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Power Plant Project Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Plant Project Engineer in the Large Power Systems Division at Caterpillar, located in Lafayette, IN, you will have an opportunity to provide the technical expertise, leadership and guidance to ...

... Engineer supports the safe, reliable, efficient, and compliant operation of La Paloma Power ... Support capital improvement projects, plant modifications, and Management of Change (MOC ...

Power Plant Engineer

Mckittrick, CA · On-site

$140K - $165K/hr

... Engineer supports the safe, reliable, efficient, and compliant operation of La Paloma Power ... Support capital improvement projects, plant modifications, and Management of Change (MOC ...

... Engineer supports the safe, reliable, efficient, and compliant operation of La Paloma Power ... Support capital improvement projects, plant modifications, and Management of Change (MOC ...

The Plant Project Engineer will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing engineering projects within a heavy industrial facility. This role ensures projects are delivered safely, on ...

... Plant Engineering - Plant Business Office (PBO) and is responsible for driving strategic planning, capital governance, and execution of plant projects. The position leads crossfunctional teams in a ...

... Plant Engineering - Plant Business Office (PBO) and is responsible for driving strategic planning, capital governance, and execution of plant projects. The position leads crossfunctional teams in a ...

Projects & Continuous Improvement * Lead reliability studies, engineering evaluations, and capital ... Power plant environment that may involve entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas ...

Projects & Continuous Improvement * Lead reliability studies, engineering evaluations, and capital ... Power plant environment that may involve entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas ...

Power Plant Engineer

Aquasco, MD · On-site

$145K - $175K/hr

Projects & Continuous Improvement * Lead reliability studies, engineering evaluations, and capital ... Power plant environment that may involve entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas ...

Showing results 21-40

Power Plant Project Engineer information

See salary details

$55K

$92.9K

$138.5K

How much do power plant project engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for power plant project engineer in the United States is $92,912.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,500.00 and $101,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a power plant project engineer do?

A Power Plant Project Engineer is responsible for managing and coordinating the design, construction, and commissioning of power plant projects. They ensure that all technical aspects of the project meet industry standards, safety regulations, and client requirements. Their duties often include project planning, budgeting, scheduling, overseeing contractors, and troubleshooting engineering issues. They serve as a bridge between various stakeholders, including engineers, contractors, and clients, to ensure the successful completion of power plant projects.

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

To excel as a Power Plant Project Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering, project management experience, and a relevant engineering degree, often supported by a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with project management software (such as MS Project or Primavera), AutoCAD, and power plant design standards is typically required. Strong problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills are crucial for coordinating teams and managing complex projects. These skills ensure that power plant projects are completed safely, efficiently, and on schedule, meeting regulatory and operational requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by power plant project engineers during the construction phase, and how can they be effectively managed?

Power Plant Project Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating multiple contractors, adhering to strict safety and environmental regulations, and managing timeline or budget constraints. Effective management involves clear communication between stakeholders, proactive risk assessment, and detailed planning to anticipate potential delays. Additionally, leveraging project management software and regular progress meetings helps ensure that the project stays on track and any issues are promptly addressed. Building strong relationships with on-site teams and regulatory bodies is also key to resolving challenges quickly.

What is the difference between Power Plant Project Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectPower Plant Project EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, often with project management certificationsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentPower plants, construction sites, project officesManufacturing, design firms, maintenance facilities
Industry UsagePower generation, energy sectorManufacturing, automotive, aerospace
Common Search/ComparisonYesNo

The Power Plant Project Engineer focuses on managing and overseeing power plant construction and operations, requiring project management skills and industry-specific knowledge. Mechanical Engineers design, analyze, and maintain mechanical systems across various industries. While both roles require engineering credentials, the Power Plant Project Engineer specializes in project execution within the energy sector, whereas Mechanical Engineers have broader applications in manufacturing and design.

How much do power plant project engineers make in the US?

Power plant project engineers in the US typically earn between $70,000 and $110,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and project complexity. Salaries can increase with certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) and experience in project management or specialized technical skills.
More about Power Plant Project Engineer jobs

What states have the most Power Plant Project Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Power Plant Project Engineer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Power Plant Project Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,912 per year, or $44.7 per hour.

