Mechanical Engineer - Power Generation

Kimley-Horn; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan

Health coverage

Flexible scheduling

Time off

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development

Family benefits

Job summary

Kimley-Horn's Westlake, TX office seeks an experienced Mechanical Engineer to join the Power Generation team. You will lead mechanical design for natural gas and coal-fired power projects, develop P&IDs, and mentor junior engineers while coordinating with clients and partners.

The role emphasizes project execution across life cycle stages, with emphasis on safety, quality, and compliance in large-scale plant projects.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in power generation design and engineering.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license or eligible in Mechanical Engineering.
• GT Pro or similar gas power performance modelling software is a plus.
• Strong understanding of power plant life cycle, feasibility studies, bids, and construction phases.

Responsibilities

• Lead or support mechanical design for natural gas, coal-fired, and combined cycle plants.
• Engineer pumping, piping, and systems for fluids and gases.
• Develop/verify P&IDs and technical standards/drawings.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior engineers.

Skills

Power generation

P.E. license

Client coordination

Mentorship

Project management

Education

Mechanical engineering degree

Tools

GT Pro

Job description

Overview

Kimley-Horn's Westlake, Texas (TX) office is seeking a Mechanical Engineer with 4+ years of experience to join their Power Generation team!

Responsibilities

• Support or lead mechanical engineering efforts for natural gas and coal‑fired power generation projects.
• Engineer pumping and piping systems for a variety of fluids and gases, including blowers, steam, and compressed air.
• Develop and review P&IDs to ensure accurate representation of system components and operation.
• Review, develop, and approve technical standards, specifications, drawings, and engineering documentation to ensure consistency and quality across all project phases.
• Perform comprehensive piping system design, including pipe and valve selection/sizing, material selection (fittings, gaskets, etc.), pipe routing, and pipe support design.
• Specify and coordinate instrumentation selection and placement for pumps, tanks, and vessels.
• Specify and size tanks and vessels to meet project and process requirements.
• Prepare cost estimates, project work plans, and schedules, and perform work that requires independent judgment in evaluating, selecting, adapting, and modifying standard engineering methods and criteria.
• Provide guidance, technical direction, and mentorship to junior team members.
• Maintain regular communication and coordination with clients and external partners.
• Design and support systems related to Air Quality Control and Effluent Limitation Guidelines.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of relevant engineering design experience in Power Generation
• Experience with simple cycle, combined cycle plants using natural gas, fuel oil and diesel and/or coal-fired generation is preferred.
• Professional Engineering (P.E.) License in Mechanical Engineering or relevant degree
• Strong technical engineering focus, experience in GT Pro or similar gas power performance modelling software would be beneficial.
• Understands project life cycle, feasibility studies, competitive bidding of large power plants, engineering and construction of large power plants, commissioning, and operations phase of the plant.
• Strong power engineering background for power plant projects and familiar with owners’ engineer and/or technical advisory services, including feasibility and conceptual studies.
• Experience with task management, concept design, and assisting project management tasks
• Familiar with coordinating with clients, attending client meetings, and overseeing quality standards

Why Kimley-Horn?

At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it— that’s why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn’s placement on the Fortune “100 Best Companies to Work” list for 19 years!

Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn

• Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to1- company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
• Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
• Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.