Principal Engineer - Gas Turbines
About The Position
Join a world-class team of energy professionals as a Principal Controls Engineer, focusing on the strategic oversight and commissioning of gas turbine power plants. We are seeking a highly experienced engineering leader and subject matter expert in power plant control systems and automation technology. As a technology-driven company, we are looking for visionaries who want to set the technical standard and lead the successful deployment of critical, large-scale power generation assets. The Principal Controls Engineer will serve as the premier technical authority within the project execution team, responsible for defining the overarching controls strategy and commissioning lifecycle for a fleet of gas turbine power plants. This leadership role involves designing comprehensive, standardized commissioning plans, overseeing their execution on-site, and driving technical excellence across multiple concurrent projects. The ideal candidate will possess unparalleled expertise in power plant controls, a strategic approach to complex problem-solving, and a proven history of leading successful commissioning efforts for major energy infrastructure.
Requirements
- Mastery-level expertise in the overarching architecture, control systems, and operation of gas turbine power plants.
- Extensive, hands-on architectural experience with turbine control platforms such as GE Mark VIe, Siemens T3000, or similar complex systems.
- Advanced proficiency in programming, architecting, and troubleshooting PLCs and Distributed Control Systems (DCS).
- Deep knowledge of industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, DNP3, OPC) and their integration into enterprise-level SCADA networks.
- Proven ability to design fleet-wide commissioning plans, test procedures, and standardization protocols.
- Exceptional analytical and strategic problem-solving abilities, capable of resolving critical, high-pressure systemic issues.
- Advanced knowledge of power plant networking, OT cybersecurity, and firewall configurations.
- Expertise in reviewing, approving, and optimizing electrical and communication plan-sets.
- Bachelor’s - Engineering
- 7+ years of progressive experience in the programming, design, and commissioning of control systems in power plants, with extensive specific experience in gas turbines.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, or Controls preferred); Master's degree or Professional Engineer (PE) license is highly desirable.
- 8–10+ years of progressive experience in the programming, design, and commissioning of control systems in power plants, with extensive specific experience in gas turbines.
- Demonstrated history of serving in a lead or principal role for multi-million dollar commissioning activities.
- Exceptional organizational, communication, and executive-presentation skills.
- Proven track record of cross-functional team leadership and staff mentoring.
Responsibilities
- Develop, standardize, and oversee the comprehensive commissioning and testing strategy for gas turbine control systems across multiple projects and fleet assets.
- Act as the ultimate technical escalation point and subject matter expert for gas turbine control systems (e.g., GE Mark VIe, Siemens T3000) and balance-of-plant integrations.
- Direct and oversee on-site controls commissioning activities, ensuring rigorous adherence to functional tests, loop checks, and performance validation standards.
- Lead cross-functional collaboration with EPC contractors, equipment vendors, and internal stakeholders to drive seamless system integration and resolve high-level architectural conflicts.
- Mentor, guide, and provide technical leadership to Senior Controls Engineers and other project team members.
- Spearhead the troubleshooting of the most complex, systemic control system issues during the commissioning, startup, and operational transition phases.
- Establish and enforce rigorous documentation standards for all testing procedures, results, and commissioning progress.
- Evaluate new control technologies and methodologies, ensuring all systems and commissioning activities exceed industry standards, safety regulations, and cybersecurity protocols.
- Demonstrates a high degree of creativity, foresight, and mature judgment in planning, organizing, and guiding extensive engineering programs and activities
- Manages one or more programs of complex diversity and scope which are of critical importance to overall company objectives
- Acts as a subject matter expert
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned
Benefits
- Relocation Provided: Yes, if applicable
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
