About this role
Senior Mechanical Engineer - Power Generation Projects
TA Smith Combined Cycle Facility | Near Dalton, Georgia | Greater Chattanooga Area
Oglethorpe Power is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead mechanical design, reliability, and capital-project work supporting our generation fleet. Based at our TA Smith Combined Cycle Facility near Dalton, Georgia, this role is ideal for an experienced engineer who enjoys solving complex system challenges and turning sound engineering into reliable plant improvements.
TA Smith offers the opportunity to work near Chattanooga while enjoying access to North Georgia's outdoor recreation, lower cost of living, and a strong community feel. It is an appealing location for candidates considering a move to the Southeast.
You will work primarily at the combined-cycle facility and will have opportunities to contribute across the fleet at combustion turbine and pumped-storage hydroelectric facilities, helping shape projects from early design through installation, commissioning, and long-term performance. This is not solely a maintenance-support role; it is a chance to influence equipment selection, system design, outage strategy, and the future reliability of critical generation assets.
What You'll Do
- Lead the design, selection, installation, and optimization of mechanical systems and balance-of-plant equipment.
- Plan and support minor and major equipment overhauls and outages.
- Develop and execute capital projects that improve long-term plant reliability, performance, and maintainability.
- Review drawings, specifications, design calculations, and technical analyses for projects in development or under construction.
- Provide expertise in gas and steam turbine technology, rotating equipment, predictive and preventive maintenance, and mechanical system performance.
- Support and monitor mechanical inspections, including the High Energy Piping Program.
- Partner with plant leaders on system design, budgeting analysis, performance evaluations, and business decisions.
- Coordinate plant operations personnel, contractors, engineering firms, construction partners, and maintenance providers during assigned projects, equipment checkouts, modifications, and troubleshooting.
What You'll Bring
- A strong foundation in commercial power generation and an ability to connect design decisions to real-world plant operation, reliability, and economics.
- Mechanical design expertise, particularly in balance-of-plant systems, rotating equipment, gas turbines, and steam turbines.
- Experience planning outages; supporting equipment installation and commissioning; and managing complex work with contractors and craft labor.
- The communication skills and professional presence to make credible technical recommendations to operating, maintenance, engineering, and leadership teams.
- An organized, self-directed approach to managing multiple priorities and moving projects forward.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Engineering Technology; a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering is preferred.
- At least five years of engineering experience.
- At least two years of field experience supporting construction or outages at a commercial electric power-generating plant, including planning, equipment installation, and commissioning.
- Valid driver's license meeting Oglethorpe Power's Driver Qualification Program requirements.
- OSHA and Lockout/Tagout training are preferred.
This role includes periodic travel for factory acceptance tests and inspections, along with occasional extended schedules, weekends, or evenings based on project and outage needs.
Oglethorpe Power is an equal opportunity employer.