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Power Plant Performance Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NAES Corporation

Power Plant Engineer

Aquasco, MD

Monitor plant performance, including combustion turbines, steam turbines, and Heat Recovery Steam ... Electrical Engineering preferred. Mechanical, Power Generation, or other closely related ...

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How much do power plant performance engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for power plant performance engineer in the United States is $35.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.61 and $36.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a power plant performance engineer do?

A Power Plant Performance Engineer monitors, analyzes, and optimizes the efficiency and reliability of power generation systems. They assess plant operations, identify performance gaps, and recommend improvements to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Using data analysis and simulation tools, they evaluate equipment performance and ensure compliance with industry standards. Their role involves collaborating with maintenance and operations teams to implement best practices and maximize overall plant output.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a power plant performance engineer?

To thrive as a Power Plant Performance Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical, electrical, or chemical engineering, along with experience in plant operations and performance analysis. Familiarity with performance monitoring software, SCADA systems, and energy management tools, as well as certifications such as a Professional Engineer (PE) license, are highly valuable. Excellent problem-solving abilities, analytical thinking, and clear communication skills help you collaborate effectively with operations and maintenance teams. These skills ensure you can optimize plant efficiency, diagnose issues proactively, and support reliable power generation.

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Power Plant Performance Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Power Plant Performance Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,624 per year, or $35.9 per hour.

Power Plant Cycle Performance Engineer

Converge Resources

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Job Description Power Plant Cycle Performance Engineer Position Overview A Houston engineering and construction firm is adding a Power Plant Cycle Performance Engineer to its power practice. This position focuses on how generating facilities behave under real operating conditions-not merely how they perform at a single design point. The engineer will use thermodynamic modeling, operating data, and field-test results to improve output, heat rate, flexibility, and lifecycle value across simple-cycle and combined-cycle plants.

The role also supports new facility development, equipment selection, modernization studies, and performance validation. Core Responsibilities Create and refine thermodynamic models for gas-turbine and combined-cycle configurations. Predict plant performance across changes in ambient temperature, humidity, elevation, fuel composition, equipment condition, and operating load.

Quantify expected output, heat rate, auxiliary consumption, steam production, cooling demand, and other key performance indicators. Compare plant data with model predictions to identify degradation, losses, or operating constraints. Analyze historian, DCS, SCADA, and performance-test data using sound engineering and statistical methods.

Evaluate cycle alternatives during feasibility studies, technology selection, and front-end engineering. Assess opportunities involving turbine upgrades, HRSG modifications, inlet conditioning, condenser improvements, cooling-system changes, and balance-of-plant optimization. Examine the effect of cycling, rapid starts, part-load operation, and changing dispatch requirements on plant performance.

Support the technical evaluation of generation equipment and performance guarantees. Develop test procedures and assist with field testing under applicable ASME Performance Test Codes. Correct test results to agreed reference conditions and document whether contractual requirements have been met.

Reconcile discrepancies among supplier predictions, engineering models, and observed plant results. Present findings in a form that supports investment, design, operating, and commercial decisions. Partner with mechanical, electrical, controls, commissioning, operations, and OEM teams.

Contribute to hybrid-generation studies involving energy storage or other grid-supporting technologies. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Energy Engineering, or a closely related discipline. Seven or more years of experience in cycle analysis, plant performance, thermal engineering, or power-generation engineering.

Advanced understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, gas-turbine performance, steam cycles, and combined-cycle integration. Experience developing or applying detailed plant-performance models. Ability to interpret operating data and convert analysis into clear engineering recommendations.

Strong technical writing and communication skills. Preferred Qualifications Extensive use of GT PRO, Thermoflow, EBSILON, Aspen, or an equivalent modeling platform. Experience planning, executing, or analyzing contractual plant-performance tests.

Knowledge of digital twins, predictive analytics, optimization algorithms, or machine-learning applications for industrial assets. Familiarity with flexible generation, energy storage, or grid-support services. Professional Engineer license.

Previous work within an EPC, owner's engineering, OEM, or power-plant operating organization. Ideal Candidate Profile The ideal candidate is naturally skeptical of unexplained performance gaps, comfortable working with imperfect field data, and able to distinguish a model limitation from a genuine equipment or operating problem.

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