Director, Thermal Engineering Development

Onward Energy•Charlotte, NC

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, Thermal Engineering Development, is responsible for engineering design and procurement processes for Onward Energy’s development activities. This role is critical in ensuring that projects across multiple technologies, with a primary focus on thermal, are executed efficiently, on time, and within budget. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in technical design, equipment procurement, EPC negotiation, project management and plant operations within the energy industry.

Requirements

Strong leadership and team management skills.
Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills
Ability to manage complex projects efficiently and resolve issues effectively
Proficiency in common engineering and project management software and tools
A natural self-starter who is comfortable in a lean, collaborative team
Exceptional work ethic with team first mentality

Responsibilities

Oversee the planning, design, engineering and procurement phases of all projects, ensuring they are completed on schedule, within budget, and to the specified quality standards
Lead plant engineering development activities, including: Technology review, Plant configuration design, Equipment evaluation, selection, and validation, Plant electrical, structural, mechanical, and civil engineering design, Plant costing and scheduling for development and construction, Assisting with the development of permitting and siting criteria, Negotiating owners' engineering service agreements, equipment supply and maintenance agreements and EPC agreements, Negotiating and managing independent engineering agreements, Evaluation of commercial risks associated with engineering/technical-based contracts, and Development of technical engineering documents
Expand existing company relationships focused on major equipment suppliers, EPC and engineering contractors. Negotiate contracts and ensure compliance with terms, schedules, and specifications
Identify and mitigate risks associated with design engineering, procurement, and construction processes. Ensure that all projects comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards
Work closely with internal teams and external partners to coordinate and ensure alignment across all departments, including development, environmental, safety, finance, legal, asset management, and operations, etc.
Manage development and construction budgets. Ensure that projects are delivered within approved financial parameters
Stay informed of industry trends, key regulatory changes (tariffs, permitting, etc.) and technology advancements
Embrace Onward Energy’s culture of excellence, collaboration and continuous learning