Thermal Performance Engineer

Black & Veatch Family of Companies
Full_timeβ€’United States

πŸ“ Job Overview

  • Job Title: Thermal Performance Engineer
  • Company: Black & Veatch Corporation
  • Location: United States
  • Job Type: Staff
  • Category: Engineering
  • Date Posted: 2025-07-28
  • Experience Level: 10+ years
  • Remote Status: Hybrid

πŸš€ Role Summary

  • Advise power project owners and developers on thermal and renewable energy projects
  • Conduct owner's engineer design reviews of mechanical systems for power projects
  • Participate in feasibility studies and development support for new power projects
  • Execute performance testing and monitor project schedules and budgets
  • Interface with clients to understand requests and confirm successful project execution

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in thermal power generation and mechanical systems design, with a focus on advising power project owners and developers. The role also involves significant client interaction and project management responsibilities.

πŸ’» Primary Responsibilities

  • Project Advisement: Advise power project owners and developers on thermal and renewable energy projects, providing technical support and guidance throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Design Reviews: Conduct owner's engineer design reviews of mechanical systems for power projects, ensuring compliance with design codes and standards.
  • Feasibility Studies: Participate in feasibility studies and development support for new power projects, including biofuels and hydrogen projects.
  • Performance Testing: Execute performance testing of new and existing thermal and renewable energy plants, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.
  • Project Management: Monitor project schedules and budgets, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
  • Client Interaction: Interface with clients to understand their needs and confirm successful project execution, maintaining strong client relationships.
  • Condition Assessments: Participate in condition assessments of existing power plants, identifying areas for improvement and recommending maintenance and upgrade plans.
  • Carbon Capture Studies: Provide technical support for carbon capture studies, helping power plants reduce their environmental impact.
  • Proposal Support: Support proposals for new business development opportunities, leveraging technical expertise to win new projects.
  • Maintenance Planning: Consult on maintenance planning of thermal and renewable power plants, ensuring optimal plant performance and reliability.
  • Construction Monitoring: Monitor construction, commissioning, maintenance, and repair of thermal and renewable energy plants and components as an owner's engineer.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role requires a broad range of technical skills, including mechanical systems design, project management, and client interaction. The role also involves working on multiple projects simultaneously, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to manage priorities effectively.

πŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering from a recognized accredited program, with a focus on mechanical or electrical engineering preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 8 years of related work experience, with 10 or more years preferred. Experience in thermal power generation, owner's engineering, and performance testing is required.

Required Skills:

  • Strong technical background in thermal power generation and mechanical systems design
  • Experience in owner's engineering design reviews of electric power projects
  • Experience with performance testing of thermal energy plants
  • Detailed understanding of power station operation and maintenance
  • Excellent technical communication and writing skills
  • Familiarity with design codes and standards

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience in carbon capture studies
  • Experience with biofuels and hydrogen projects
  • Experience with condition assessments of existing power plants
  • Experience with proposal support and business development
  • Experience with maintenance planning and construction monitoring

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Candidates with experience in carbon capture studies, biofuels and hydrogen projects, and condition assessments of existing power plants will have a competitive advantage. Additionally, experience with proposal support, business development, and maintenance planning will be valuable in this role.

πŸ“Š Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Detailed project case studies demonstrating experience in thermal power generation, owner's engineering, and performance testing
  • Technical reports and studies showcasing strong technical communication and writing skills
  • Project proposals and business development materials highlighting experience in winning new projects
  • Maintenance plans and construction monitoring reports demonstrating experience in plant operation and maintenance

Technical Documentation:

  • Detailed technical specifications and design calculations for mechanical systems
  • Performance testing reports and data analysis demonstrating strong technical proficiency
  • Project management plans and schedules demonstrating experience in project management and client interaction

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Candidates should focus on demonstrating their technical expertise in thermal power generation and mechanical systems design, as well as their experience in project management and client interaction. Additionally, candidates should highlight their experience in carbon capture studies, biofuels and hydrogen projects, and condition assessments of existing power plants.

πŸ’΅ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications. This estimate is based on market research for engineering roles in the United States with a similar level of experience and responsibility.

