Turbine Performance Engineer

The Mid-Level Turbine Performance Engineer is responsible for analyzing, monitoring, and optimizing the performance of gas and steam turbines, ensuring optimal efficiency, reliability, and regulatory compliance. This role involves hands-on performance data interpretation, root cause analysis, and active support of maintenance and operations teams during both steady-state operations and transient conditions.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Performance Monitoring & Analysis

• Monitor turbine KPIs such as power output, heat rate, efficiency, fuel consumption, and emissions.

• Identify trends, anomalies, and degradation in real-time and historical performance data.

• Collaborate with operations to align performance with production goals.

2. Diagnostics & Troubleshooting

• Support troubleshooting efforts for performance-related issues (e.g., power loss, compressor fouling, exhaust temperature spread).

• Perform diagnostic evaluations of data to recommend operational adjustments or maintenance.

• Interface with OEM and controls engineers for performance-related tuning.

3. Performance Testing & Reporting

• Assist in the planning and execution of ASME PTC performance tests.

• Analyze and validate test data against design curves and OEM guarantees.

• Create performance reports and dashboards for internal and client stakeholders.

4. Modeling & Tools Usage

• Use tools like Thermoflow, GateCycle, PI System, and OEM platforms for simulation and monitoring.

• Maintain and improve predictive models based on site-specific operating conditions.

• Support the development of KPIs and analytics dashboards for performance tracking.

5. Support to O&M Teams

• Provide insights to maintenance teams during outages and help assess the performance impact of component repairs or replacements.

• Assist in planning compressor water washes, filter replacements, and turbine tuning activities based on performance diagnostics.

Key Focus Areas:

• Turbine Types:

  • Gas turbines: GE Frame/LM, Siemens SGT, Mitsubishi, Solar Turbines

  • Steam turbines: condensing, extraction, backpressure units

  • Combined-cycle (CCPP), cogeneration, and open-cycle systems

• Performance Metrics:

  • Heat Rate (kJ/kWh), thermal efficiency, net output, specific fuel consumption

  • Vibration patterns, exhaust gas temperature deviation, and NOx/CO emissions

  • Time-based performance degradation and start-stop impact

• Tools & Systems:

  • PI System / SCADA historians

  • Thermodynamic modeling (Thermoflow, GateCycle)

  • OEM systems (GE APM, Siemens Omnivise, Mitsubishi TOMONI)

• Standards & Methodologies:

  • ASME PTC 22 (Gas Turbines), PTC 6 (Steam Turbines)

  • API 616/617 for turbomachinery

  • Basic knowledge of ISO 2314 and ISO 3977 (performance and acceptance testing)

Qualifications & Skills:

• Education:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Power, or Energy Engineering (Master’s preferred for fast-track growth)

• Experience:

  • 3–8 years of relevant experience in turbine operations, performance monitoring, or energy systems analysis

• Technical Skills:

  • Understanding of Brayton and Rankine cycles

  • Proficiency in Excel, PI System, and modeling tools

  • Ability to interpret OEM data sheets and thermodynamic curves

• Soft Skills:

  • Analytical thinking and root-cause diagnostic ability

  • Strong communication with cross-functional teams

  • Proactive mindset for operational improvements