Performance & Testing Engineer

The Performance Testing Engineer is responsible for the preparation, planning, and execution of thermal performance, emissions, noise and other functional tests applicable to large frame gas turbines, heat recovery steam generators, steam turbines and other power plant equipment. This role supports continuous improvement by updating tools and processes while mitigating execution performance risks through quality feedback.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Be familiar with applicable ASME Performance Test Codes.
• Be familiar with, maintain and improve applicable company standard operating procedures, work instructions and guidelines.
• Create and maintain standard performance testing methods and procedures, including tools to analyze data, calculate test results, diagnose testing issues and develop corrective actions or recommendations.
• During project proposal and contracting phase:
• Review customer’s specifications and provide exceptions and clarifications, if any.
• Establish the costs required to conduct the testing, including direct labor cost.
• Identify the risks and mitigations associated with the testing, if any.
• During project execution phase, ensure that the equipment performance testing is prepared and conducted safely, in accordance with the contractual requirements at minimum cost and labor hours.
• Review contract requirements regarding performance, emissions and functional testing and develop an execution plan that aligns with the overall project execution schedule and that is in accordance with company standard operating procedure and with applicable performance test codes.
• Coordinate with the performance estimating team the timely creation of performance correction curves.
• Lead the bidding and contracting of third parties that need to be engaged in site testing services, including test equipment suppliers.
• Track cost and labor hour expenditure associated with the performance testing. Report costs and labor hours accrued in comparison with the original budgets and with forecasts to completion.
• Travel to project sites to
• supervise and lead all activities necessary for evaluating equipment performance and emissions, as well as for conducting performance and emissions testing.
• assist the equipment tuning teams to optimize equipment performance and emissions, by comparing the measured/estimated equipment performance at the guarantee basis condition with the performance guarantees.
• communicate with the commissioning teams and customer regarding testing activities, schedules, and technical issues while ensuring confidentiality in all programs, fiscal, and administrative matters as directed/needed.
• Prepare and submit thorough technical test reports for internal and external distribution.
• Obtain all approvals required by the contract and by internal operating procedures.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare performance engineering calculations and documents for proposals and projects, in accordance with all applicable guidelines, standard operating procedures, work instructions, and best practices.
• Maintain a safe working environment, follow set safety and quality processes and procedures, and engage in continuous improvement to the safety and quality culture by escalating concerns and contributing to improvements.
• Perform other such duties as may be required.
• Assist and work with the manager, team leaders, and peers on daily work assignments to achieve required results.
• Develop technical documentation and correspondences as requested to explain technical issues and produce detailed, concise, analytical reports.
• Proactively improve tools of the Performance Engineering team.
• Adhere to Customer/Client safety policies and submit to physical, drug, and wellness screenings as required to participate in site activities.
• Review the work performed by peers.
• Protect confidential information by not communicating, disclosing to, or using for benefit of 3rd parties.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and/or Experience: Bachelor of Science degree (BS) in Mechanical, Fluids or Thermal Engineering from four-year college or university, and at least four (4) years of applicable experience with gas turbine-based power plant performance testing (or at least four (4) years of equivalent work experience with non-gas turbine-based power plants) as a lead test engineer or lead technician or adjacent related performance engineering experience ;  or Associate of Science (AAS) degree or equivalent accredited degree and at least six (6) years of applicable experience with gas turbine-based power plant performance testing (or at least eight (8) years of equivalent work experience with non-gas turbine-based power plants) as a lead test engineer or lead technician.

Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations in English language. Ability to write, in English language, reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public. Japanese, Spanish and Portuguese language skills are not mandatory, but beneficial.

Scientific Skills: Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, fundamentals of plane and solid geometry, thermodynamics, fluids dynamics and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Computer Skills:  Proficient in MS Office applications (Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, etc.). 

TRAVEL AND OVERTIME REQUIREMENTS

• Frequent travel (~60%) to project sites within North and South America is required.
• A valid driver’s license and passport is required. Passport must allow for travel to the following countries on short notice, at a minimum:
• USA
• Canada
• Mexico
• Brazil
• Time spent at project sites varies between a few days to several weeks, as required to complete associated tasks.
• Candidate may be required to work extended hours, weekends, and holidays, if necessary to meet performance and emissions testing schedule requirements.
• Flexibility to workday and/or night shifts when at site is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Regularly required to stand and walk. Frequently lift and move up to 25 pounds. Occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.

Hearing protection may be recommended and/or required in some areas.