Turbine Commissioning Engineer

The Senior Turbine Commissioning Engineer leads the complete commissioning, start-up, testing, and performance verification of gas and steam turbines and associated auxiliary systems at project sites. This role involves technical leadership, risk management, interface coordination with cross-functional teams, and ensures all systems meet operational, safety, and contractual performance criteria before handover.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Leadership in Commissioning Activities

• Lead and supervise the full cycle of commissioning activities for gas/steam turbines, including auxiliary systems and balance of plant integration.

• Coordinate with installation, QA/QC, controls, and OEM teams to align field activities with project schedule and quality standards.

2. System Readiness & Pre-Start Checks

• Review and approve mechanical completion packages, system walkdowns, and punch list closures.

• Validate system flushing, alignment, and readiness of lube oil, seal gas, jacking oil, and turning gear systems.

3. Execution of Turbine Start-Up

• Perform first rotation, rolling, firing/start-up, synchronization, and load ramp-up.

• Monitor and analyze critical parameters such as vibration, temperature, pressure, and trip signals.

• Lead trip testing, safety interlock validation, and logic testing with controls/DCS teams.

4. Performance Testing & Optimization

• Oversee functional and performance tests to validate turbine capacity, efficiency, and emissions compliance.

• Troubleshoot technical issues in real-time and implement corrective actions to stabilize operation.

5. Interface & Controls Coordination

• Work closely with instrumentation/controls engineers on PLC/DCS/Mark VIe, anti-surge, and Bently Nevada systems.

• Ensure proper I/O mapping, signal integrity, and protection logic.

6. Handover & Client Engagement

• Prepare final commissioning reports, test records, system turnover packages, and O&M handover documentation.

• Interface with client representatives during inspections, witness tests, and handover meetings.

7. Safety & Compliance

• Ensure strict adherence to LOTO, hot work, confined space, and site EHS standards.

• Lead toolbox talks, risk assessments, and participate in incident investigations (if required).

Key Focus Areas:

• Turbomachinery Scope:

  • GE Frame/LM series, Siemens SGT/SGT-8000H, Mitsubishi, Rolls-Royce, Solar Turbines

  • Steam turbines (condensing, extraction, industrial/utility scale)

  • Turbine-driven compressors, pumps, and generators

• Auxiliary Systems:

  • Lube oil, seal gas/oil, turning gear, fuel gas, nitrogen purge, jacking oil

  • Integration with Balance of Plant (BOP) and site-wide DCS/SCADA

• Controls & Protection:

  • GE Mark VIe, Siemens T3000/S7, Allen-Bradley, Woodward

  • Bently Nevada 3500 systems, vibration monitoring, emergency trip logic

  • Anti-surge control, performance curve testing, and condition monitoring

• Standards & Tools:

  • API 616 / 617 / 614 / 670 compliance

  • Advanced tools for alignment, vibration analysis, oil cleanliness, thermography

Qualifications & Skills:

• Education:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical / Electrical / Instrumentation / Control Engineering

• Experience:

  • 8–15 years of turbine commissioning/start-up experience in EPC, OEM, or operating companies

  • Must have led multiple successful turbine start-ups independently

• Certifications (Preferred):

  • OEM training certifications (GE, Siemens, Mitsubishi, Solar)

  • OSHA, H2S, First Aid, LOTO training

• Technical Skills:

  • Deep knowledge of turbine thermodynamics, start-up sequences, controls interface, and rotating equipment dynamics

  • Expertise in analyzing turbine performance data and field diagnostics

• Soft Skills:

  • Strong leadership, decision-making under pressure, and field team coordination

  • Clear communication with internal stakeholders, clients, and safety teams

  • Ability to train junior engineers and support knowledge transfer