Senior Performance Engineer

Job Summary

The Senior Performance Engineer will lead asset performance monitoring for a growing portfolio of power plants within our Renewable business. This role involves managing the performance monitoring team, ensuring accurate data collection, processing, and reporting, implementing AI-driven analytics, and identifying optimization opportunities.

The Senior Performance Engineer will be responsible for evaluating contractor and equipment performance against contractual KPIs and interfacing with sites, regional and head office performance evaluation teams. The role will also include onboarding new projects and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Asset Performance Monitoring & Optimization

• Oversee real-time monitoring and performance analysis of 15 power plants, identifying inefficiencies and improvement opportunities.

• Analyze plant data to identify underperformance and implement corrective actions.

• Develop and integrate AI-driven analytics and machine learning models for predictive maintenance and optimization.

• Ensure compliance with contractual performance requirements, industry regulations, and operational best practices.

• Ensure consistent and effective reporting on the performance of all plants on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis as might be required.

Contractor & Equipment Performance Evaluation

• Assess contractor and OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) performance against contractual KPIs, warranties, and guarantees.

• Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) of underperformance or failures and coordinate corrective action plans with contractors.

• Ensure contractual obligations related to plant efficiency, availability, and reliability are met.

• Develop periodic contractor and equipment performance reports for internal and external stakeholders.

Failure Event Analysis & Trend Monitoring

• Track and record failure events, conduct root cause analysis (RCA), and implement corrective actions to improve station availability.

• Analyze failure trends and equipment degradation to enhance predictive maintenance.

• Develop and conduct performance tests to assess equipment efficiency and system reliability.

Interface with Insurance & Risk Mitigation

• Identify risks and notify insurance providers of potential claims.

• Quantify and report financial losses due to equipment failures or underperformance.

• Work with legal and finance teams to ensure smooth claim processing and settlements.

Regulatory Compliance & Stakeholder Reporting

• Ensure adherence to design codes, regulatory standards, and PPA agreements.

• Represent the company in stakeholder meetings, regulatory audits, and lender discussions.

• Act as the Owner’s Technical Representative to external parties, ensuring compliance with contract obligations.

• Provide standard analytical reports with regards to each asset and be prepared to present information internally and externally as needed.

New Project Onboarding & Integration

• Lead performance monitoring setup for newly acquired or commissioned power plants.

• Ensure seamless integration of new assets into the company’s performance monitoring framework.

• Standardize performance benchmarking and reporting across the IPP portfolio.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Energy, or Industrial Engineering (or related field).

• 8+ years of experience in performance engineering within power generation, preferably in an IPP or utility environment.

• Strong understanding of power plant performance KPIs, thermodynamic modeling, and asset optimization.

• Experience evaluating contractor and equipment performance against contractual obligations.

• Familiarity with SCADA, data analytics platforms, AI applications, and predictive maintenance tools.

• Strong background in data processing, storage and analysis.

• Proven ability to manage and mentor teams, with excellent leadership and communication skills.

• Experience working with renewable and thermal generation assets is a plus.

Preferred Skills

• Proficiency in data analysis tools (Python, R, MATLAB, Power BI, or equivalent).

• Experience with AI and machine learning applications in performance monitoring.

• Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to performance improvement.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-plant operational environment.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to refine large data to a clear actionable message

ENGIE Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd is committed to equality, employment equity, and diversity. In accordance with the employment equity plan of ENGIE Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd and its employment equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited, to candidates from under-represented designated groups.  ENGIE Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd reserves the right not to make an appointment to the posts as advertised. Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply for positions.