The Vice President of Engineering – Turbine Systems is accountable for setting the strategic engineering direction, performance roadmap, and technical leadership for the organization’s turbine fleet, including gas turbines, steam turbines, and expanders. This role oversees all aspects of turbine engineering, including design, upgrade strategies, lifecycle extension, reliability programs, and support for project execution. The VP leads a high-performing team of engineering professionals and works closely with OEMs, operations, and executive leadership to ensure the fleet meets safety, availability, and performance objectives.
Define and execute the long-term turbine engineering roadmap aligned with business goals, including reliability, emissions, cost, and performance targets.
Lead the adoption of next-generation turbine technologies (e.g., hydrogen co-firing, advanced materials, carbon capture readiness).
Collaborate with the C-suite on capital investment planning, asset modernization, and risk mitigation strategies.
Oversee the design review, validation, and qualification of new turbine systems and components.
Lead failure mode assessments, rotor life evaluation, and high-cycle fatigue analysis.
Establish best practices for hot gas path inspections, rotor overhauls, and component life tracking.
Drive continuous improvement in turbine heat rate, output, and reliability across the fleet.
Deploy diagnostic tools and analytics platforms to monitor turbine efficiency, vibration, and degradation.
Implement digital twin technology, performance modeling, and AI-driven fault detection.
Oversee implementation of RCM, RBI, and proactive maintenance strategies for turbine components.
Serve as the technical authority for major turbine events including forced outages and catastrophic failures.
Champion turbine integrity programs in alignment with OEM guidelines and industry standards (ASME, API, ISO).
Direct turbine-focused R&D efforts including new coating technologies, advanced blade materials, combustion optimization, and emissions reduction.
Liaise with universities, labs, and OEM partners to remain at the forefront of turbine engineering advancements.
Provide turbine engineering leadership for new build and repowering projects.
Guide OEM selection, proposal evaluations, and technical negotiations for turbine procurement or LTSA.
Lead major upgrade and retrofit programs with a focus on life extension and improved performance.
Build and lead a team of turbine specialists, mechanical engineers, analysts, and project engineers.
Mentor senior engineers and build engineering leadership capacity within the organization.
Promote a culture of engineering excellence, continuous learning, and innovation.
Present turbine engineering performance, risks, and investment plans to executive leadership and board members.
Interface with industry regulators and safety authorities regarding compliance and incident reporting.
Engage in industry forums, working groups, and technical committees to represent the organization.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (Master’s or PhD preferred)
PE license, Chartered Engineer status, or equivalent credential is a plus
Experience:
15–20+ years of engineering experience with gas and/or steam turbines in power generation, oil & gas, or turbomachinery OEM settings
At least 7+ years in a senior engineering leadership role with budget and team responsibility
Proven experience leading turbine failure investigations, design validation, and fleet-wide performance programs
Deep knowledge of turbine thermodynamics, blade dynamics, combustion, and control systems
Hands-on experience with turbine condition monitoring systems (vibration, temperature, performance)
Familiarity with standards such as API 612/616, ASME PTC 22, ISO 3977, and OEM specifications
Understanding of digital platforms: PI, APM, digital twins, and turbine analytics tools
Strong strategic thinking with the ability to balance technical rigor and business priorities
Exceptional communication and presentation skills for board-level audiences
Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams across global operations
Effective risk management, decision-making, and stakeholder alignment
Corporate headquarters or regional engineering center, with regular field visits
Domestic and international travel for inspections, project support, and vendor meetings (20–30%)
Executive-level representation in leadership forums and industry events