Lead Mechanical Engineer

Lead Power Generation Engineer Position Overview

Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) is one of the largest publicly owned electric utilities in the United States, serving more than 855,000 people across 13 counties in southeast Nebraska. With a mission to provide affordable, reliable, and environmentally sensitive energy services, OPPD is committed to operational excellence, innovation, and long‑term system resilience.

As a Lead Power Generation Engineer, you will serve as both a senior technical expert and a team leader within OPPD’s Power Generation Engineering organization. You'll own the health, performance, and reliability of critical plant systems, guide engineering strategy, and support the development of engineering talent. You'll also act as a key liaison for Integrated Work Management processes, ensuring safe, efficient, and high‑quality execution of both online and outage‑related work.

You will have the opportunity to work on some, or all, of the following equipment: steam turbines, condensers, boilers, heat exchangers, pumps, fans, blowers, valves, material‑handling systems, grinding equipment, water treatment systems, and emissions control equipment at coal‑fired stations, or combustion turbines, reciprocating engines, natural gas and fuel oil systems, air compressors, water plant systems, and emissions controls at peaking plants.

• Lead expert‑level system health monitoring, identifying reliability risks and developing corrective action plans that directly improve plant performance and operational stability.
• Conduct advanced diagnostics and root‑cause analysis to resolve complex plant issues, often leading cross‑functional troubleshooting teams.
• Drive equipment lifecycle strategies, upgrades, and modifications that enhance reliability, flexibility, and long‑term asset value.
• Support the Manager of Power Generation Engineering by coordinating work assignments, mentoring team members, and ensuring high‑quality engineering output.
• Represent OPPD as a technical authority in industry groups, incorporating best practices and emerging technologies into plant operations.
• Develop and refine engineering processes, including system health monitoring and reliability‑centered maintenance programs.
• Provide technical leadership during outages, ensuring safe, timely, and effective execution of critical work.
• Maintain deep subject matter expertise in assigned systems: mechanical, electrical, or multi‑disciplinary, ensuring compliance with codes, regulations, and internal standards.

• BS degree in Engineering – preference given to those with Mechanical Engineering degrees.
• Professional Engineer, or ability to obtain a Nebraska PE license within 6 months.
• Minimum five years of professional engineering experience in power generation or equivalent technical roles.
• Broad technical perspective across multiple engineering disciplines and strong industry knowledge.
• Demonstrated ability to blend technical and business considerations in decision‑making.
• Proven leadership capability – motivating, coaching, and developing technical professionals while fostering diverse ideas and constructive conflict resolution.
• Strong communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Effective analytical and problem‑solving abilities, with proactive mindset and sound judgment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with shifting priorities while maintaining high‑quality results.
• Professional, respectful interaction with internal and external stakeholders.
• Valid driver’s license.

• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and apply project management principles to complex assignments.
• Expertise in system health monitoring, equipment diagnostics, and reliability‑centered maintenance practices.
• Deep understanding of assigned equipment and systems (e.g., turbines, boilers, generators, switch gear, emissions controls, control systems).

• Two or more years of supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Advanced degree (MBA or MS).
• Familiarity with alternative energy technologies.
• Experience with robust reliability‑centered…