Benefits:

  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • Wellness Program
  • Flexible Work Schedules
  • Paid Vacation and Holiday Time
  • Sick Time and Dependent Sick Time
  • 401K Plan
  • Adoption Reimbursement
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Vendor Discounts
  • Employment Referral Program
  • AD&D Insurance
  • Pre-Taxed Accounts
  • Voluntary Legal Plan
  • Performance-Based Bonus Program
  • Stock Ownership

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexible work arrangements available after the first 90 days of employment.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research for engineering roles in the United States with a similar level of experience and responsibility. The benefits package is comprehensive and includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a 401K plan and performance-based bonus program. Additionally, the company offers flexible work arrangements after the first 90 days of employment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏒 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for the power generation and energy infrastructure sectors.

Company Size: Medium to large-sized company with over 10,000 employees worldwide.

Founded: 1915, with over 100 years of experience in the engineering and construction industry.

Team Structure:

  • The Thermal Performance Engineer will be part of the Black & Veatch Operations team, which provides global resources and capabilities to support execution and process excellence across the organization.
  • The role will work closely with project teams, including project managers, engineers, and construction professionals.
  • The role will also interact with clients, including power plant owners, developers, and operators.

Development Methodology:

  • Black & Veatch follows a structured project management approach, utilizing industry-standard project management methodologies and tools.
  • The company emphasizes collaboration, communication, and continuous improvement in its project delivery processes.
  • Black & Veatch also utilizes digital technologies and data analytics to enhance project performance and efficiency.

Company Website: Black & Veatch Corporation

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Black & Veatch is a well-established engineering and construction company with a strong reputation in the power generation and energy infrastructure sectors. The company's culture emphasizes collaboration, communication, and continuous improvement, with a focus on delivering high-quality projects to its clients.

πŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Senior Engineer or Engineering Manager, with the opportunity to advance to Principal Engineer or Technical Specialist roles.

Reporting Structure: The Thermal Performance Engineer will report directly to the Project Manager or Engineering Manager, depending on the specific project assignment.

Technical Impact: The Thermal Performance Engineer will have a significant impact on the performance and efficiency of power plants, helping to reduce emissions and optimize plant operations. The role will also contribute to the development of new power projects, including biofuels and hydrogen projects.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Technical Specialization: Develop expertise in specific areas of thermal power generation, such as carbon capture, biofuels, or hydrogen projects.
  • Project Management: Gain experience in project management, leading teams and overseeing project delivery.
  • Technical Leadership: Assume a technical leadership role, mentoring junior engineers and providing technical guidance to project teams.
  • Business Development: Contribute to business development efforts, leveraging technical expertise to win new projects and expand the company's portfolio.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The Thermal Performance Engineer role offers significant opportunities for career growth and development, with the potential to advance to senior engineering or management roles. The role also provides the opportunity to specialize in specific areas of thermal power generation and to contribute to the development of new power projects.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, with the opportunity to work remotely up to two days per week after the first 90 days of employment.

Office Location(s): Black & Veatch has multiple office locations throughout the United States, with the opportunity to work at the office location closest to the candidate's residence.

Workspace Context:

  • The Thermal Performance Engineer will have access to a dedicated workspace, including a desk, chair, and appropriate technology and software tools.
  • The role will require the use of computer-aided design (CAD) software, as well as project management and data analysis tools.
  • The role will also require access to industry-specific databases and resources, as well as the company's internal knowledge management system.

Work Schedule: The role follows a standard 40-hour workweek, with the opportunity to work flexible hours or remotely up to two days per week after the first 90 days of employment.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment at Black & Veatch offers the opportunity to balance work and personal life, with the flexibility to work remotely up to two days per week after the first 90 days of employment. The role also provides access to a dedicated workspace, including appropriate technology and software tools, as well as industry-specific databases and resources.

