Power Plant Cycle Performance Engineer

CAM Integrated Solutions LLC•Houston, TX

3h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Power Plant Cycle Performance Engineer is responsible for maximizing the performance, efficiency, and operational flexibility of simple cycle and combined cycle power plants. This role applies advanced thermodynamic analysis, modeling, and data-driven optimization techniques to improve plant heat rate, reliability, emissions performance, and overall economic value.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Energy Engineering, or related field
7+ years of experience in power plant engineering, performance analysis, or cycle modeling.
Strong expertise in thermodynamics and heat transfer, gas turbine and steam cycle operation, and combined cycle integration.

Nice To Haves

Deep experience with industry modeling tools (e.g., GT PRO, Thermoflow suite).
Knowledge of advanced optimization techniques (e.g., AI/ML-based optimization, digital twins).
Experience with flexible operation and grid-supportive technologies.
Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent.

Responsibilities

Lead the analysis and optimization of thermodynamic cycles for combined cycle power plants and simple cycle gas turbine plants.
Identify opportunities to improve heat rate and efficiency, output (MW capacity), start-up times and cycling flexibility, and fuel utilization and operating costs.
Develop and implement performance improvement strategies.
Build and maintain detailed thermodynamic models using tools such as GT PRO, Thermoflow, EBSILON, Aspen, or equivalent.
Simulate plant performance under various operating scenarios (ambient conditions, load profiles, fuel types).
Conduct sensitivity analyses and optimization studies.
Analyze historical plant data, including SCADA/DCS data and performance test data.
Identify performance gaps and degradation trends.
Develop predictive models and digital optimization tools where applicable.
Provide technical guidance on design improvements and retrofit projects such as turbine upgrades and modifications, HRSG enhancements, cooling system optimization, and integration of energy storage or hybrid systems.
Support feasibility studies, FEED, and detailed engineering phases.
Lead and support performance testing activities in accordance with ASME PTC standards.
Validate model predictions against field test results.
Recommend corrective actions to address deviations.
Work closely with Mechanical, Electrical, and I&C engineering teams, plant operations and maintenance personnel, OEMs, key suppliers, and project execution partners.
Provide technical support during commissioning, outages, and troubleshooting.