About the Role
The Power Plant Commissioning Lead will oversee the commissioning and startup of a behind-the-meter simple cycle power generation facility featuring aeroderivative gas turbines (LM6000-class) and an integrated Reverse Osmosis/Electrodeionization (RO/EDI) water treatment system. This role emphasizes fast-track execution typical of aeroderivative plants, ensuring safe, efficient testing, verification, and handover of all systems—including turbine packages, balance of plant (BOP), electrical systems, controls, and high-purity water production for NOx control or power augmentation. The successful candidate will lead a multidisciplinary team to deliver the plant on schedule, within budget, and in full compliance with safety, environmental, and performance standards.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute commissioning plans : site-specific plans, procedures, schedules, and manuals tailored to aeroderivative gas turbine simple cycle configurations and RO/EDI water treatment systems.
- Lead pre-commissioning activities: including system inspections, flushing, drying, functional testing, energization, and vendor coordination for modular turbine packages.
- Supervise commissioning of aeroderivative gas turbine systems: first fire, synchronization, reliability runs, fast-start testing (typically 5-10 minute ramp), emissions tuning, and performance verification.
- Oversee commissioning of the RO/EDI water treatment plant: membrane testing, chemical cleaning, startup sequencing, conductivity/resistivity verification, and integration for demineralized water supply (e.g., power augmentation spray intercooling, NOx water injection, or auxiliary needs).
- Manage BOP systems commissioning: including fuel gas, lube oil, cooling air/water, inlet/evaporative cooling (if present), fire protection, and high-voltage electrical distribution.
- Coordinate with OEM representatives, subcontractors, and vendors: for specialized tasks such as borescope inspections, controls tuning, and modular package integration.
- Ensure rigorous adherence to HSE protocols: including LOTO, risk assessments, permit-to-work, and environmental compliance (e.g., emissions limits, wastewater handling).
- Interface with construction, operations, clients, and regulators: to resolve punch list items, track progress, and facilitate plant handover.
- Troubleshoot issues during testing/startup: ensuring systems meet design specs, contractual guarantees (power output, heat rate, ramp rates).
- Prepare commissioning reports: lessons learned, turnover documentation, and support operations training.
- Monitor schedule adherence : capitalizing on the rapid installation advantages of aeroderivative modular packages.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering; professional certifications (e.g., PE) or OEM-specific training preferred.
- 8+ years of power plant commissioning experience, with at least 5 years in leadership roles on aeroderivative gas turbine projects.
- Proven hands-on experience commissioning LM6000-class (or equivalent aeroderivative) gas turbines in simple cycle applications.
- Specific knowledge of RO/EDI systems for power plant water treatment, including ultrapure water production and integration with turbine auxiliaries.
- Familiarity with fast-start capabilities, water/steam injection systems, modular packaging, and modern turbine control systems.
- Strong expertise in safety management, project scheduling (e.g., Primavera/MS Project), and relevant standards (ASME, IEEE, EPA emissions). ● Skills : Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills; experience managing teams in dynamic, high-pressure site environments.
- Willingness for extensive travel and prolonged on-site assignments (e.g., 6-12 months), including shift work during startup phases.
- Proficiency in English; additional languages advantageous for global projects.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with advanced aeroderivative configurations (e.g., higher output packages or hydrogen-capable systems).
- Knowledge of continuous emissions monitoring (NOx, CO).
- Background in water chemistry, membrane systems, and EDI polishing for high-resistivity water.
- Strong stakeholder management for resolving conflicts and ensuring contractual compliance.
