Director of Engineering

Our client, a premier independent power generation and energy infrastructure organisation, is seeking an experienced Director of Engineering to join their leadership team. This role will drive the origination, technical development, engineering design, contracting, and project management for natural gas–fuelled power projects.  
Beyond conventional thermal power, this key position offers exposure to emerging energy transition initiatives, including carbon capture and storage (CCS), asset acquisition due diligence, and fleet support. Working as part of a cross-functional leadership team, the Director of Engineering will collaborate closely with commercial, project development, finance, environmental, and asset management teams, as well as key external market partners.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Team Leadership: Mentor, supervise, and develop a high-performing engineering team, fostering a culture of technical excellence and professional growth.  
Project Development & Design: Direct project layout, conceptual designs, and technoeconomic evaluations for thermal power projects across all engineering disciplines.  
Technology Selection & Procurement: Serve as the subject matter expert on thermal power generation technologies (gas turbines and reciprocating engines); lead technology evaluations and oversee equipment and EPC contractor procurement.  
Project Delivery & Feasibility: Direct site feasibility reviews (geotechnical, hydrology, permitting) and ensure multi-disciplinary project delivery on schedule, within budget, and to quality standards.  
M&A and Asset Management Support: Lead technical due diligence for prospective acquisitions, review plant operating performance, and maintain cost models to inform corporate valuations.  
Decarbonisation Initiatives: Provide specialised technical support for carbon dioxide capture, pipeline, and sequestration (CCS) projects.

Qualifications & Candidate Profile
Basic Requirements:

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution.  
Experience: Minimum of 15 years in energy sector engineering design and/or operations, with at least 5 years specifically focused on combustion turbine and/or reciprocating engine project design, permitting, construction, or operations.  
Leadership: Proven track record building, mentoring, and guiding technical teams.  
Commercial Acumen: Hands-on experience with equipment supply contracts, LTSAs, EPC agreements, and financial/economic evaluations.  
Core Competencies: Strong analytical, problem-solving, and cross-functional project management skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s Degree in Engineering or MBA.  
Mechanical or Chemical Engineering degree with PE registration and/or PMP certification.  
20+ years of conventional thermal power project development and engineering experience.  
Expertise in heat balances, thermal performance modelling, bulk electric system interconnections, and GIS planning applications.

Strategic Competencies for Success
To excel in this role, the ideal candidate will demonstrate strength across three core focus areas:

Technical Depth: Deep expertise in thermal power technology optimisation, performance modelling, and EPC execution.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to bridge engineering solutions with commercial origination, corporate finance, and M&A activities.
People Leadership: A strong commitment to mentoring direct reports and building cohesive, high-performing technical teams.