πŸ“„ Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

  1. Phone Screen: A brief phone or video call to assess communication skills and cultural fit.
  2. Technical Interview: A detailed technical interview focusing on mechanical systems design, performance testing, and project management skills. The interview may include technical questions, case studies, or design challenges.
  3. Behavioral Interview: An in-depth behavioral interview to assess problem-solving skills, client interaction, and project management experience.
  4. Final Interview: A final interview with the hiring manager or senior leadership to discuss the candidate's fit for the role and the company's long-term growth plans.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Highlight specific projects that demonstrate experience in thermal power generation, mechanical systems design, and performance testing.
  • Include technical reports, case studies, and project proposals that showcase strong technical communication and writing skills.
  • Emphasize any experience in carbon capture studies, biofuels and hydrogen projects, or condition assessments of existing power plants.
  • Provide clear and concise explanations of technical concepts and methodologies used in each project.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

  • Brush up on mechanical systems design principles, performance testing methodologies, and project management best practices.
  • Review industry-specific design codes and standards, as well as any relevant regulations or guidelines.
  • Practice explaining technical concepts and methodologies in a clear and concise manner, with a focus on communicating complex ideas to non-technical stakeholders.

ATS Keywords: [List of relevant keywords for the Thermal Performance Engineer role, organized by category]

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The interview process for the Thermal Performance Engineer role is comprehensive and designed to assess the candidate's technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. Candidates should focus on demonstrating their expertise in thermal power generation, mechanical systems design, and performance testing, as well as their experience in project management and client interaction.

πŸ›  Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Thermal Power Generation Technologies:

  • Steam Turbines
  • Gas Turbines
  • Combustion Engines
  • Reciprocating Engines
  • Solar Thermal Power
  • Geothermal Power

Mechanical Systems Design Tools:

  • Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Software
  • Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Software
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Software
  • Project Management Software
  • Data Analysis Software

Performance Testing Tools:

  • Thermal Imaging Cameras
  • Infrared Thermometers
  • Data Acquisition Systems
  • Laboratory Equipment

Project Management Tools:

  • Microsoft Project
  • Primavera P6
  • Smartsheet
  • Asana
  • Jira

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The Thermal Performance Engineer role requires proficiency in a range of thermal power generation technologies, as well as mechanical systems design and performance testing tools. The role also requires experience with project management software and data analysis tools.

πŸ‘₯ Team Culture & Values

Black & Veatch Values:

  • Integrity: Uphold the highest ethical standards in all actions and decisions.
  • Stewardship: Act responsibly and sustainably, balancing short-term needs with long-term goals.
  • Expertise: Continuously develop and apply specialized knowledge and skills to deliver innovative solutions.
  • Innovation: Embrace change and drive progress through creative problem-solving and forward-thinking.
  • Collaboration: Work together effectively, leveraging diverse perspectives and expertise to achieve common goals.
  • Accountability: Take ownership of individual and team responsibilities, delivering on commitments and driving results.

Collaboration Style:

  • Black & Veatch emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, with a focus on leveraging diverse perspectives and expertise to achieve common goals.
  • The company utilizes a structured project management approach, with clear roles and responsibilities for each team member.
  • Black & Veatch also encourages knowledge sharing and technical mentoring, with a focus on continuous learning and professional development.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Black & Veatch's values emphasize integrity, stewardship, expertise, innovation, collaboration, and accountability. The company's collaboration style focuses on leveraging diverse perspectives and expertise to achieve common goals, with a structured project management approach and a strong emphasis on knowledge sharing and technical mentoring.

⚑ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

  • Thermal Efficiency: Optimize thermal power plant performance and efficiency, reducing emissions and minimizing environmental impact.
  • Carbon Capture: Develop and implement carbon capture technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.
  • Renewable Energy Integration: Integrate renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, or hydro, with thermal power plants to create hybrid power generation facilities.
  • Energy Storage: Design and implement energy storage systems, such as batteries or pumped hydro, to support grid stability and renewable energy integration.
  • Power Plant Modernization: Upgrade and modernize existing power plants to improve performance, reliability, and flexibility.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Technical Training: Participate in technical training programs and workshops to develop expertise in specific areas of thermal power generation.
  • Conference Attendance: Attend industry conferences and events to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies in the power generation sector.
  • Certification Programs: Pursue relevant certifications, such as the Professional Engineer (PE) license or specialized training in thermal power generation or renewable energy.
  • Mentorship Programs: Participate in mentorship programs to gain insights and guidance from experienced professionals in the field.
  • On-the-Job Training: Take advantage of on-the-job training opportunities to develop practical skills and gain hands-on experience in thermal power generation and mechanical systems design.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The Thermal Performance Engineer role presents significant technical challenges and learning opportunities, with a focus on optimizing thermal power plant performance, reducing emissions, and integrating renewable energy sources. The role also offers numerous learning and development opportunities, including technical training programs, conference attendance, certification programs, mentorship programs, and on-the-job training.

