Principal Mechanical Engineer [HOU]

Introduction

At Hanwha Ocean EPU, we empower our people to engineer the future of sustainable energy through meaningful work on cutting-edge offshore, onshore, and global infrastructure projects that create lasting impact for industries and communities worldwide.

As we evolve into a comprehensive EPCI(O) solutions provider, our expanding portfolio now spans FPSO, FLNG, floating production units, renewables, onshore power generation, and future centric infrastructure projects. Our globally connected teams collaborate across regions and disciplines to solve complex engineering challenges and deliver world-class end-to-end solutions.

Explore opportunities to be part of our dynamic team at the Energy Plant Unit and contribute to groundbreaking projects that redefine the onshore and offshore industry. #OneEPU

Position Overview

As Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will be the technical cornerstone of our onshore power plant EPC (Engineering, Procurement & Construction) team. You’ll guide multidisciplinary engineers through the full project lifecycle — from concept design to commissioning/testing — ensuring that every mechanical system is optimized for performance, reliability, and safety. Your leadership will directly influence the success of multi-million-dollar projects, shaping infrastructure that will operate for decades. 

The ideal candidate brings 10+ years of experience in onshore natural‑gas‑based power generation and industrial facilities, gained within Engineering organizations, EPC/EPCI contractors, project developers, or utility organizations. You must have led Mechanical engineering tasks for complex power/microgrid projects and possess strong experience across Pre‑FEED, FEED, and EPC(I) phases, including bid‑phase technical definition. Project experience includes simple‑cycle/combined‑cycle plants with gas turbines, gas engines, HRSGs, steam turbines, and Balance‑of‑Plant systems.

This role provides end‑to‑end discipline leadership from FEED through EPC execution phase, including developing and reviewing engineering deliverables, including P&IDs, flow schematics, equipment datasheets/specifications, sizing calculations, preparing piping layouts/isometric drawings, valve lists/line lists, general arrangements, and equipment layouts.

The role requires coordination with multidisciplinary teams — civil, electrical, , instrumentation & controls as well as project management—to integrate mechanical designs seamlessly into the overall plant layout.

Key Responsibility

• Lead the process and mechanical engineering scope for large-scale onshore power plant EPC projects, ensuring compliance with international codes (ASME, API, ISO) and client specifications. Familiarity working with software such as Bluebeam and Navisworks.
• Oversee the design and integration of critical systems such as boilers, turbines, condensers, heat exchangers, piping networks, and balance-of-plant equipment.
• Review and approve engineering deliverables, including P&IDs, equipment datasheets, equipment and piping layout in 3D models, and stress analysis reports.
• You will lead design review sessions navigating 3D model review with multi-disciplinary team and stakeholders.
• Manage vendor selection, technical bid evaluations, and FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing) for major mechanical equipment.
• Provide technical guidance during construction, pre-commissioning, and commissioning phases, resolving site issues in real time.
• Drive value engineering initiatives to optimize cost, schedule, and performance without compromising safety or quality.
• Provide technical support during construction, including resolving field engineering issues, reviewing contractor submittals, and conducting site inspections.
• Champion safety in design, incorporating constructability reviews and risk assessments into every stage of the project.
• Provide technical leadership for complex design issues involving decisions impacting project schedule and cost issues.
• Serve as the primary technical interface with internal global engineering centers, EPC contractors, OEMs, system integrators, and clients.
• Ensure compliance with applicable safety, regulatory, and industry requirements (OSHA, EPA)

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Mechanical Engineering.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license in U.S. is required.
• 10+ years of mechanical engineering experience in large-scale power plant EPC projects, with at least 3 years in a lead role.
• Proven expertise in gas turbines/rotating equipment, gas engines, cooling systems, steam cycle systems, high-pressure piping design, and other Balance of Plant (BoP) systems used in power plants.
• Strong knowledge of EPC project execution, from FEED to commissioning/performance testing.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work in fast-paced, multicultural project environments and travel to project sites as needed.
• Proven leadership and mentoring capability, with experience leading engineering teams and complex design efforts.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical decision-making skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in an EPC/EPCI environment.
• Ability to work effectively with internal teams, global engineering centers, vendors, EPC contractors, and clients.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with gas turbine, combined-cycle, renewable, nuclear, or hybrid power generation facilities, including greenfield and brownfield projects.
• Experience supporting mission-critical or high-availability loads, including data centers, industrial campuses, or critical infrastructure.
• Familiarity with high-availability power architectures, including redundancy (N, N+1), fault tolerance, and recovery strategies.
• Understanding of reliability, availability, and maintainability (RAM) principles for power generation and distribution systems.
• Experience on projects with stringent uptime, performance, or operational continuity requirements.
• Ability to work safely and effectively in operating power plant and construction environments.
• Ability to coordinate with operations, maintenance, commissioning, and construction teams.
• Strong documentation, organizational, and project execution skills.
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, including global engineering centers.
• Fluent in English, with strong written and verbal technical communication skills.

Diversity and Inclusion

Hanwha believes that diversity and inclusion are vital to our success. We believe that by embracing different ideas and approaches, we enhance our ability to deliver the best results for our employees, our environment, and ultimately our business partners and customers. We foster a culture where all colleagues are able to share their passions and ideas in order that we may collectively embrace and overcome the challenges in our industry, and work toward a brighter future.

Hanwha is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age, or any other federally protected class.