Development & Performance Engineering Manager

Direct Energy Business; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

NRG is seeking a senior engineer to support front-end project development by generating power plant equipment configurations and engaging with major OEMs. The role involves leading assessments on large power generation facilities and optimizing performance with project developers and finance teams.

Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering and 10 years of experience in utility scale major projects. Proficiency in software such as Thermoflow and AutoCAD is preferred.

Qualifications

• 10 years of practical experience in utility scale major projects.
• Valid State Driver’s License required.

Responsibilities

• Lead equipment selection and performance assessments.
• Optimize plant configurations and performance.
• Support contract negotiations with OEMs.
• Guide on technology trends such as decarbonization.
• Participate in due diligence of asset purchases.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Chemical Engineering

Project Management

Leadership

Analytical Skills

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or Chemical Engineering

Tools

Thermoflow

GateCycle

Ebsilon

AutoCAD

Job description

Date: May 20, 2026

Location: Houston, TX, US, 77010

Company: NRG

Job Summary

Works within NRG’s Development, Engineering and Construction department reporting to the Sr. Director – Development Engineering. Supports NRG’s front end project development efforts by generating power plant equipment configurations including development of heat and material balances to predict performance in support of financial modeling, environmental permitting, utility interconnection and general siting efforts. Engages with Major OEMs on equipment performance and technology advancements to maintain NRG’s competitiveness. Remains current on and analyzes emerging technologies and how they may support NRG’s growth goals in the future.

Responsibilities

• Leads major equipment selection and performance assessments on large power generation facilities including gas fired simple and combined cycle facilities, wind, solar and battery projects.
• Interfaces with project developers, finance and environmental teams to optimize plant configurations and performance
• Supports NRG DE&C Group’s contract negotiations with OEMs and EPC firms by reviewing/setting contract plant performance requirements and penalties
• Keeps abreast of technology trends such as decarbonization of power generation, evolving storage alternatives, etc. and provides guidance on how these technologies could support NRG’s development goals
• Interact with and support DE&C project team members on the overall development effort of projects.
• Interact with consulting A/E firm multi-discipline team to perform the appropriate level of engineering activities to develop investment-grade project estimates for presentation to NRG Sr. Management & Board of Directors for project approval.
• Support review of upgrades and proposed modifications to existing generation fleet assets and facilities
• Participate in due diligence of asset and facility purchases by reviewing predicted performance, operating history, upgrades, etc.
• Supports plant performance testing and reviews and certifies final performance tests of EPC Contractors
• Has knowledge of and can support high voltage interconnection application activities, including electrical equipment sizing such as transformers & breakers and ensuring equipment characteristics support Transmission Owner technical requirements.
• Support VP-Engineering, VP-Generation Project Construction, and VP-Environmental Compliance and Plant Improvement Projects in scoping and planning new EPC projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or other related engineering discipline from an accredited institution.
• 10 years of practical utility scale major projects or related heavy industrial industries experience (> $50M).
• Valid State Driver’s License

Preferred

• Knowledge of power plant equipment and systems, codes and standards, and environmental regulations.
• Proficiency in Thermoflow, GateCycle and/or Ebsilon heat balance and plant design software.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills to effectively build relationships and communicate with a broad spectrum of individuals at all organizational levels.
• Strong analytical skills and detail orientation.
• Creative problem-solving capabilities and an ability to think outside the box.
• Ability to manage complex projects across multiple areas of the organization with competing priorities.

Working Conditions

• Primarily normal office environment but will include plant and/or construction site environment, including working at heights, high/low ambient temperatures, and high/low humidity at project/plant work locations.
• Requires standing, walking, kneeling, twisting, climbing stairs and ladders, and entering plant equipment to access, inspect or collect data on plant equipment.
• Work overtime and non-standard working hours as required.
• The job requires operation of a motor vehicle.
• Requires compliance with the corporate safety program, including wearing personnel protection equipment such as safety glasses, appropriate footwear, clothing, hardhat, earplugs, etc. at plants and project sites. May be required to work around energized and rotating equipment, hazardous materials, and chemicals.
• Requires occasional overnight travel from permanent work location. On occasion may require international travel.

NRG Energy is committed to a drug and alcohol-free workplace. To the extent permitted by law and any applicable collective bargaining agreement, employees are subject to periodic random drug testing, and post-accident and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing. EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability. Level, Title and/or Salary may be adjusted based on the applicant's experience or skills.

Official description on file with Talent.

Nearest Major Market: Houston