Head of Engineering

Hanwha Ocean Co., Ltd•Houston, TX

About The Position

Hanwha Ocean is undergoing a transformative journey, evolving from a traditional shipbuilder into a comprehensive Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Installation, and Operation (EPCI(O)) solutions provider. Our portfolio now spans FPSO, FLNG, offshore renewables, floating production units, as well as major developments across onshore energy and infrastructure sectors. This strategic expansion strengthens our ability to deliver exceptional project execution by seamlessly integrating the energy and infrastructure cultures of Asia and America across a diverse set of emerging markets and verticals. By expanding into onshore power plants, including gas-based and combined-cycle facilities, as well as onshore and offshore wind projects, in addition to our established offshore capabilities, we further broaden our commitment to providing world-class, end-to-end energy solutions. Explore opportunities to be part of our dynamic team at the Energy Plant Unit and contribute to groundbreaking projects that redefine the onshore and offshore industry. Position Overview: We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Head of Engineering to lead and coordinate multidisciplinary engineering efforts for large-scale power plant projects, including Simple Cycle Gas Turbines, Combined Cycle, Cogeneration systems, and onshore and offshore wind. This role will encompass everything from early development and conceptual design through basic engineering, supporting full EPC execution.The ideal candidate will have a solid technical foundation in thermal power generation systems and renewable energy technologies, with proven experience in feasibility studies, permitting support, and early-stage project development. You will be responsible for managing and guiding engineering teams across civil, mechanical, electrical, and process disciplines, ensuring high-quality, on-time delivery of complex power plant projects.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, or related discipline required); Master’s degree preferred.
15+ years of engineering experience in power generation, including at least 5 years in a leadership or management role, overseeing multidisciplinary engineering teams for large-scale projects.
Direct experience with gas turbine-based power plants, including SCGT, CCGT, cogeneration, and onshore/offshore wind technologies.
Deep understanding of development-phase engineering, including permitting, technology evaluation, and feasibility studies, with a proven ability to drive early-stage project success.
Expertise in basic design of power plant systems and infrastructure, including familiarity with major engineering software tools (e.g., CAESAR II for pipe stress, AutoPIPE, AutoCAD, HYSYS, or equivalent).
Familiarity with industry codes and standards, including ASME, NFPA, API, IEC, and other relevant regulations for both thermal and renewable energy projects.
Clear and confident communication, including technical reporting.
Proactive problem-solving and decision-making in complex environments.
Detail-oriented while maintaining a system-level perspective.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience partnering with international project teams is highly desired.

Responsibilities

Build and train engineering capabilities in the Houston office using a combination of expats and domestic resources.
Lead and oversee conceptual engineering and feasibility studies for new power plant projects, as well as repowering and conversion opportunities across gas turbines (aeroderivative and large frame), combined cycle, cogeneration, and onshore/offshore wind technologies.
Develop detailed cost estimates, implementation plans, and resource assessments aligned with project goals and business strategies, ensuring strategic execution from the outset.
Evaluate and recommend technology integration options for advanced gas turbines and balance-of-plant equipment, optimizing system performance and cost efficiency.
Provide support for licensing and permitting processes, including the preparation of technical documentation and collaboration with environmental and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance.
Analyze and design heat rejection systems (circulating water, condensers, cooling towers) for optimal configuration based on cost, performance, and space constraints.
Conduct constructability assessments to identify opportunities to minimize capital expenditures and lifecycle O&M costs through innovative engineering solutions.
Manage and review the design of site infrastructure, including grading, drainage, access roads, and underground utilities, ensuring alignment with project timelines and operational requirements.
Oversee the architectural and structural design of power plant buildings, ensuring compliance with life safety codes and operational requirements, and industry-specific standards.
Lead engineering efforts for plant HVAC systems, ensuring ventilation and air conditioning design for control rooms, electrical buildings, turbine halls, and other critical areas.
Direct the design and implementation of water and wastewater treatment systems, including raw water intake, process water, and effluent handling, for thermal and renewable energy systems.
Supervise and review pipe stress analysis, particularly for high-temperature and high-pressure piping systems to ensure operational efficiency and safety.
Conduct and manage fire protection system design, ensuring full life safety and code compliance across the project.
Lead or review water hammer analysis, particularly for heat rejection systems, ensuring efficient system design.
Develop and review technical specifications for major equipment (turbines, boilers, HRSGs, pumps, valves, etc.), and support technical bid evaluations and supplier selection for critical project components.
Lead and coordinate internal and external engineering teams through the development and basic engineering phases of multiple concurrent power plant projects.
Interface with project managers, procurement teams, permitting teams, and construction leads to ensure engineering deliverables are integrated and aligned with overall project execution plans.
Establish engineering processes, tools, and quality standards to ensure timely and accurate delivery of engineering documentation, meeting project deadlines and performance targets.
Serve as the primary technical authority for engineering development, ensuring design compliance with all applicable codes, standards, and best practices across thermal and renewable energy projects.