Director, Engineering

Job Summary

The successful candidate will primarily lead origination, technical development, technology selection, engineering design, contracting, and project management of natural gas–fueled power projects, including mentoring and supervision of other engineering personnel. In addition, the role may also include: (a) Technical support of carbon dioxide capture, pipeline, and sequestration (“CCS”) projects; (b) conducting technical due diligence for prospective acquisitions; and (c) some limited technical support to Tenaska’s operating power generation fleet.

Essential Job Functions

• Lead a team of technical professionals, setting priorities and goals while fostering professional growth through coaching, mentoring, and supervision aligned with Tenaska’s culture and core values.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on thermal power generation technologies.
• Build and maintain strong professional relationships with key external partners and stakeholders.
• Oversee selection of engineering contractors and development of task scopes, including heat balances, layout, civil and electrical design, and condition assessments.
• Ensure successful project delivery on schedule, within budget, and to high-quality standards.

Project Development & Construction

• Oversee technoeconomic analyses to evaluate project configuration options.
• Direct project layout analysis and conceptual design across all engineering disciplines.
• Lead technology evaluation and selection to optimize project performance and cost.
• Guide preparation of project development and construction schedules.
• Conduct technical risk assessments to inform project priorities and decision-making.
• Lead preparation of estimates, including development engineering, capital and operating costs, performance metrics, and environmental parameters.
• Manage third-party detailed engineering and construction services.
• Collaborate closely with the broader development team to ensure integrated project execution.

Asset Management & Acquisitions

• Lead technical due diligence in support of Corporate Finance M&A activities; Review acquisition documentation, including design documents, operating reports, and maintenance inspections.
• Provide advisory support for asset upgrades and capital improvement projects.
• Maintain cost models for new-build projects to inform asset valuation and decision-making.
• Compile technical risk assessments and provide recommendations to adjust financial models.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Basic Requirements

• Education, Experience & Skills:
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in energy sector engineering design and/or operations.
• At least 5 years of experience with combustion turbine and/or reciprocating engine project design, permitting, construction, or operations.
• Proven ability to build, mentor, and lead technical and multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience contributing to economic or financial analysis for projects.
• Demonstrated success in project management roles.
• Experience supporting contracts for major equipment supply, long-term maintenance agreements (LTSAs), and EPC contracts.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Proactive, organized, adaptable, and able to thrive in fast-paced, multi-tasked environments.
• Strong work ethic and commitment to Tenaska’s Core Values and culture.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering or MBA.
• Degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering.
• Professional Engineer (PE) registration and/or PMP certification.
• 20+ years of experience in conventional thermal power project engineering.
• Extensive experience in the development phase of energy projects.
• Hands-on experience with heat balances and thermal performance modeling.
• Familiarity with bulk electric system interconnection processes.
• Experience using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for project planning and analysis.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Excellent 401(k) plan.
• Incentive-based, competitive salary packages.
• Health/dependent care flex accounts.
• Tuition assistance.
• Long-term disability coverage.
• Adoption benefits.
• Employee assistance program.
• Paid vacations and holidays.
• Charitable giving program.
• Paid maternity/paternity leave.
• Wellness programs.