Senior Project Engineer - Standard Plant - NET Power LLC

About NET Power  

Passionate about making an impact? We are. At NET Power we are driven by our vision of empowering a clean world by globally deploying affordable and reliable zero-emissions energy. We are a well-capitalized, public clean energy technology company based in Durham, North Carolina with operations in Houston and La Porte, Texas.  

Our impact is transformational.  

NET Power technology doesn’t just reduce the world’s carbon footprint. It delivers the Energy Trifecta: Reliable, Low-Cost, Clean Energy. A winning solution for everyone.  

Job Overview

NET Power is seeking a highly skilled Senior Project Engineer to play a holistic role in the development of NET Power’s standard plant product, starting with our first commercial facility, Project Permian. This individual will serve as the key technical representative for the project, collaborating closely with our Owner's Engineer, FEED/EPC contractor, and various partners across all systems and subsystems to ensure its successful deployment. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in diverse engineering disciplines, along with expertise in project management, engineering management, and project development and demonstrate an eagerness and willingness to solve difficult problems in dynamic, complex environments.  

This role will be based in Houston, TX.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Work closely with NET Power’s engineering team, product team, key partners, project management team, FEED/EPC contractor, Owner's Engineer, and other stakeholders to develop and execute the plan for Project Permian in line with NET Power’s Standard Plant product requirements and goals.
• Serve as the key representative and interface for project needs within the NET Power systems engineering framework, ensuring NET Power’s validation and verification needs are met throughout the project lifecycle.
• Lead multidisciplinary engineering teams in designing, procuring, and constructing various systems and subsystems of the project facility, ensuring compliance with technical specifications, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage all aspects of technical development across the project lifecycle, driving decisions with appropriate teams to ensure product requirements and long-term goals are balanced with project cost, schedule, and resources.
• Support or oversee tendering processes, including the preparation of bid documents, evaluation of proposals, and negotiations with contractors and suppliers to secure favorable terms and agreements.
• Develop and manage project technical specifications for equipment, materials, and services, ensuring alignment with NET Power’s product requirements, performance standards, and quality assurance protocols.
• Lead system integration and optimization efforts to enhance the overall efficiency, reliability, and performance of the project; driving suppliers and contractors to deliver solutions on time and within our specifications.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to identify and evaluate opportunities for innovation, cost optimization, and value engineering throughout the project lifecycle.
• Foster a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement within the project team, promoting best practices, lessons learned, and knowledge sharing initiatives.

Education and Required Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, preferably in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, or related field. Master's degree or equivalent experience is a plus. Experience across a variety of disciplines preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in project engineering, management, and development, preferably within the energy, power generation, or process industries. Familiarity with carbon capture, oxy-combustion, or CO2 power cycles preferred.
• Proven track record of successfully leading large-scale (>500MM USD) engineering projects, from inception to completion, with a focus on technical excellence, innovation, and value creation.
• Expertise in project management methodologies, tools, and techniques, with demonstrated proficiency in planning, scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience in tendering processes, contract management, and vendor/supplier relationships.
• In-depth knowledge and experience in system integration, optimization, and plant engineering, with specific expertise in gas turbines, reciprocating engines, and air separation units
• Experience in developing first-of-a-kind technology
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, stakeholders, and external partners.
• Travel as needed to project sites, vendor facilities, and meetings with stakeholders up to 40% of the time.

Additional Requirements

Candidates must be able to perform essential functions as outlined above, including but not limited to:

• Work effectively in an office environment
• Operate at a computer and sit for long periods of time
• Repeat motions that may include the wrists, hands, or fingers
• Position is sedentary with occasional light lifting

What NET Power Offers You

• Amazing growth and learning opportunities
• Comprehensive benefits package
• 401K with company contribution
• Generous vacation policy
• Catered in-office lunches
• Be a part of changing the world

NET Power is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.

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