The Director – Performance Optimization (Turbomachinery) leads technical strategy and execution for improving the operational efficiency, reliability, and output of turbomachinery assets, including gas turbines, steam turbines, centrifugal/axial compressors, turboexpanders, and related rotating equipment. This role integrates advanced performance diagnostics, digital analytics, thermodynamic modeling, and asset health monitoring to continuously enhance machine performance. The ideal candidate has deep turbomachinery experience, a strong background in thermodynamics and controls, and a proven ability to lead high-impact optimization initiatives across multiple facilities.
Develop and implement a corporate-wide strategy for performance optimization of gas and steam turbines, compressors, and other high-value turbomachinery.
Set performance KPIs and benchmarks for energy efficiency, output capacity, degradation rates, and fuel utilization.
Align performance initiatives with operational goals, emissions targets, and asset lifecycle strategies.
Lead thermal performance assessments, including heat balance modeling, cycle efficiency analysis, and component-level loss quantification.
Oversee inlet/combustion tuning, control logic optimization, and part-load efficiency enhancements.
Direct blade path temperature monitoring, compressor map management, surge margin optimization, and auxiliary system integration.
Deploy and manage advanced analytics platforms, performance monitoring dashboards, and digital twins to predict and detect performance degradation.
Implement machine learning models and statistical analysis to track and forecast operating trends.
Ensure effective use of PI System, SCADA, and DCS data in performance analysis workflows.
Provide technical direction during major inspections and overhauls related to performance restoration (e.g., blade cleaning, tip clearance adjustment, seal upgrades).
Evaluate upgrade packages and retrofit solutions from OEMs to improve thermal efficiency, firing temperatures, or capacity (e.g., GE AGPs, Siemens Flex-Plants).
Validate vendor performance guarantees and participate in post-outage testing and performance validation.
Ensure performance reporting complies with ASME PTC standards, OEM protocols, and regulatory frameworks (e.g., ISO 2314, EPA guidelines).
Support environmental teams in achieving NOx/CO optimization, steam cycle balancing, and combined heat & power (CHP) performance reporting.
Develop and present periodic performance dashboards to executive leadership.
Lead a multidisciplinary team of performance engineers, controls specialists, and reliability analysts.
Collaborate with operations, maintenance, digital teams, and OEMs to deliver performance improvements and innovation.
Interface with executive stakeholders to communicate business impact of optimization projects and justify capital investments.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Energy, or Power Engineering (Master’s or PhD preferred)
Experience:
15+ years of experience in turbomachinery performance, thermal systems, or rotating equipment optimization
At least 5+ years in a senior leadership role managing high-value engineering teams or multi-site optimization programs
Certifications (Preferred):
PMP, CMRP, or Six Sigma
ASME PTC Training or OEM-specific performance analysis certifications (e.g., GE, Siemens)
Expertise in gas and steam turbine thermodynamics, performance degradation modeling, and cycle optimization
Hands-on experience with performance tools (e.g., GT PRO, Thermoflex, EBSILON, PEPSE, OEM simulators)
Strong understanding of instrumentation, control logic, and data acquisition systems (PI, SCADA, DCS)
Proficiency in F-class, H-class, and aeroderivative turbine technologies
Strategic thinker with an analytical mindset and a deep understanding of business-technical integration
Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and executive communication abilities
Ability to lead across engineering, operations, and digital disciplines
Comfortable making data-driven decisions with financial and operational impact
Based in a regional HQ, technical center, or major generation facility
Travel required to operational sites, OEMs, and inspection locations
Must be available during outages, performance tests, and optimization milestones