Power Plant Project Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary

The Project/Engineering Manager is responsible for leading all engineering disciplines—civil, mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation & controls—across the full lifecycle of simple cycle and combined cycle power plant projects. This role provides technical leadership, ensures engineering quality, and drives execution from early conceptual design through detailed engineering, construction support, commissioning, and performance testing.

The position requires a strong understanding of how large-scale power plant projects are executed, with a focus on schedule adherence, quality, constructability, and successful project delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Multi-Discipline Engineering Leadership

• Lead and integrate all engineering functions, including: 
  • Civil/structural
  • Mechanical (turbines, HRSG, BOP systems)
  • Electrical (generation, distribution, protection systems)
  • Instrumentation & Controls (plant control systems, DCS, automation)
• Ensure alignment and coordination across disciplines to deliver a cohesive plant design.
• Establish engineering priorities and ensure consistent execution across teams.

Full Project Lifecycle Execution

• Lead engineering activities from: 
  • Conceptual design and feasibility
  • FEED (Front-End Engineering Design)
  • Detailed engineering
  • Construction support
  • Commissioning and start-up
  • Performance testing and project closeout
• Ensure smooth transitions between project phases and maintain continuity of design intent.

Technical Oversight & Design Integrity

• Provide hands-on technical oversight to ensure: 
  • Sound engineering decisions aligned with project goals
  • Integration of system design with overall plant performance requirements
  • Compliance with all applicable industry codes and standards (ASME, API, IEEE, NFPA, IEC, etc.)
• Review and approve key engineering deliverables and equipment specifications.

Project Execution, Schedule & Quality

• Own engineering scope delivery to ensure it is aligned with project schedules and milestones.
• Drive schedule discipline, identifying and mitigating risks that impact engineering or construction timelines.
• Implement and enforce strong engineering quality processes and document control.
• Monitor engineering progress and ensure deliverables meet project and contractual requirements.

 Constructability & Field-Focused Design

• Ensure designs are practical, efficient, and constructible.
• Incorporate construction sequencing, site logistics, and installation considerations into engineering decisions.
• Actively engage with construction teams to resolve field issues and optimize build efficiency.
• Support site activities, including constructability reviews, installation planning, and field troubleshooting.

Vendor & Stakeholder Management

• Interface with OEMs, EPC partners, and key suppliers.
• Oversee technical bid evaluations and vendor selection.
• Ensure vendor deliverables meet project technical, schedule, and quality expectations.
• Serve as the primary engineering point of contact with internal leadership and external stakeholders.

Commissioning & Performance Validation

• Support commissioning, start-up, and operational readiness activities.
• Ensure design intent is achieved during plant performance testing.
• Participate in troubleshooting and resolution of system deficiencies.
• Validate that plant performance meets contractual and operational targets.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, or related Engineering discipline
• 12+ years of experiencein power generation engineering, including: 
  • Combined cycle and/or simple cycle power plant projects
  • Direct involvement in at least one successful full-cycle plant delivery (design through commissioning and performance testing)
• Demonstrated experience leading multi-discipline engineering teams on complex infrastructure projects.

Required Experience & Knowledge

• Deep understanding of power plant design and execution, including: 
  • Gas turbines, steam cycles, HRSGs, and balance of plant systems
• Strong familiarity with engineering codes and standards, including but not limited to: 
  • ASME, API, ANSI
  • IEEE, NFPA
  • IEC, ISO
• Proven ability to manage: 
  • Engineering schedules and deliverables
  • Quality assurance and design control processes
• Experience working within EPC or owner’s engineering environments.

Key Competencies

• Strong technical leadership across multiple disciplines
• Deep understanding of power plant project execution and delivery
• Schedule-driven mindset with disciplined execution focus
• Commitment to engineering quality and standards compliance
• Constructability-focused thinking and practical problem solving
• Effective leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement
• Ability to bridge engineering, construction, and operations

Work Environment

• Office-based with frequent interaction with project sites.
• Regular travel to construction sites, vendor facilities, and testing locations.

Reporting Structure

Reports to: S. VP of Power Grids 
Direct Reports: Discipline Leads (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, I&C) and Project Engineers

Career Impact

This position offers a unique opportunity to help shape a newly created power generation business within a well-established engineering firm. This role will be instrumental in influencing overall business direction and establishing growth strategies. It will provide the successful candidate with the opportunity to define critical workflows, procedures, and engineering guidelines for the new power generation engineering group while also providing the candidate a strong platform for career growth into a Director level leadership position.