Turbine Performance Engineer

The Senior Turbine Performance Engineer leads performance analysis and optimization initiatives for gas and/or steam turbines, focusing on efficiency, heat rate, capacity, degradation detection, and operational reliability. The role includes leading performance investigations, conducting diagnostic assessments, interfacing with OEMs, and supporting continuous improvement across assets.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Performance Analysis & Optimization

• Lead the analysis of turbine KPIs: output, heat rate, fuel consumption, and efficiency.

• Identify performance degradation trends using operational data, thermodynamic modeling, and historical comparisons.

• Propose and implement performance improvement actions and upgrades.

2. Advanced Troubleshooting

• Perform root-cause analysis for underperformance or abnormal behavior (e.g., vibration, compressor fouling, exhaust temp spread).

• Interface with OEMs and maintenance teams to resolve technical issues.

• Use diagnostic tools to detect turbine or auxiliary system anomalies.

3. Testing & Commissioning Support

• Lead performance guarantee tests and post-outage performance validation.

• Support start-up, tuning, and post-maintenance optimization for gas/steam turbines.

• Validate compliance with design guarantees and customer performance requirements.

4. Modeling & Digital Analytics

• Utilize and refine thermodynamic models (e.g., GateCycle, Thermoflow) for real-time and long-term analysis.

• Leverage data historian tools (OSIsoft PI, GE APM, Siemens Omnivise) for predictive analytics and anomaly detection.

• Develop dashboards, KPIs, and reports for asset performance tracking.

5. Reporting & Strategy

• Prepare and present technical reports to operations, engineering leadership, and clients.

• Contribute to long-term reliability strategies by recommending operational or design changes.

• Provide technical mentoring and guidance to junior performance engineers.

Key Focus Areas:

• Turbomachinery Covered:

  • Gas turbines (GE Frame/LM, Siemens, Mitsubishi, Solar, Rolls-Royce)

  • Steam turbines (condensing, reheat, extraction)

  • Combined Cycle Power Plants (CCPP), cogeneration units

• Performance Metrics:

  • Output (MW), Heat Rate (kJ/kWh), Efficiency (%)

  • Specific fuel consumption, emissions (NOx, CO, CO₂)

  • Compressor fouling indicators, exhaust temperature spread, run-time metrics

• Tools & Software:

  • PI System, Honeywell PHD, SCADA data platforms

  • Thermodynamic modeling (Thermoflow, GateCycle, GE PEAMS)

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

• Standards & Methods:

  • ASME PTC 22/6 for performance testing

  • API 616, 617, 670 for turbomachinery design/performance

  • ISO 2314, ISO 3977 for thermal efficiency and acceptance testing

Qualifications & Skills:

• Education:

  • Bachelor's or Master’s Degree in Mechanical / Aerospace / Power / Energy Engineering

• Experience:

  • 8–15 years of experience in turbine performance engineering, ideally with an OEM, EPC, or utility operator

• Certifications (Preferred):

  • OEM training (GE, Siemens, Mitsubishi)

  • Thermodynamic performance testing (ASME/ISO courses)

  • Six Sigma or Root-Cause Analysis certifications (optional)

• Technical Skills:

  • Deep understanding of Brayton and Rankine cycles

  • Ability to build and analyze detailed performance models

  • Strong troubleshooting experience across rotating and auxiliary systems

• Soft Skills:

  • Strong communication and reporting ability

  • Cross-functional coordination with operations, controls, and maintenance teams

  • Leadership and mentoring capabilities