πŸ’‘ Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

  1. Mechanical Systems Design: Explain the design principles behind a specific mechanical system, such as a steam turbine or gas turbine. Describe the key components and their functions, as well as any relevant design codes and standards.
  2. Performance Testing: Describe the performance testing process for a thermal power plant, including the preparation, execution, and analysis of the test. Explain how the results are used to optimize plant performance and efficiency.
  3. Project Management: Discuss a complex project you have managed, including the project scope, timeline, budget, and deliverables. Describe how you handled any challenges or setbacks that arose during the project.
  4. Carbon Capture: Explain the principles behind a carbon capture technology, such as post-combustion capture or pre-combustion capture. Describe the process, the equipment required, and the challenges associated with implementing the technology.

Company & Culture Questions:

  1. Black & Veatch Culture: Describe what you understand about Black & Veatch's culture and values, and how you would contribute to the company's success in your role as a Thermal Performance Engineer.
  2. Team Dynamics: Explain how you would work effectively with a diverse team, leveraging different perspectives and expertise to achieve common goals. Provide an example of a successful team project you have led or participated in.
  3. Client Interaction: Describe your experience working with clients, including power plant owners, developers, and operators. Explain how you would ensure successful project execution and maintain strong client relationships.
  4. Technical Leadership: Discuss your experience providing technical guidance and mentoring to junior engineers or other team members. Explain how you would support the professional development of your colleagues and contribute to the company's technical expertise.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Project Selection: Choose projects that demonstrate your expertise in thermal power generation, mechanical systems design, and performance testing. Include projects that showcase your experience in carbon capture studies, biofuels and hydrogen projects, or condition assessments of existing power plants.
  • Storytelling: Use storytelling techniques to engage the interview panel and highlight the impact of your work on power plant performance, efficiency, and emissions reduction.
  • Technical Depth: Provide detailed explanations of technical concepts and methodologies used in each project, with a focus on communicating complex ideas to non-technical stakeholders.
  • Visual Aids: Utilize visual aids, such as diagrams, charts, or photographs, to illustrate technical concepts and enhance your presentation's overall impact.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The interview process for the Thermal Performance Engineer role focuses on assessing the candidate's technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. The role requires strong mechanical systems design, performance testing, and project management skills, as well as experience in carbon capture studies, biofuels and hydrogen projects, or condition assessments of existing power plants. The role also requires excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse teams and clients.

πŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this Thermal Performance Engineer position:

  1. Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in thermal power generation, mechanical systems design, and performance testing. Include specific projects and achievements that demonstrate your technical expertise and problem-solving abilities.
  2. Portfolio Preparation: Prepare a comprehensive portfolio that showcases your experience in thermal power generation, mechanical systems design, and performance testing. Include projects that highlight your expertise in carbon capture studies, biofuels and hydrogen projects, or condition assessments of existing power plants.
  3. Technical Interview Preparation: Brush up on mechanical systems design principles, performance testing methodologies, and project management best practices. Review industry-specific design codes and standards, as well as any relevant regulations or guidelines. Practice explaining technical concepts and methodologies in a clear and concise manner, with a focus on communicating complex ideas to non-technical stakeholders.
  4. Company Research: Research Black & Veatch's culture, values, and technical expertise. Understand the company's role in the power generation sector and its commitment to sustainability and innovation. Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview, demonstrating your interest in the company and the Thermal Performance Engineer role.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web technology industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Application Requirements

Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in engineering and a minimum of 8 years of related work experience, with 10 or more years preferred. A Professional Engineer’s license is required, along with excellent technical communication skills and familiarity with design codes and standards.