Title: Project Development Engineer
Position Type: Contract
Location: Alliquippa, PA
Reports to: Project Director
Key Requirements:
- 10+ years of experience in power project development, engineering, or EPC support
- Familiarity with gas turbine power generation systems, especially greenfield development
- Strong understanding of permitting, BOP systems, and early-phase engineering
- Hands-on approach with excellent cross-functional coordination skills
- Ability to support transition from development to execution and field mobilization
Job Summary:
NAES has a great opportunity for an experienced Project Development Engineer to support the early-stage development of a simple-cycle natural gas power plant located in Western Pennsylvania. This role will play a critical part in advancing the technical and commercial readiness of the project by supporting front-end engineering, equipment selection, permitting coordination, and construction planning activities.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Support technical development and design coordination for a large-scale power generation project
- Conduct feasibility analyses, engineering reviews, and risk assessments
- Collaborate with OEMs and EPCs to develop technical scopes, schedules, and cost estimates
- Assist with the procurement of major equipment and BOP systems
- Participate in permitting and environmental compliance processes
- Provide input into project budgeting, scheduling, and execution planning
- Conduct site assessments and support constructability and logistics planning
- Coordinate with internal teams, consultants, and external stakeholders to move the project from development to construction readiness
- Contribute to regular project updates and leadership presentations
Job Requirements:
- Strong knowledge of gas turbine systems and balance-of-plant (BOP) infrastructure
- Experience supporting permitting, interconnection, and environmental compliance processes
- Proven ability to review and interpret engineering design packages and technical specifications
- Familiarity with procurement planning, budgeting, and early-stage project scheduling
- Demonstrated success collaborating with OEMs, EPCs, and internal cross-functional teams
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to present technical concepts to leadership
- Ability to work independently and drive development activities with minimal oversight
- Proficiency in tools such as MS Project, Excel, and engineering collaboration platforms preferred
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to work at a computer for extended periods and participate in meetings on-site or virtually.
- Occasional project site visits may require walking, climbing stairs/ladders, and wearing appropriate safety gear.
Education / Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, or similar) required
- 10+ years of relevant experience in project development or early-phase EPC projects
- Experience with natural gas or power generation projects strongly preferred
- Master's degree or relevant certifications a plus