Project Development Engineer in Houston

Job Description Job Description

Hanwha Energy USA, headquartered in Houston, Texas, is part of the Hanwha Group—a FORTUNE Global 300 company and one of South Korea's most respected business enterprises. With over a decade of experience delivering high-quality, utility-scale energy projects across North America, Hanwha Energy USA has evolved into a comprehensive energy solutions provider. Our portfolio now spans utility-scale renewables, natural gas , retail electricity, and strategic partnerships that power America's growing data center industry.

Our expertise covers the entire energy value chain—from project development and engineering to construction, operations, and maintenance. By integrating advanced technologies, proven processes, and strong partnerships, we deliver reliable, customized solutions that meet the dynamic needs of local energy markets.

Hanwha Energy USA is actively advancing strategic initiatives in natural gas and data center development, including hyperscaler solutions on both sides of the meter. We are proud to serve as the parent company of:

• Hanwha Renewables – specializing in utility-scale solar and battery energy storage systems (BESS)
• Chariot Energy – providing retail electricity services for residential, commercial, and industrial customers in deregulated markets

The Project Development Engineer plays a central role in evaluating, planning, and advancing natural gas–fired power 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.

• 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 , 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.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or Energy Engineering.
• 3–7+ years of experience in power , natural gas turbines, EPC, or energy project development.
• Experience with combined‑cycle or simple‑cycle gas turbine projects strongly .

• Familiarity with gas turbine…