Principal Gas Turbine Performance Specialist

Placements24; Kimberley; Hybrid; CAD 190,000 - 270,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary

Annual bonus

Relocation assistance

Company vehicle/travel allowance

Stock options or equity

Retirement plan with employer match

Professional development leave

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Gas Turbine Performance Specialist to optimize the efficiency, reliability and lifespan of a large gas turbine fleet across multiple sites in Canada. You will lead diagnostics, root cause analyses and advanced modeling to drive performance improvements and predictive maintenance.

The role requires a PhD/MS in mechanical engineering with turbomachinery, 12+ years in gas turbine work, strong analytical abilities, and the ability to travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in mechanical engineering with turbomachinery or thermodynamics.
• 12+ years of gas turbine performance analysis or design experience.
• Strong analytical and communication skills; willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead performance monitoring and analysis of gas turbine operations across sites.
• Develop diagnostics to identify degradation and failures.
• Conduct root cause analyses for outages and performance issues.
• Recommend maintenance and upgrade strategies to improve efficiency and reliability.
• Model thermodynamics and aerodynamics to predict performance changes.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and maintenance teams.
• Maintain performance databases and tools.
• Provide mentoring to junior engineers and prepare reports.

Skills

Gas turbine performance

Thermodynamics

Diagnostics

Root cause analysis

Data analysis

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Turbomachinery

Tools

Performance monitoring software

Thermodynamic modeling tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading operator of independent power plants, is seeking a highly experienced Principal Gas Turbine Performance Specialist to join their technical excellence team in Kimberley . This senior role is essential for maximizing the efficiency, reliability, and lifespan of the company's gas turbine fleet. The ideal candidate will possess an in-depth understanding of thermodynamics, combustion, aerodynamics, and mechanical design as applied to gas turbines. You will be responsible for advanced performance monitoring, diagnostics, root cause analysis of failures, and the development of strategies for performance improvement and predictive maintenance. This is a critical position supporting energy generation in Kimberley, Northern Cape , and contributing to the operational excellence of our client's facilities. Join us in optimizing power generation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the performance monitoring and analysis of gas turbine operations across multiple sites.
• Develop and implement advanced diagnostic techniques to identify performance degradation and potential equipment failures.
• Conduct detailed root cause analyses for turbine outages and performance issues.
• Recommend operational adjustments, maintenance interventions, and upgrade strategies to enhance turbine efficiency, reliability, and availability.
• Perform thermodynamic and aerodynamic modeling and simulations to predict performance and evaluate design changes.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and maintenance teams to ensure effective implementation of recommendations.
• Develop and maintain performance databases and analytical tools.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in gas turbine technology, emissions control, and performance optimization techniques.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide expert technical guidance on gas turbine performance and diagnostics.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and proposals for management and stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and operational procedures.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a related field with a specialization in turbomachinery or thermodynamics.
• Minimum of 12 years of experience in gas turbine performance analysis, operation, or design, with a significant portion focused on heavy-duty industrial gas turbines.
• In-depth knowledge of gas turbine cycles, combustion processes, blade aerodynamics, and mechanical integrity.
• Proficiency with performance monitoring software, thermodynamic modeling tools, and data analysis techniques.
• Proven experience in diagnosing complex performance issues and conducting failure analysis.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with various gas turbine models and manufacturers is advantageous.
• Ability to travel to operational sites as required.
• Must be legally authorized to work in Kimberley , South Africa .

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive salary and annual bonus.
• Premium health, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family.
• Generous paid time off and professional development leave.
• Stock options or equity participation.
• Company vehicle or substantial travel allowance.
• Robust retirement savings plan with employer match.
• Opportunity to influence strategic technical decisions for a major energy company.
• Work with state-of-the-art technology and a highly skilled team.
• Relocation assistance package for candidates moving to Kimberley .
• Make a significant impact on energy generation efficiency and sustainability.