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Combined Cycle Power Generation Plant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

... 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 ...

Operations Manager

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$145K - $195K/yr

... Combined-Cycle Power Generation | Northern Virginia A leading energy services company is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead operations at a 2x1 combined-cycle natural gas power plant ...

ZEC EPC Project Director - Engineering Combined Cycle Power Generation (CCGT/CCPP) Position Summary ... Plant Systems Engineering Oversight- Provide engineering oversight for: Power Island, Balance of ...

Project Director-ENG

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$183K - $266K/yr

ZEC EPC Project Director - Engineering Combined Cycle Power Generation (CCGT/CCPP) Position Summary ... Plant Systems Engineering Oversight- Provide engineering oversight for: Power Island, Balance of ...

Showing results 21-40

Combined Cycle Power Generation Plant information

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

As of Aug 23, 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a combined cycle power generation plant operator?

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 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 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
Infographic showing various Combined Cycle Power Generation Plant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,358 per year, or $18 per hour.

Principal Engineer Electrical

Zachry Group

Charlotte, NC • On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Zachry Group rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

62nd of 80 rated construction


Job description


Principal Electrical Engineer - Power Generation (Combined Cycle)
Zachry's is seeking an experienced Principal Electrical Engineer to support large-scale combined cycle power generation projects across the region. This role offers the opportunity to work on complex, high-visibility energy infrastructure projects for leading utility and power generation clients.
Our Power Generation team supports a strong and growing portfolio of combined cycle facilities, providing engineers with both long-term project stability and exposure to technically challenging work. The environment is collaborative and fast-paced, with opportunities to lead engineering decisions, mentor teams, and directly influence project outcomes.
If you are a senior electrical engineer looking to apply your expertise on critical power projects while continuing to grow your technical and leadership impact, Zachry offers a rewarding and stable career path.
Zachry Engineer Corporation (ZEC) is an engineering-driven organization known for delivering high-quality EPC solutions across the Power, Industrial, and Infrastructure markets.
Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
• Lead electrical engineering efforts for combined cycle power generation projects from conceptual design through commissioning and startup
• Establish and manage electrical design criteria, standards, and philosophies for power plant facilities
• Oversee and review electrical system designs, including:
  • Generator and auxiliary systems
  • Medium- and high-voltage power distribution
  • Protection and control systems
  • Grounding, lighting, and raceway systems
  • Interfaces with instrumentation and control (I&C) and plant control systems
    • Provide technical direction and oversight to electrical engineers and designers assigned to projects
    • Review and approve calculations, drawings, specifications, and technical deliverables for quality and compliance
    • Coordinate electrical engineering activities with mechanical, civil, structural, I&C, construction, and commissioning teams
    • Ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards, including NEC, IEEE, ANSI, NEMA, and utility or owner requirements
    • Develop and support engineering cost estimates, material quantities, and execution plans
    • Lead technical aspects of major electrical equipment procurement, including vendor evaluations and technical reviews
    • Participate in constructability reviews, hazard analyses, and formal design reviews
    • Provide technical support during construction, commissioning, and startup, including site visits as needed
    • Interface directly with clients, project management, and internal leadership on technical scope, risks, and progress
    • Mentor and support the development of junior and mid-level engineers

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field from an accredited institution
12-15 years of electrical engineering experience in power generation, with significant experience on combined cycle power plants
• Experience serving in a senior or principal engineering role on EPC or utility-scale power projects
• Strong knowledge of electrical power systems and applicable codes and standards, including NEC, IEEE, ANSI, and NEMA
• Experience supporting projects through all phases, including design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and startup
Preferred Qualifications
• Deep technical experience with combined cycle electrical systems, including generators, auxiliary power systems, medium- and high-voltage distribution, and protection and control
• Prior experience leading or mentoring engineering teams on complex projects
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with clients, project managers, vendors, and multidisciplinary teams
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred
Why Zachry?
• Stable backlog of long-term power generation projects
• Exposure to complex, high-profile combined cycle facilities
• Collaborative engineering-focused culture
• Opportunities for technical leadership and career growth
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About Zachry Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Zachry Group is America's pacesetter in turnkey construction, engineering, maintenance, turnaround and fabrication services in the power, energy, chemicals, manufacturing and industrial sectors. It works with customers to plan, build, and renew their most critical facilities, so they can achieve their immediate and long-term goals, all at the highest safety standards. Zachry Group operates 35 offices, and averages 20,000 employees working in more than 400 locations nationwide. Please visit www.zachrygroup.com for more information.

Industry

Construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Antonio, TX, US

Year founded

1924