The Junior Boiler Performance Engineer supports the performance analysis, testing, and optimization of boiler systems to ensure efficient and safe operation. This entry-level role involves collecting and analyzing operating data, assisting with thermal performance assessments, supporting combustion tuning activities, and helping implement boiler efficiency improvement initiatives. The engineer works closely with plant operators, maintenance teams, and senior engineers to enhance fuel utilization, heat rate, and emissions performance.
This is a development role intended for early-career engineers seeking experience in boiler and thermal system operations.
Monitor and record boiler operating parameters including steam flow, fuel usage, temperatures, pressures, and emissions.
Assist in tracking heat rate, fuel-to-steam efficiency, and thermal balance calculations.
Help maintain daily, weekly, and monthly performance logs.
Identify deviations in performance and notify senior staff of abnormalities or inefficiencies.
Support routine boiler performance testing under supervision, including combustion efficiency tests and flue gas analysis.
Assist in conducting airflow, fuel flow, and heat input measurements.
Assist in implementing minor tuning and optimization adjustments in combustion systems, burners, and controls.
Participate in projects to reduce auxiliary power consumption and enhance heat recovery.
Work with maintenance teams during outages to inspect tubes, headers, burners, and heat exchangers for performance-related wear or fouling.
Contribute to reports on findings related to performance degradation.
Maintain accurate documentation of performance data, test results, and analysis summaries.
Prepare draft reports on boiler efficiency trends and improvement opportunities.
Learn and apply fundamental boiler thermodynamics, combustion principles, and heat transfer concepts.
Participate in in-house or vendor-led technical training sessions.
Boiler Efficiency Monitoring
Track and assess steam generation efficiency, fuel usage, and system losses.
Thermal Performance Analysis
Support performance evaluations through basic calculations, trending, and condition monitoring.
Combustion Support
Assist with burner testing, air/fuel ratio assessments, and combustion tuning activities.
Data Handling & Interpretation
Learn to interpret DCS (Distributed Control System) trends and basic instrumentation outputs for performance insights.
Cross-Team Collaboration
Work with operations, maintenance, and engineering to provide performance support and actionable findings.
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Energy Engineering, or a related field.
Internship or academic exposure to thermodynamics, heat transfer, or power plant systems preferred.
Strong analytical and Excel skills; familiarity with data trending tools is a plus.
Basic understanding of boiler operation, combustion, or utility systems is advantageous.
Willingness to work in plant environments and participate in field inspections.