Lead Thermal Performance Engineer (Owners Engineer Role)

Job Purpose

To lead and manage all aspects of thermal performance assessment and optimization for the power island, ensuring that the EPCs design and equipment selections meet contractual performance guarantees and align with plant efficiency and operational requirements.

Key Responsibilities

A. Thermal Design Evaluation

• Review and validate EPC-submitted heat balance diagrams, cycle configurations, and performance calculations for the turbine-generator island.
• Assess plant cycle efficiency, heat rate, and component-specific performance (steam turbine, condenser, feedwater heaters, boiler feed pump, etc.).
• Ensure the proper selection and arrangement of key cycle components to optimize thermal performance (e.g., FWH arrangements, bleed steam configuration, condenser pressure).
• Recommend design changes or optimizations to enhance cycle performance.

B. Performance Monitoring & Guarantee Review

• Scrutinize EPC’s performance guarantees, correction curves, and boundary conditions.
• Evaluate performance test procedures and ensure alignment with international standards (e.g., ASME PTC codes).
• Support Owner during contractual performance testing and assess compliance with guaranteed parameters (gross & net output, heat rate, steam consumption).
• Monitor EPC and OEM design margins and performance buffers across the design life cycle.

C. System Modeling & Analysis

• Develop or validate thermal performance models using tools such as:
• PEPSE, Thermoflow, GateCycle, or equivalent
• Conduct sensitivity analyses for off-design conditions and plant load scenarios.
• Analyze operational data during commissioning to compare against predicted performance.

D. Interdisciplinary Coordination

• Interface with:
• Steam turbine, generator, condenser, and auxiliary engineers
• I&C team for control logics affecting load sharing and ramp rates
• Civil/structural team for inputs impacting condenser vacuum and cooling tower performance
• Provide input to layout and system integration from a thermal optimization perspective.

E. Documentation & Reporting

• Prepare technical notes, performance analysis reports, and deviation assessments.
• Participate in design review meetings and interface resolution workshops with EPC and OEMs.
• Review vendor performance test reports and provide approvals/comments.

Required Qualifications

• B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical / Power / Thermal Engineering (Master’s Degree preferred)
• 12–15+ years of experience in thermal performance engineering for large-scale power plants
• At least one project in an Owner’s Engineer or EPC review role for a supercritical or ultra-supercritical unit
• Experience with performance guarantee validation and ASME/ISO performance codes

Preferred Skills & Knowledge

• Proficiency in performance analysis tools (PEPSE, Thermoflow, GTPro, EBSILON, etc.)
• In-depth understanding of Rankine cycle optimization
• Familiarity with OEMs like BHEL, Siemens, GE, Toshiba, Hitachi, etc.
• Knowledge of heat rejection systems and auxiliary performance impact (cooling towers, CT fans, etc.)

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical and thermodynamic modeling capabilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical coordination
• Leadership in technical discussions with EPC/OEM
• High attention to detail with problem-solving mindset