The Mid-Level Combustion Engineer plays a key role in optimizing burner performance in thermal systems such as industrial boilers, furnaces, and power plant combustion chambers. The position involves independent execution of burner tuning, performance diagnostics, flue gas analysis, and emissions optimization. The engineer will collaborate with operations, controls, and maintenance teams to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant combustion across multiple units.
Plan and execute burner tuning activities, adjusting air-fuel ratios, overfire air (OFA), FGR, and combustion staging for optimal performance.
Conduct flue gas analysis and combustion diagnostics using analyzers, data logging systems, and infrared cameras.
Optimize combustion for reduced NOx, CO, and particulate emissions, as well as improved heat rate and fuel efficiency.
Analyze data from DCS, emissions monitoring systems (CEMS), and field logs to diagnose inefficiencies and recommend corrective actions.
Interface with control system teams to fine-tune combustion control loops, oxygen trim systems, and flame monitoring parameters.
Prepare and present combustion performance reports, tuning logs, and improvement recommendations.
Support commissioning and recommissioning of boilers post-maintenance or equipment upgrades.
Ensure compliance with local air quality standards, ASME, NFPA 85, and plant-specific emission limits.
Assist in the evaluation and implementation of burner upgrades, fuel conversions, and combustion improvement projects.
Train junior engineers and O&M staff on basic combustion practices and instrumentation usage.
Burner Tuning & Optimization
Hands-on tuning of industrial burners to improve flame stability, reduce excess air, and enhance thermal performance.
Emissions Monitoring & Reduction
Ensure compliance with NOx, CO, SOx, and unburned carbon standards through real-time analysis and corrective actions.
Thermal Efficiency & Heat Rate Improvements
Use field data and DCS trends to reduce energy consumption and improve fuel burn quality.
Control System Collaboration
Interface with instrumentation and control engineers for feedback loop tuning and burner management system adjustments.
Performance Reporting & Recommendations
Provide detailed reports with insights on performance trends, tuning impact, and continuous improvement opportunities.
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Energy, or Thermal Engineering.
3–7 years of experience in combustion systems, burner tuning, or boiler performance engineering.
Proficiency in flue gas analysis, flame inspection, and combustion control principles.
Working knowledge of CEMS, oxygen analyzers, CO sensors, and portable combustion analyzers.
Familiarity with low-NOx burner technologies, FGR, and multi-fuel firing systems (e.g., coal, oil, gas, biomass).
Strong data analysis skills using Excel, DCS historian tools, or data loggers.
Basic understanding of NFPA 85, ASME codes, and relevant environmental regulations.