Gds Operation Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GDS Associates, Inc. has an exciting and challenging opportunity with advancement and growth potential for an experienced engineering professional to work in our Planning & Advisory Business Unit.  This person will provide technical project oversight, analytical, and project management support, with an emphasis on generation projects.  Key responsibilities will include working with supply planning and generation experts on teams involving generation development projects, providing technical support on generation project performance, and selection of generation technologies in Integrated Resource Planning (IRP).
GDS is a nationwide multi-service engineering and consulting firm specializing in the energy utilities industry.  We have a significant and growing practice in the power supply planning area representing utility and developer clients in strategic procurement, planning, market optimization, and effective management of power supply resources in markets across the U.S. This role is pivotal in guiding clients through strategic decisions and execution of procurement and/or development of generation assets, ensuring technical excellence, regulatory compliance, and financial viability.

Responsibilities:
The position will evaluate complex generation projects, ensuring regulatory compliance, and providing authoritative guidance throughout planning, construction, and operational phases. Working under limited supervision, the position requires strong senior experience in understanding complex power market and generation issues to perform the following:

• Generation Strategy & Planning: Lead feasibility studies, resource assessments, and the development of long-term generation strategies tailored to client objectives.
• Technology Selection: Evaluate and recommend appropriate generation technologies based on client needs, regulatory environment, and market trends. This includes defining performance of generation technologies in various configurations and operating environments.
• Cost Estimation & Financial Modeling: Build detailed capital and operational cost models across multiple generation platforms to support business case development and investment decisions.
• Contracting & Procurement: Support RFP development, bid evaluation, and contract negotiations for PPA, EPC, OEM, and O&M services.
• Construction & Execution Oversight: Serve as a technical advisor and Owner's Engineer during project construction, ensuring adherence to scope, schedule, and quality standards.
• Operational Support & Performance Optimization: Advise on commissioning, performance optimization, and asset management strategies.
• Decommissioning Strategy: Assist clients in planning and executing end-of-life strategies for generation assets.
• Project Management: Lead and manage projects from initiation to completion, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and meet the required scope and quality.
• Continuous Improvement: Continuously develop subject matter expertise in a particular practice or focus area by actively contributing to above listed activities and pursing activities/work in various disciplines and staying abreast of current/hot topics to broaden and build upon subject matter knowledge.

• Bachelor's degree required with a preference for mechanical engineering or similar technical engineering  and power generation industry-related field.  Master's degree preferred.
• Proficiency in thermodynamics, understanding of generation systems performance, and power generation facility operations is necessary.
• Candidates holding a valid Professional Engineering license are preferred.
• Deep technical expertise across a range of generation technologies, including Combined Cycle, Simple Cycle, Reciprocating Engines, Coal, and emerging solutions such as hydrogen and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) generation.
• Strong background in utility-scale project development, operations, and asset lifecycle management.
• Ideal candidate will have engineering design and/or construction experience on power generation projects.
• In-depth knowledge of regulatory frameworks, permitting processes, and grid interconnection requirements.
• Experience with comparative analysis of renewable resources, battery storage, Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), and energy efficiency as a resource. Experience with financial planning a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years' directly related work experience.
• Must have the ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Solid problem-solving, judgment and decision-making skills.
• Detail-oriented and strong organizational skills.
• Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Business development skills are a plus.

Preferred Locations:

• Greater Atlanta, GA Area (Marietta, GA Headquarters)
• Greater Sacramento, CA Area (Folsom, CA Office)
• Other Remote Employment Will be Considered

GDS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please note that this position is not available for visa sponsorship.
Work Authorization: Citizens or Permanent Residents of USA. Cannot provide Visa sponsorship.
Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual's particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. 
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