Mechanical Engineer - Power Generation

Discipline/Focus

Natural Gas
Overview

Kimley-Horn's Chicago Western Suburbs (IL) office is seeking a Mechanical Engineer with 10+ years of experience to join their Power Generation team!

Responsibilities

• Prepare cost estimates, project work plans, and schedules, and perform work that requires independent judgment in evaluating, selecting, adapting, and modifying standard engineering methods and criteria.
• Provide guidance, technical direction, and mentorship to junior team members.
• Maintain regular communication and coordination with clients and external partners.
• Lead mechanical engineering efforts for natural gas and coal‑fired power generation projects.
• Design and support systems related to Air Quality Control and Effluent Limitation Guidelines.
• Perform comprehensive piping system design, including pipe and valve selection/sizing, material selection (fittings, gaskets, etc.), pipe routing, and pipe support design.
• Develop and review P&IDs to ensure accurate representation of system components and operation.
• Conduct mechanical equipment condition assessments and perform lifecycle cost analyses.
• Design plumbing systems for sanitary and potable water applications.
• Engineer pumping and piping systems for a variety of fluids and gases, including blowers, steam, and compressed air.
• Select and size tanks and vessels to meet project and process requirements.
• Specify and coordinate instrumentation selection and placement for pumps, tanks, and vessels.
• You will work closely and collaboratively with other industry leading professionals, various jurisdictions, and contractors.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant engineering design experience in Power Generation
• Experience with simple cycle, combined cycle plants using natural gas, fuel oil, and diesel and/or coal-fired generation is preferred. 
• Professional Engineering (P.E.) A license in Mechanical Engineering or a relevant degree
• Strong technical engineering focus, experience in GT Pro or similar gas power performance modelling software would be beneficial.
• Understands project life cycle, feasibility studies, competitive bidding of large power plants, engineering and construction of large power plants, commissioning, and operations phase of the plant. 
• Strong power engineering background for power plant projects and familiar with owners’ engineer and/or technical advisory services, including feasibility and conceptual studies.
• Experience with task management, concept design, and assisting with project management tasks
• Familiar with coordinating with clients, attending client meetings, and overseeing quality standards

Salary Range: $100,000 - $160,000

Why Kimley-Horn?

At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it— that’s why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn’s placement on the Fortune “100 Best Companies to Work” list for 19 years!

Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn

• Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to1- company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
• Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
• Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.

Position Type

Experienced