Senior Power Plant Performance Engineer

Placements24; Willows (CA); On-site; USD 67,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Medical aid & retirement benefits

Job summary

Placements24 in Welkom, Free State, SA, seeks a Senior Power Plant Performance Engineer to drive efficiency, reliability, and economic performance of diverse power generation facilities. You will analyze data, troubleshoot issues, and implement improvements across multiple technologies, supporting asset performance and regulatory compliance.

The role requires a strong background in thermodynamics, heat transfer, combustion, and power cycles, with proven ability to deliver cost-saving upgrades

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering is required.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in power plant operations or performance engineering.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency with data analysis and monitoring tools.

Responsibilities

• Monitor, analyze, and report on performance of power generation equipment.
• Conduct thermodynamic and cycle analyses to identify efficiency improvements.
• Develop and maintain performance dashboards and KPIs.
• Diagnose issues and provide root cause analyses with corrective actions.
• Support maintenance and operations with troubleshooting.
• Lead performance improvement projects and equipment upgrades.
• Oversee performance testing of major systems and equipment.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations for management.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and emissions standards.
• Contribute to long-term asset management strategies.

Skills

Power plant performance

Data analysis

Thermodynamics

Heat transfer

Combustion processes

SCADA

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering

Tools

Performance monitoring software

Simulation tools

Data visualization tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the Energy sector, is seeking a highly analytical and experienced Senior Power Plant Performance Engineer to join their operational team. This role is based in **Welkom, Free State, ZA**, and is critical for ensuring the optimal efficiency, reliability, and economic performance of their power generation facilities. You will be responsible for detailed performance monitoring, data analysis, troubleshooting, and implementing improvements across various types of power generation technologies. The ideal candidate possesses a strong technical background in thermodynamics, combustion, and power cycles, with a keen eye for identifying performance enhancements and cost‑saving opportunities within the **Welkom, Free State, ZA** operational environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor, analyze, and report on the performance of power generation equipment and plant systems.
• Conduct detailed thermodynamic and cycle analyses to identify areas for efficiency improvement.
• Develop and maintain performance monitoring tools, dashboards, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Investigate and diagnose operational issues and equipment malfunctions, providing root cause analysis and recommending corrective actions.
• Support maintenance and operations teams in troubleshooting complex technical problems.
• Develop and implement performance improvement projects, including equipment upgrades and operational changes.
• Oversee performance testing of major equipment and plant systems.
• Stay abreast of the latest technologies and best practices in power plant performance optimization.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and recommendations for management and stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and emissions standards.
• Contribute to the long-term asset management strategy for power generation assets in **Free State, ZA**.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in power plant operations or performance engineering.
• Proven expertise in power plant thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and combustion processes.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in data analysis tools and techniques.
• Experience with performance monitoring software and simulation tools.
• Knowledge of various power generation technologies (e.g., thermal, gas turbine, combined cycle) is essential.
• Excellent problem‑solving abilities and a systematic approach to troubleshooting.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Familiarity with SCADA systems and plant control logic is advantageous.
• Must be willing to work on‑site in **Welkom, Free State, ZA**, and possess a valid driver's license.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, performance bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, a retirement fund, and life insurance.
• Opportunities for professional development, including specialized training and certifications, are readily available.
• Our client values a strong safety culture and provides a supportive working environment.
• This role offers a significant opportunity to optimize critical energy infrastructure in **Welkom, Free State, ZA** area.