Director, Engineering

Tenaska; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision

401(k) plan

Paid vacations and holidays

Tuition assistance

Wellness programs

Adoption benefits

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Tenaska is seeking an experienced engineering leader to drive origination, development and construction of natural gas–fueled power projects. You will mentor engineers, manage technical risk, and coordinate with development, operations, and finance teams.

The role includes CCS technical support, due diligence for acquisitions, and collaboration with external stakeholders. Strong communication and strategic thinking are essential.

Qualifications

• 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 and lead technical teams.
• Experience contributing to economic or financial analysis for projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of technical professionals, setting priorities and goals.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on thermal power generation technologies.
• Oversee selection of engineering contractors and development of task scopes.
• Ensure project delivery on schedule and within budget.
• Oversee technoeconomic analyses and project design activities.
• Direct site feasibility reviews and bid processes for major equipment.

Skills

Leadership

Engineering supervision

Project management

Stakeholder coordination

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

MS Office

GIS (preferred)

Job description

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. The Company is not able to take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time for this position or commit to doing so in the future for individuals with current authorization to work via, for example, CPT or OPT, and would need sponsorship in the future.

Tenaska is one of the largest privately held companies in the United States, an organization that’s adept in natural gas and power marketing, power management, development and acquisition of generation assets, operation of power plants and more.

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.

As a key member of cross-functional business teams, the candidate will collaborate closely with development leadership, commercial origination, real estate acquisition and development, public relations, environmental, finance, operations, and asset management groups. The role also involves engagement with external stakeholders, including suppliers, service providers, customers, contractors, and partners.

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 standard.

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.
• Direct site technical feasibility reviews, including constructability, geotechnical investigations, hydrology studies, and permitting requirements.
• Oversee development of technical specifications and coordinate bid processes for major equipment, engineering design, and construction services.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports and executive summaries.
• 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.

Education, Experience & Skills

Basic Requirements:

• 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.

The job title, level, and compensation will be aligned with your experience, expertise, and qualifications.

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

Tenaska is an equal opportunity employer.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.