The Role:The
Staff MEP Engineer serves as the senior mechanical, electrical, plumbing technical authority for the power generation and microgrid portfolio and provides technical leadership to all mechanical engineers on the team. This role owns mechanical system architecture, engineering governance, and complex technical decision-making for engine-based power plants, spanning fuel gas systems, heat rejection, lubrication, starting air, exhaust and emissions interfaces, and building mechanical systems. The Staff MEP Engineer defines scalable, repeatable mechanical solutions across a multi-project portfolio, establishes and enforces engineering standards, and resolves high-risk technical challenges affecting plant performance, reliability, and schedule.
Responsibilities- Lead and direct the mechanical,engineering,plumbing engineering team: assign and review work, set technical priorities, establish checking discipline, and develop engineers across concurrent projects.
- Serve as Subject Matter Expert for mechanical balance of plant on reciprocating engine power generation, including fuel gas systems, cooling water circuits, lube oil, compressed and starting air, exhaust, and emissions equipment interfaces.
- Define and approve mechanical system architectures, equipment arrangements, and plot plans for modular, scalable power plants.
- Lead and approve P&IDs, piping and equipment specifications, line and equipment lists, and issue-for-construction mechanical packages.
- Author, approve, and maintain corporate mechanical standards, specifications, and design guidelines, driving standardization across the portfolio.
- Direct mechanical system studies, including fuel gas hydraulics and pressure regulation, cooling hydraulics and heat rejection, exhaust backpressure, pipe stress, relief and vent design, ventilation and combustion air, and utility consumption.
- Own building mechanical scope for engine halls and electrical buildings, including ventilation, HVAC, and fire protection interfaces.
- Establish the mechanical basis of design for each project, including site ambient and altitude effects on equipment rating and performance.
- Provide final technical authority on vendor mechanical packages (engine auxiliaries, balance-of-plant skids, radiators, emissions systems), including specification, bid evaluation, submittal review, and interface resolution.
- Coordinate mechanical interfaces with the engine OEM, EPC contractor, owner's engineer, gas supplier, and authorities having jurisdiction.
- Support construction and commissioning: respond to RFIs, disposition field changes, witness critical mechanical testing, and support first fuel gas introduction and engine startup.
- Lead high-risk troubleshooting and mechanical failure investigations from root cause through corrective action and standards feedback.
- Participate in executive-level safety and technical risk reviews, and support long-range technical planning and capital strategy.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited program
- Licensed Professional Engineer
- 12 or more years of progressive mechanical engineering experience, including substantial experience with mechanical balance of plant for engine- or turbine-based power generation or comparable heavy industrial facilities
- Demonstrated design experience with fuel gas systems (pressure regulation, conditioning, valve trains) and closed-loop cooling and heat rejection systems
- Expert working knowledge of ASME codes (including B31.1/B31.3 piping), NFPA standards applicable to engine installations and fuel gas, and applicable mechanical and building codes
- Proven ability to take mechanical designs from basis of design through installable, code-compliant construction packages and support them in the field
- Experience leading, checking, and developing other engineers
- Strong vendor, contractor, and cross-discipline coordination skills, with effective verbal and written communication
- Ability and willingness to travel to project sites, including overnight stays
- Valid Driver's License
- Large reciprocating gas engine platform experience (Caterpillar or similar), including engine auxiliary systems and OEM installation requirements
- Experience on islanded, black-start, or behind-the-meter power generation facilities
- Gas flow and hydraulic modeling experience supporting pipeline interconnect, metering, and plant distribution design
- SCR and emissions control system integration experience
- Mechanical failure analysis or root-cause investigation background
- Multi-jurisdiction PE registration; Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Work Location & Travel Requirements- Location: Austin, TX with regular travel to West Texas project sites
- Work Environment: Office and Field; active construction and industrial plant environments, including work around energized equipment and operating machinery
- Travel %: 25-50%, increasing during critical design, construction, and commissioning windows
Physical Demands:- Regular use of hands to handle, finger, and reach tools, test equipment, and materials
- Required to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and climb as needed, including work at elevation and in confined spaces
- Must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and heavier items with appropriate assistance or mechanical equipment
- Required vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
- Must be able to work in and around energized electrical equipment while wearing required personal protective equipment
- Must be able to tolerate conditions associated with field and construction environments, including heat, cold, dust, noise, and limited climate control
What You Will Love About Us- Best People and Team. Great Place to Work , Hire Vets, Top Place to Work For - Austin American Statesman
- Your Well-Being is a Priority. 100% covered Medical, Dental, and Vision
- Invest in Your Future. 401K with company match, immediate vesting
- Relax and Recharge. Paid time off (non-rotational roles), 15+ company paid holidays
