and effective teamwork are essential to successfully managing these challenges and ensuring reliable plant operation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Combined Cycle Power Generation Plant Operator, and why are they important?

To excel as a Combined Cycle Power Generation Plant Operator, you need a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering concepts, plant operations, and typically a relevant technical degree or certification. Familiarity with Distributed Control Systems (DCS), SCADA systems, and safety compliance protocols is essential. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are vital for maintaining plant efficiency, ensuring safety, and minimizing downtime in a complex, high-stakes environment.

What is the difference between Combined Cycle Power Generation Plant vs Power Plant Operator?

AspectCombined Cycle Power Generation PlantPower Plant Operator
CredentialsEngineering degree or technical certification, plant-specific trainingHigh school diploma, on-the-job training, licensing depending on region
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plant, control room, outdoor facilitiesControl room, plant floor, outdoor areas
Industry UsageElectricity generation, power plants using combined cycle technologyOperation and monitoring of power plant equipment
Job FocusDesign, maintenance, and optimization of combined cycle systemsMonitoring plant operations, ensuring safety and efficiency

While both roles are integral to power generation, a Combined Cycle Power Generation Plant focuses on the design, maintenance, and optimization of combined cycle systems, often requiring engineering expertise. In contrast, a Power Plant Operator primarily monitors and controls plant operations to ensure safe and efficient electricity production. Both roles work closely within the power industry but differ in responsibilities and required credentials.

More about Combined Cycle Power Generation Plant jobs
What job categories do people searching Combined Cycle Power Generation Plant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Combined Cycle Power Generation Plant jobs are:
Combined Cycle Power Generation Plant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Combined Cycle Power Generation Plant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,358 per year, or $18 per hour.
Power Plant Cycle Performance Engineer

Power Plant Cycle Performance Engineer

CAM Integrated Solutions LLC

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

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

  • 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.