The Projects Manager – Turbine Upgrades / Retrofits is responsible for planning, executing, and delivering complex turbine retrofit, modernization, and upgrade projects. These may include performance improvement programs (heat rate, output, emissions), life extension modifications, digital retrofits, and component upgrades on gas and steam turbines. The role requires technical expertise, project management skills, and experience coordinating with OEMs, contractors, and site teams to ensure successful execution within scope, schedule, and budget.
Lead end-to-end project lifecycle for turbine upgrade/retrofit initiatives — from feasibility and design through commissioning and closeout.
Develop project scopes, cost estimates, schedules, resource plans, and risk registers.
Ensure timely procurement of long-lead components (rotors, blades, diaphragms, control systems) and engineering packages.
Evaluate OEM upgrade solutions (e.g., GE AGP, Siemens Flex-Power, MHI MXL/MJ upgrades) or aftermarket options.
Interface with mechanical and controls engineers to integrate new technology (e.g., turbine blades, seals, combustors, turbine controls).
Review P&IDs, equipment datasheets, isometrics, and turbine performance curves to validate upgrade viability.
Coordinate modifications to auxiliary systems (lube oil, seal oil, fuel systems, controls) as required by upgrade scope.
Ensure controls logic and protection schemes (e.g., Mark VIe, T3000, Ovation) are updated and tested.
Manage plant shutdown/startup plans and testing procedures post-installation.
Manage EPC or OEM service providers, including scope definition, contract negotiation, and field supervision.
Oversee field execution during outages, ensuring safety, quality, and compliance with technical specifications.
Approve method statements, lifting plans, and quality control documentation.
Maintain strict control of project budgets, invoices, and earned value metrics.
Track project milestones and issue regular progress reports to stakeholders.
Ensure commissioning documentation, performance test results, and punch list items are completed to closure.
Ensure compliance with local codes, environmental permits, safety regulations, and industry standards (ASME, API, ISO).
Prepare documentation for internal audits, insurance, or regulatory reporting.
Identify opportunities for plant digitalization, predictive analytics, or control system upgrades tied to turbine retrofits.
Support decarbonization goals by assessing hydrogen blending, fuel flexibility, or emissions reduction solutions.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Power, or Electrical Engineering
PMP Certification or equivalent project management credential preferred
Experience:
8–15 years in turbine systems or power plant project execution
Minimum 3–5 years managing turbine retrofit or upgrade projects (OEM or utility/IPPs)
Familiarity with major OEM platforms (GE, Siemens, MHI, Alstom, Ansaldo)
Solid understanding of gas/steam turbine operations, rotor/stator mechanics, combustion systems, and thermodynamics
Hands-on experience with outage execution, turbine teardown/assembly, and commissioning
Proficiency in project scheduling software (Primavera P6, MS Project) and engineering tools (AutoCAD, Navisworks, etc.)
Knowledge of ASME PTC codes, OEM specifications, and turbine design limits
Strong project leadership and stakeholder communication
Ability to manage cross-functional teams under high-pressure outage windows
Skilled in vendor coordination, field problem-solving, and documentation management
Detail-oriented with a proactive mindset for risk and cost mitigation