Plant Project Engineer

Caterpillar

Lafayette, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Caterpillar Inc. rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 484 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

272nd of 494 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Career Area:
Manufacturing
Job Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do - but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here - we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
Job Posting Dates: 8/12/26 - 8/26/26
Your Impact Shapes the World at Caterpillar:
Whether it be groundbreaking products, best in class solutions or creating a lifelong career, you can do the work that matters at Caterpillar. With a 95-year legacy of quality and innovation and 150 locations in countries around the world, your impact spans the globe.
Wherever your passion lies-chemical, electrical, material, mechanical, metallurgical and more-you'll find a home here. Engineers work in virtually every area of our company.
As a Plant Project Engineer in the Large Power Systems Division at Caterpillar, located in Lafayette, IN, you will have an opportunity to provide the technical expertise, leadership and guidance to ensure the economical design, construction, installation and maintenance of assigned service systems, facilities and equipment, and other large-scope projects associated with Plant Engineering responsibilities.
What you will do:
  • Managing Construction projects for Machine Tool Installations
  • Familiarity with reinforced Concrete design
  • Maintaining standards and specifications, recommending changes to resolve design and construction problems, and writing periodic reports on the progress of the project.
  • Providing leadership to other facilities engineers and directing efforts of contract engineering firms.
  • Providing design information, reviewing and approving proposals and serving as the primary company contact.
  • Estimating costs for equipment, materials and installation as a basis for determining the feasibility of alternatives and return on investment.
  • Approving drawings, specifying equipment and writing purchase requisitions.
  • Supervising work of outside contractors.
  • Acting as a troubleshooter and investigating and determining causes for failure, lack of efficiency and need for repairing or improving systems or equipment.
  • Resolving problems in designing the most economical, efficient systems, deciding what or which equipment should be purchased, making recommendations and keeping up-to-date on technical advances in the design field.
  • Design of lifting devices
  • Technical support for engine handling systems, cranes, structures and manufacturing equipment.
  • Creating technical specifications and functions requirements for facilities related projects.

Basic Qualifications:
  • ABET accredited Engineering or Engineering Technology degree and 3 years of experience as a Facility Engineer/Plant Engineering Supervisor
  • CAD proficiency

Skills you must have:
  • Project Management: Working knowledge of effective project management strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control projects, ensuring efficient utilization of technical and administrative resources to achieve project objectives
  • Plant Facilities Management: Extensive knowledge of safety measures for physical facilities; ability to maintain, care for and develop commercial and physical facilities.
  • Service Excellence: Working knowledge of customer service concepts and techniques; ability to meet or exceed customer needs and expectations and provide excellent service in a direct or indirect manner.
  • Problem Solving: Extensive understanding of approaches, tools, techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organizational, operational or process problems; ability to apply knowledge of problem solving appropriately to diverse situations.
  • Collaborating: Working knowledge of collaborative techniques; ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and collaborative manner.
  • Troubleshooting Technical Problems: Extensive knowledge of troubleshooting approaches, tools and techniques; ability to anticipate, detect and resolve technical problems in a manufacturing environment.

Top candidates will also have:
  • Masters degree in Engineering or Engineering Technology
  • Creo or other 3D Modeling Software and FEA (Finite Element Analysis) software
  • Experience troubleshooting and modifying service systems such as electrical power components for sub-stations, lighting systems, heat treat equipment, machine tool electrical equipment, material handling systems, filtration systems, paint systems, utilities for water, gas, steam, air, heating, ventilation, etc.
  • Understanding of shop operations and maintenance procedures as well as previous experience in a particular discipline.
  • Familiar with company policies and procedures with a strong department background.
  • Able to build strong relationships with various stakeholders.
  • Ability to communicate and have basic knowledge of functions performed by the skilled-trades personnel.

Additional information:
  • Location of this position is in Lafayette, IN.
  • Relocation assistance is available for this position.
  • This position will require less than 5% travel.
  • Sponsorship is NOT approved for this position.
  • This position will close on 8/26/26

Final details:
Please frequently check the email associated with your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method. If you wish to know the status of your application - please use the candidate log-in on our career website as it will reflect any updates to your status.
This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants for this position that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as H, L, TN, F, J, E, O. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S. which can be found through our employment website at www.caterpillar.com/careers .
Summary Pay Range:
$112,710.00 - $169,060.00
Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
Benefits:
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
  • Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
  • 401(k) savings plans*
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)*
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
  • Health Lifestyle Programs*
  • Employee Assistance Program*
  • Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
  • Career Development*
  • Incentive bonus*
  • Disability benefits
  • Life Insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Adoption benefits
  • Tuition Reimbursement

* These benefits also apply to part-time employees
This position requires working onsite five days a week.
Relocation is available for this position.
Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Posting Dates:
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

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