Project Development Engineer

Hanwha Energy USA • Houston, TX

8h • $110,000 - $135,000

About The Position

The Project Development Engineer plays a central role in evaluating, planning, and advancing natural gas–fired power generation projects from concept through financial close. This position blends technical engineering expertise with commercial analysis, regulatory awareness, and cross‑functional coordination to bring utility‑scale power projects to life.
The employee may be required to perform other job-related duties as requested by management. All duties will be assigned in accordance with applicable laws and company policies.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or Energy Engineering.
• 3–7+ years of experience in power generation, natural gas turbines, EPC, or energy project development.
• Familiarity with gas turbine technologies (GE, Siemens, Mitsubishi, etc.).
• Understanding of thermodynamics, heat balance modeling, and plant performance analysis.
• Knowledge of environmental permitting processes and grid interconnection requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder‑management skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple development tracks simultaneously.
• Strategic mindset with attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with combined‑cycle or simple‑cycle gas turbine projects strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with engineering tools (e.g., GT Pro/GT Master, AutoCAD) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support technical development of natural gas power plant projects, including engines, simple‑cycle, combined‑cycle, and cogeneration facilities.
• Conduct feasibility studies, preliminary engineering, and technology selection (turbines, HRSGs, emissions controls, balance‑of‑plant systems).
• Develop conceptual designs, site layouts, and equipment specifications.
• Evaluate interconnection requirements and coordinate with transmission system operators.
• Support environmental permitting by providing technical inputs for air, water, and noise analyses.
• Prepare capital cost estimates, O&M cost assumptions, and performance models.
• Support financial modeling by providing heat rate, output, degradation, and availability assumptions.
• Participate in due diligence for project acquisitions or partnerships.
• Assist in preparing proposals, RFP responses, and investment memoranda.
• Coordinate with EPC contractors, OEMs, engineering consultants, and permitting agencies.
• Manage schedules, deliverables, and risk assessments during early‑stage development.
• Facilitate cross‑functional collaboration with strategy, environmental, commercial, and finance teams.
• Track project milestones and ensure alignment with corporate development strategy.
• Support preparation of permit applications (air permits, water use, land use, FERC/ISO filings).
• Monitor regulatory changes affecting natural gas generation, emissions standards, and grid interconnection.
• Engage with local authorities, community stakeholders, and utility partners as needed.
• Analyze plant performance, fuel supply options, emissions control strategies, and grid integration.
• Evaluate emerging technologies such as hydrogen‑ready turbines, carbon capture, and energy storage hybrids.
• Recommend design improvements to enhance efficiency, reliability, and environmental performance.

Benefits

• Hanwha Energy USA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level