Lead Design Engineer

Lead Engineer – Feedwater Heaters & Condenser (Owner’s Engineer Role)

🎯 Job Purpose

To act as the technical authority for reviewing and validating the design and integration of Feedwater Heaters (FWHs) and Condenser systems provided by the EPC contractor. The role ensures that all heat exchanger systems are optimized for thermal performance, reliability, and maintainability and comply with Owner’s technical specifications and industry standards.

🛠️ Key Responsibilities

• Review thermal and mechanical design documents of HP, IP, and LP Feedwater Heaters including datasheets, performance curves, P&IDs, and general arrangement drawings.
• Review condenser design including surface area, vacuum sizing, tube material selection, tube support and layout, deaeration arrangements, and condensate extraction pump interfaces.
• Ensure that thermal cycle integration of FWHs and condenser is in accordance with the plant heat balance diagram.
• Verify compliance of mechanical design with ASME Section VIII, TEMA, HEI, and IBR standards.
• Participate in 3D model reviews, check nozzle orientations, support details, access clearances, and piping interfaces.
• Review drainage, venting, safety relief systems, and overpressure protection arrangements.
• Coordinate with thermal performance, piping, layout, and instrumentation teams for cross-disciplinary design review.
• Support technical discussions with EPC, consultants, and OEMs regarding deviations, optimization, or modifications.
• Review inspection and test plans (ITPs), welding procedures, and FAT protocols.
• Provide oversight during manufacturing, site erection, and commissioning stages for FWHs and condenser systems.

🎓 Required Qualifications

• B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering.
• 12+ years of experience in thermal power plant engineering, with specialization in feedwater heaters and surface condensers.
• Prior experience in EPC/OEM or Owner’s engineering organization on projects ≥500 MW preferred.

📘 Preferred Skills & Knowledge

• In-depth understanding of thermal cycle integration, heat transfer equipment design, and cycle efficiency optimization.
• Familiarity with international codes and standards: ASME, HEI, TEMA, API, IBR.
• Understanding of vacuum systems, vent condensers, and steam turbine extraction system interfaces.
• Proficient in reading P&IDs, system schematics, and layout drawings.

💡 Competencies

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills in thermal and mechanical design.
• Effective coordination and interface management abilities.
• Detail-oriented, with high quality standards in document review and technical evaluations.
• Strong communication and leadership skills in EPC/vendor technical discussions.