VP, Engineering

Job Summary :

The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the technical aspects of natural gas fueled combined cycle and peaking projects and assets, including : (a) technical feasibility of greenfield project origination and development, (b) technical due diligence of prospective asset acquisitions, and (c) technical support for Tenaska’s power generation fleet.

Eventually the role could also include involvement in the technical aspects of carbon dioxide (CO2) capture, pipeline, and sequestration projects.

The role is anticipated to include supervision of engineering personnel.

The candidate will be a key member of interdisciplinary business teams. As such, the candidate will work closely with : development executive management, commercial origination, real estate acquisition and development, public relations, environmental, finance, operations, asset management, and third parties (suppliers, service providers, customers, contractors, and partners).

Title will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. Domestic travel to project sites, conferences, and counterparty offices will be required.

Essential Job Functions :

• Lead a team of technical professionals, setting priorities and goals, and supporting professional development through (supervision, coaching and mentoring) consistent with company culture and core values;
• Serve as subject matter expert on thermal power generation technologies;
• Support and maintain professional relationships with key third parties;
• Lead engineering contractor selection and task scope development (such as heat balances, layout, civil design, electrical design, condition assessment, etc.)

Project Development related :

• Oversee technoeconomic analysis of project configurational options;
• Direct project layout analysis and conceptual design for all engineering discipline areas;
• Responsible for technology evaluation and selection;
• Lead preparation of project development and construction schedules;
• Lead analysis of project technical risk assessments and utilize to set priorities;
• Lead preparation of estimates of : capital costs, operating costs, and performance;
• Direct site technical feasibility reviews, including constructability, geotechnical investigation, hydrology studies, permittability, etc;
• Oversee development of technical specifications and coordinate bid processes for major equipment, engineering design, and construction services; and
• Work closely with the balance of the development team.

Asset and Acquisitions related :

• Lead technical due diligence assessments in support of Corporate Finance M&A activity;
• Provide advisory support for asset upgrade and capital improvement projects;
• Perform and maintain cost of new build to inform valuations;
• Review acquisition documentation (design documents, operating reports, and maintenance inspections);
• Perform / oversee key equipment condition assessments and performance analysis;
• Compile risk assessments and recommend adjustments to financial models; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies :

Results Consistently completes assigned tasks and projects by meeting or preceding deadlines, and exceeding expectations of supervisor.

Analyzes problems and makes well-reasoned, sound decisions. Plans, organizes and prioritizes workload to make best use of resources.

Displays drive and initiative. Leads change and can translate business strategy into specific goals.

Customer Focus Viewed as business partner by customer. Able to independently anticipate and act upon internal and external customer needs.

Deals effectively with changes in priorities, unexpected events or unanticipated demands. Delivers service that consistently exceeds quality standards.

Communication Skills Candid, clear and concise in communication. Effectively matches style, tone and method to audience.

Listens and often asks appropriate questions when necessary. Communicates information to others in a positive and professional manner.

Exemplifies confidence when communicating with all levels of management.

Teamwork Accepts responsibility as a team member and works to create high morale. Actively attentive to the concerns of others and the development of their potential.

Interacts successfully with people of all levels. Effectively delegates work and responsibility to achieve positive results.

Job Knowledge Outstanding knowledge in job and / or department. Constantly strives to gain additional expertise and knowledge.

Seeks out assignments or opportunities to broaden or strengthen skills. Uses knowledge in creative and effective manner.

Inspires others to stay current in technical expertise.

Technical Skills Holds himself / herself and others to high standards. He / she strives to maintain technical expertise, is proactive and inspires others.

Education / Skills / Experience :

Basic Requirements :

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from an accredited institution;
• A minimum of 15 years in energy sector engineering design and / or operations roles;
• At least 5 years prior experience with combustion turbine and / or reciprocating engine project design, permitting, construction, and / or operations;
• Demonstrated ability to build, coach, and lead technical and multidisciplinary teams;
• Past involvement with economic or financial analysis;
• Prior experience in project management roles;
• Experience supporting contract analysis for major equipment supply, long-term maintenance (i.e. LTSA ), and EPC agreements;
• Excellent MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint;
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills;
• Strong analytical capability and detail-orientation;
• Proactive approach toward seeking out and solving challenging problems;
• Strong work ethic, organized, disciplined, and highly adaptable;
• Outstanding ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-tasked environment;

Preferred Requirements :

• MS, Engineering and / or MBA;
• Registered Professional Engineer;
• 20+ years experience primarily in conventional thermal power project engineering;
• Significant experience in the development phase of projects;
• Hands-on experience with Thermoflow suite of software programs;
• Prior experience with design and construction of pipeline projects;
• Familiar with bulk electric systems interconnection processes; and
• Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Physical Demands :

Ability to use standard office equipment such as PC, telephone, calculator, printer, copy and fax machines. Position may require extended work hours on short notice.

All work will be performed in an indoor office environment and may require extended periods of sitting, standing and bending and typing / data entry.

The job may also include driving, and airline travel. Travel may be required to attend meetings in other office buildings including local and domestic.