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Power Generation Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

This role combines power engineering expertise with software skills to support ETAP software testing, customer support, training, engineering services, and the development of next-generation ...

This role combines power engineering expertise with software skills to support ETAP software testing, customer support, training, engineering services, and the development of next-generation ...

Power Electronics Engineer

San Bruno, CA · On-site

$133K - $158K/yr

In other words, power generation must be decoupled from power consumption. Chariot Defense ... Top-notch engineering intuition and first principles thinking toward designing complex products ...

Engineering Performance & Reliability * Track forced outages, derates, and loss of generation ... Power plant environment that may involve entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas ...

Power Plant Engineer

Mckittrick, CA · On-site

$140K - $165K/hr

Engineering Performance & Reliability * Track forced outages, derates, and loss of generation ... Power plant environment that may involve entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas ...

Power Product Manager

Cypress, CA · Hybrid

$90K - $115K/yr

Experience with diesel-powered generators, power generation equipment, or related industrial products is preferred but not required. You will work closely with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain ...

Showing results 21-40

Power Generation Engineering information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a power generation engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Power Generation Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's degree and practical experience in power systems. Familiarity with industry-standard software (such as AutoCAD, MATLAB, and SCADA systems), as well as certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure, is often required. Strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication skills set candidates apart in this field. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and reliable generation and delivery of power, supporting critical infrastructure and energy needs.

What are some common challenges faced by power generation engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Power generation engineers often face challenges such as maintaining system reliability, adapting to evolving environmental regulations, and integrating renewable energy sources with traditional power systems. Staying updated with technological advancements and participating in ongoing training can help address these issues. Additionally, effective teamwork with operations, maintenance, and environmental teams is crucial for resolving operational problems and ensuring compliance.

What is power generation engineering?

Power generation engineering is a branch of engineering focused on the design, operation, and maintenance of systems and equipment that produce electricity. Professionals in this field work with various energy sources, including fossil fuels, nuclear, hydroelectric, solar, and wind power, to ensure reliable and efficient electricity generation. They are involved in tasks such as plant design, performance analysis, troubleshooting, and implementing new technologies to improve energy efficiency and sustainability. Power generation engineers play a critical role in meeting the world’s energy needs while addressing environmental and regulatory challenges.

What is the difference between Power Generation Engineering vs Power Plant Operations?

AspectPower Generation EngineeringPower Plant Operations
Primary FocusDesign, development, and optimization of power generation systemsDay-to-day running and maintenance of power plants
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Power Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) often preferredTechnical training, certifications in plant operation, and hands-on experience
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, engineering offices, project sitesPower plants, control rooms, maintenance facilities
Industry UsageDesigning new plants, improving existing systemsOperating and maintaining existing power plants

Power Generation Engineering focuses on designing and improving power systems, while Power Plant Operations involves managing the daily functions of power plants. Both roles are essential in the energy sector but differ in responsibilities and work environments.

What cities in California are hiring for Power Generation Engineering jobs? Cities in California with the most Power Generation Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Power Generation Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Senior Mechanical Engineer (Power Generation / Gas-to-Power)

Candid Intelligence

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$100K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

What We're Building
Candid is building the AI layer for EPCs.
We use AI to reduce the manual effort behind preconstruction engineering by automating document understanding, consistency checks, and repetitive workflow steps across major disciplines. Our goal is to make preconstruction 10x faster without sacrificing engineering quality.
We recently raised $6.5M from top AI and industrial investors (including Schneider Electric and Meta's Chief AI Scientist). Our team includes engineers from MIT, Carnegie Mellon, major LNG and power projects, and leading EPCs.
This Role
We're hiring a senior mechanical engineer who has actually delivered power generation and gas-to-power projects at a top EPC, PMC, owner-operator, or equipment OEM. Think combined cycle, simple cycle and peakers, gas-to-power for data centers and behind-the-meter campuses, LNG, and cogeneration, with the rotating equipment and balance of plant that goes with them. If your career has been refining or petrochem static equipment with no power work, this isn't the right fit.
This is a hands-on role. You'll do real mechanical engineering on our delivery work for the parts our software can't handle yet, you'll be the quality check on what the software does produce, and you'll shape where the product goes next. Three jobs in one, and the mix shifts as the product gets better.
What You'll Do
This is hands-on engineering plus product. Day to day you'll:
  • Do real mechanical engineering on our FEL-2 and early-phase delivery work, owning the parts our software can't handle yet so projects ship
  • Be the quality gate on Candid's automated mechanical outputs: catch what's wrong before it reaches a client, and feed it back so the product gets sharper
  • Define how equipment scope gets developed and validated through FEED on power and gas-to-power projects, and what "good" looks like
  • Review and validate mechanical content across equipment datasheets, vendor packages, and discipline handoffs
  • Build repeatable checks that catch scope gaps and inconsistencies early
  • Map where mechanical rework happens, why it happens, and what inputs drive it
  • Clarify interface points with Process, Piping, I&C, and Electrical
  • Separate the steps that are genuinely repetitive from the ones that need real engineering judgment

You'll help define the checks, workflows, and product requirements that let software take on the repetitive parts, with engineers in control.
What We're Looking For
  • 7+ years at a large scale EPC, PMC, owner-operator, or OEM, with most of it on power generation or gas-to-power
  • Direct experience on combined cycle, simple cycle, gas-to-power, LNG, or cogeneration projects (not refining or petrochem only)
  • You've personally owned mechanical equipment datasheet development and vendor package review through FEED
  • Strong on rotating and power-plant equipment: gas turbines, steam turbines, HRSGs, pumps, compressors, fans, and balance of plant mechanical (cooling systems, fuel gas conditioning, water treatment)
  • Hands-on with equipment specification to API and ASME (API 610, 611, 612, 617; ASME VIII; B31.1 power piping)
  • Experience coordinating OEM turbine and major equipment packages (GE Vernova, Siemens Energy, Mitsubishi Power, or similar)
  • You spot inconsistencies across datasheets, P&IDs, and vendor packages fast
  • Clear understanding of cross-discipline dependencies
  • You've felt boxed in by big-company process and you want out
  • Comfortable with ambiguity and wearing multiple hats; bias to action over waiting for perfect

Nice to Have
  • Discipline lead or technical authority experience
  • Work on data center or behind-the-meter power campuses
  • Taking equipment from FEED into procurement and detailed engineering
  • Packaged or modular systems and skid integration
  • Real interest in AI and automation

Who Thrives Here
You've outgrown the big-firm machine. You're tired of waiting three weeks for a markup to clear four layers of review, and tired of watching good work die in a stage gate. You want to own your scope end to end, see what you build actually ship, and have a direct line to the founders and the product instead of a 12-person approval chain.
At Candid you'll wear several hats and there's no playbook handing you a defined lane. If that sounds like freedom, you'll love it here. If it sounds like chaos, you won't, and that's okay.
Perks
  • Meaningful base + equity
  • Unlimited PTO. Great work needs recharging.
  • Health insurance covering medical, dental, and vision
  • Up to $150/mo health and wellness reimbursement (gym, fitness classes, and similar)