Principal/Sr. Engineer - Heat Mass Balance

Oscar; United States; Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a Principal Mechanical Systems Engineer specializing in Heat & Mass Balance for combined-cycle power generation. In this hybrid role, you will oversee the HMB for high-efficiency projects, ensuring performance delivery while mentoring engineers. Qualified candidates should have over 10 years of experience, proficiency in Thermoflex, and expertise in technical bid evaluations. The firm emphasizes a safety-first culture and offers competitive terms including a contract-to-hire opportunity.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in power generation with combined-cycle experience.
• Proficiency in Thermoflex is mandatory.
• Solid fundamentals in HRSG and backpressure effects.
• Hands-on experience with ASME/PTC testing.
• Experience in RFQ authorship and technical evaluations.

Responsibilities

• Own the Heat & Mass Balance for high-efficiency programs.
• Translate model outputs to technical specifications.
• Lead vendor evaluations and performance guarantees.
• Guide project delivery and collaborate across disciplines.

Skills

Heat Mass Balance

Engineering

Combined Cycle Power Projects

Thermal Engineering

Thermoflow

GT PRO

PEACE

STEAM PRO

THERMOFLEX

HRSG

ASME PTC Testing

Performance Guarantees

Technical Bid Evaluation

Education

BSME or related

PE-Mechanical preferred

Tools

THERMOFLEX

GT PRO

PEACE

STEAM PRO

Job description

Role: Principal Mechanical Systems Engineer (Power) - Heat & Mass Balance Lead (Combined‑Cycle / CCGT)
Type: Contract-to-Hire | Initial term: 12 months
Location: Charlotte, NC (Hybrid/Remote) with minimal site travel (commissioning/PG tests)

Be the engineer who defines the plant's performance. You'll own the Heat & Mass Balance (HMB) for high‑efficiency combined‑cycle programs, shaping scope from day one, steering technical procurement, and mentoring the next generation, all within a top North American EPC known for complex industrial delivery and a safety‑first culture.

Why this opportunity stands out

• Build for impact with a construction‑driven EPC that executes major power and industrial projects end‑to‑end (FEL/FEED → EPC), with early alignment, rigorous safety, and quality at scale.
• Solve real‑world performance challenges: translate models into scope, vendor packages, guarantees, and acceptance testing—so plants deliver what they promise.

What you'll do

• Own the cycle: Build and refine the HMB in THERMOFLEX (mandatory); GT PRO/PEACE/STEAM PRO familiarity is a plus. Deliver base and off‑design cases with clear operating envelopes.
• Translate to scope: Convert model outputs into CT/ST/HRSG datasheets, BOP requirements, and RFQ packages.
• Compare vendors fairly: Lead technical bid evaluations; normalize site conditions, part‑load, and auxiliary power to deliver apples‑to‑apples recommendations.
• Underwrite performance: Define net MW, heat rate, and emissions guarantees; draft ASME/PTC test & correction methodology; support commissioning and PG tests.
• Set key parameters: Establish HRSG pressure levels, pinch/approach, duct‑firing ranges, catalyst windows, condenser/ACC backpressure strategy, and auxiliary power allowances.
• Lead & interface: Present trade‑offs to owners/OEMs; review vendor submittals for spec and constructability; mentor 1–4 engineers; PE sealing where applicable.
• Guide delivery: Issue job notes & technical scopes; develop man‑hour estimates for proposals and resource planning; collaborate across disciplines through execution.

What you bring

• 10+ years in power generation with proven combined‑cycle experience and HMB ownership (not just review).
• Thermoflex proficiency (mandatory); familiarity with GT PRO/PEACE/STEAM PRO preferred.
• Solid HRSG fundamentals (pinch/approach, ΔP, catalyst/stack impacts) and condenser/ACC backpressure effects on ST power/heat rate.
• Hands‑on ASME/PTC testing and ISO/ambient/fuel corrections; acceptance testing experience preferred.
• RFQ/spec authorship and technical bid evaluation leadership for CT/ST/HRSG packages.
• BSME (or related); PE‑Mechanical preferred (or in progress). Crisp vendor/client communication.

Nice to have

• EPC power environment experience; commissioning/PG testing leadership; TIC estimating; digital project delivery (e.g., AWP) exposure.

Ready to lead the model that leads the plant?

Apply here. Questions first? Send me a message.

How to apply

Send a resume plus 3–5 bullets on a recent Thermoflow project you owned (config, your role, tools used, outcomes).

Desired Skills and Experience
Heat Mass Balance, Engineering, Combined Cycle Power Projects, Thermal Engineering, Thermoflow, GT PRO, PEACE, STEAM PRO, THERMOFLEX, Combined Cycle, CCGT, HRSG, Pinch/Approach, Gas Turbines (CT), Steam Turbines (ST), BOP, ASME PTC, Performance Guarantees, Acceptance/PG Testing, Technical Bid Evaluation, RFQ, EPC, Owner's Engineer, Condenser, ACC, Backpressure, Emissions/SCR/CO Catalyst, PE‑Mechanical

Oscar Associates Limited (US) is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.