Vice President of Engineering

VP of Engineering, Power Plant Design - Relocation provided

Brightsmith is partnered with a mission-driven clean energy developer advancing next-generation power solutions across the western United States. Our client's portfolio includes the staged development of multiple power plants designed to deliver clean, reliable baseload power, with a culture built on technical excellence, environmental stewardship, and collaborative leadership.

The VP of Power Plant Design Engineering is a senior technical and strategic leader responsible for overseeing the design, development, optimization, and reliability of power-generation systems across our project portfolio. This role ensures that all surface-plant engineering, power-conversion systems, and grid-integration activities meet the highest standards of safety, performance, and commercial viability. The VP will lead multidisciplinary teams, support projects from concept through operations, and shape the long-term technology strategy for scalable power deployment.

This position plays a mission-critical role in transforming an emerging clean power technology into a scalable, bankable source of baseload energy. By owning the technical direction and performance of surface-power-generation systems, this role directly influences project economics, operational reliability, and our client's long-term growth trajectory.

• Build, develop, and supervise an Owner's Engineering team (5-10 engineers), including construction and commissioning monitors and specialized subcontractors across process, mechanical, electrical, and civil/structural disciplines
• Coordinate with internal resource and advanced technology teams to shape technology selection and vendor engagement strategies
• Oversee development of tendering packages, EPC bid evaluations, and technical clarifications
• Monitor EPC execution to ensure compliance with technical specifications, schedules, quality, and safety standards
• Interface with permitting and regulatory teams to integrate environmental and compliance requirements into engineering specifications
• Collaborate closely with peer VPs overseeing infrastructure, interconnection, resource development, and site operations to ensure cohesive surface engineering execution
• Provide clear reporting, risk identification, and technical guidance to senior leadership

• 15+ years of engineering experience in power plant development, preferably within process-intensive facilities or other power generation projects
• Industry background in one or more of the following: geothermal, biogas, CCGT (combined cycle gas turbine), waste-to-energy, or other thermal/renewable power generation
• Strong background in mechanical and electrical systems, with experience overseeing commissioning activities
• Demonstrated leadership managing multidisciplinary teams and subcontractors
• Proven ability to coordinate complex project schedules and drive timely execution
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage effectively across technical, regulatory, and executive stakeholders