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Power Plant Performance Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kiewit

Thermal Performance Engineer, Heat Balance - Kiewit Power Engineering Location: Lenexa, KS, US ... Support execution of performance tests in the field. * Assist calculations to determine plant ...

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Sarian, Inc.

Performance Test Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

Performance Test Engineer Location: Pittsburgh, PA Onsite position Fulltime Position JD Skill: Performance Test Engineer Must Have Technical/Functional Skills: * Experience with performance testing ...

Sarian, Inc.

Performance Test Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

Performance Test Engineer Location: Pittsburgh, PA Onsite position Fulltime Position JD Skill: Performance Test Engineer Must Have Technical/Functional Skills: * Experience with performance testing ...

Frost Bank

Performance Test Engineer

San Antonio, TX · On-site

If so, being a Performance Test Engineer at Frost could be the position you're looking for. At Frost, it's about more than a job. It's about having a flourishing career where you can thrive, both in ...

Frost Bank

Performance Test Engineer

San Antonio, TX · On-site

If so, being a Performance Test Engineer at Frost could be the position you're looking for. At Frost, it's about more than a job. It's about having a flourishing career where you can thrive, both in ...

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Power Plant Performance Test Engineer information

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$10

$46

$69

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

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for power plant performance test engineer in the United States is $46.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.86 and $59.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a power plant performance test engineer?

A Power Plant Performance Test Engineer is a professional responsible for evaluating and analyzing the efficiency and output of power plants. They design and conduct tests to measure the performance of power generation equipment, such as turbines, boilers, and generators, ensuring they meet regulatory and contractual requirements. Their work involves data collection, troubleshooting, and preparing detailed reports on plant performance. This role is crucial for identifying areas of improvement, optimizing plant operations, and supporting environmental compliance.

What are some of the main challenges a power plant performance test engineer faces during a typical project?

One of the main challenges Power Plant Performance Test Engineers encounter is coordinating and executing tests under strict timeframes while ensuring compliance with industry standards and safety protocols. They often need to troubleshoot unexpected equipment behavior, analyze large data sets in real time, and communicate findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Additionally, adapting to varying plant technologies and working closely with cross-functional teams—such as operations, maintenance, and third-party contractors—requires strong organizational and interpersonal skills.

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

To thrive as a Power Plant Performance Test Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering, with knowledge of thermodynamics, instrumentation, and power plant operations, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with data acquisition systems, plant monitoring software, and standards such as ASME PTC codes is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for interpreting results and collaborating with plant staff. These skills and qualifications ensure accurate performance assessments, safety compliance, and operational efficiency in complex power generation environments.

What are popular job titles related to Power Plant Performance Test Engineer jobs?

For Power Plant Performance Test Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Power Plant Cycle Performance Engineer

Houston, TX • On-site

Converge Resources
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Converge Resourcesexternal

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Create and refine thermodynamic models for gas-turbine and combined-cycle configurations.

  • Predict plant performance under various operating conditions and analyze data to identify degradation or operating constraints.

  • Support performance validation, evaluate cycle alternatives, and develop test procedures for field testing.

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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