Director, Thermal Engineering Development

POSITION DESCRIPTION

THE COMPANY

Onward Energy is an independent power platform that owns and operates over 7 GW of utility-scale wind, solar and natural gas generation projects across the U.S. Our Vision is to reliably power a sustainable future. Our Mission is that as North America’s premier independent power generator, we will deliver renewable and reliable power to our customers, opportunities to our associates, sustainable returns to the families who invest in us, and a better world to the next generation. Based in Denver, New York and Charlotte, Onward Energy is a company where people and power are always on. We are where renewable meets reliable. See www.onwardenergy.com for more information.

THE CHALLENGE

The Director, Thermal Engineering Development, is responsible for engineering design and procurement processes for Onward Energy’s development activities. This role is critical in ensuring that projects across multiple technologies, with a primary focus on thermal, are executed efficiently, on time, and within budget. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in technical design, equipment procurement, EPC negotiation, project management and plant operations within the energy industry.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Project Management: Oversee the planning, design, engineering and procurement phases of all projects, ensuring they are completed on schedule, within budget, and to the specified quality standards
• Engineering: Lead plant engineering development activities, including:
  • Technology review
  • Plant configuration design
  • Equipment evaluation, selection, and validation
  • Plant electrical, structural, mechanical, and civil engineering design
  • Plant costing and scheduling for development and construction
  • Assisting with the development of permitting and siting criteria
  • Negotiating owners' engineering service agreements, equipment supply and maintenance agreements and EPC agreements
  • Negotiating and managing independent engineering agreements
  • Evaluation of commercial risks associated with engineering/technical-based contracts, and
  • Development of technical engineering documents
• Key Industry Relationships and Contact Negotiation: Expand existing company relationships focused on major equipment suppliers, EPC and engineering contractors. Negotiate contracts and ensure compliance with terms, schedules, and specifications
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks associated with design engineering, procurement, and construction processes. Ensure that all projects comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards
• Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams and external partners to coordinate and ensure alignment across all departments, including development, environmental, safety, finance, legal, asset management, and operations, etc.
• Budget Oversight: Manage development and construction budgets. Ensure that projects are delivered within approved financial parameters
• Regulatory and Industry Awareness: Stay informed of industry trends, key regulatory changes (tariffs, permitting, etc.) and technology advancements
• Corporate Culture: Embrace Onward Energy’s culture of excellence, collaboration and continuous learning

THE PROFILE TO SUCCEED

• Strong leadership and team management skills. Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage complex projects efficiently and resolve issues effectively
• Proficiency in common engineering and project management software and tools
• A natural self-starter who is comfortable in a lean, collaborative team
• Exceptional work ethic with team first mentality

THE PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to accomplish physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Ability to stand, walk, talk, hear, and close and distance vision capability.
• Ability to sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, and/or crouch.
• Ability to climb over, through and move plant equipment as needed
• Ability to travel as needed to support the work – approximately 10%

THE TEAM

The Onward Energy team is comprised of industry professionals who embrace the Company’s values of accountability, adaptability, collaboration, and excellence. At Onward Energy, we seek to find solutions and proactively solve challenges

THE WORK ENVIRONMENT

The position functions in a smoke and vape-free professional office environment. The role routinely utilizes standard office equipment such as a laptop computer, phone, and scanner/photocopier.

The Company is a hybrid work environment and employees are expected to be in the office three days a week.

THE TOTAL REWARDS

Onward Energy total rewards philosophy is motivated by a key tenet of People First and offers associates a comprehensive total rewards package, which includes market-competitive compensation, health, life insurance, and retirement savings benefits.

If you require accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a disability to Recruiting@onwardenergy.com.

EEO STATEMENT:

Onward Energy is an Affirmative Action Employer, Females/Minority/Veterans/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.