Principal Project Engineer

Overview

ENERCON's Energy Group is seeking a highly experienced Principal Project Engineer to lead the design and integration of power generation plants, with a focus on simple cycle and combined cycle configurations. The role involves working with large-frame gas turbines (e.g., GE, Siemens, Mitsubishi-class machines), reciprocating engines, steam turbines, HRSG, and balance-of-plant (BOP) equipment. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in mechanical systems engineering, plant layout, industrial standards, and equipment/system integration, with proven leadership in cross‑functional project teams.

This role is primarily a senior technical individual contributor position and may include responsibility for mentoring and providing day‑day technical oversight of a small number of less experienced project engineers, focusing on capability development and technical excellence.

• Kennesaw, GA
• Tampa, FL

• Project Leadership & Scope Definition: Lead multi‑discipline engineering efforts for greenfield and expansion simple‑cycle and combined‑cycle power generation projects from conceptual design through IFC deliverables. Interface with project management to define engineering scope, work breakdown structures, schedules, and risk matrix, and provide regular technical input for project controls. Support proposal development and budgeting activities.
• Engineering Deliverables & Compliance: Oversee and review key engineering deliverables, including basis‑of‑design (BOD), P&IDs, plant layouts, equipment specifications, and system interface documents, ensuring technical consistency and constructability. Ensure design compliance with industry standards, codes, and safety regulations.
• Cross‑Discipline Coordination: Coordinate with mechanical, civil, environmental, electrical, structural, and I&C engineering teams to ensure seamless integration across disciplines. Collaborate with construction partners to coordinate design/construction interfaces and schedule alignment.
• Vendor & Equipment Management: Manage vendor relationships and oversee technical evaluations of major equipment packages.
• Construction, Commissioning & Startup: Provide technical leadership during construction, commissioning, and startup phases.
• Team Development & Mentorship: Provide technical mentorship and, as appropriate, direct supervision of a small number of project engineers, focusing on technical quality, professional development, and knowledge transfer.

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline from an accredited university.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in power generation engineering, including greenfield and expansion projects.
• Minimum 3–5 years in a lead or principal engineering role.
• Experience with simple‑cycle and combined‑cycle power plants using large‑frame gas turbines, reciprocating engine, steam turbine and HRSG systems.
• Experience with FEL / FEED studies.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamic cycles, heat and mass balances, fluid systems, and BOP design.
• Experience coordinating engineering activities across mechanical, civil, electrical, structural, environmental, and I&C disciplines.
• Demonstrated ability to interface with clients, developers, OEMs, and EPC partners.
• Working knowledge of applicable industry codes and standards (e.g., ASME, API, NFPA) as applied to power generation facilities.
• Familiarity and experience with industry‑standard software tools for design, engineering data management, document control, and project management.
• Experience providing technical leadership within a project or discipline team.
• Ability to travel up to 15% of the time; duration of travel may vary depending on project and client needs.
• Previous formal people management experience is preferred; this role may include technical oversight and mentorship of less experienced project engineers, with primary emphasis on technical leadership, rather than administrative personnel management.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.
• Experience with working in EPC project environments preferred.
• Experience with permitting and regulatory compliance preferred.
• Experience with owner's engineer roles…