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Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Senior Thermal Performance Engineer
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Based on Missouri data
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What they do
A Performance Engineer designs and develops computer software and applications using system performance engineering strategies. Uses an ongoing, comprehensive approach to developing computer software and applications for a company or customer. Assists with computer software and application design, coding, testing and quality assurance work.
$124,064 / year median in Missouri
-2% projected decline
Job Description
At Associated Electric Cooperative, we're committed to providing reliable energy to the communities we serve with passion and precision. We're a tight-knit team dedicated to keeping the lights on and the energy flowing smoothly across our expansive network! From technical to operational to professional disciplines, our team brings a wide variety of skills, talents, and expertise to the table. We believe in both dedicating ourselves to excellence and investing in your growth. As a Senior Thermal Performance Engineer, you will monitor and improve plant heat rate, reliability, and availability across our power generation fleet. You will use thermodynamics, data analysis, and project management expertise to optimize thermal efficiency and support economic dispatch in a wholesale utility environment. This role blends hands-on performance testing, engineering analysis, and cross-functional collaboration to drive measurable improvements in plant operations. What You'll Do Lead fleet-wide unit performance testing initiatives, including heat rate, capacity, and system optimization studies. Provide advanced analysis of thermal performance KPIs and present actionable insights to senior leadership. Identify, scope, and manage complex heat rate improvement projects from feasibility analysis through execution and post-implementation validation. Serve as a technical advisor to operations, maintenance, and instrumentation teams to resolve complex performance challenges. Develop long-range performance improvement strategies aligned with asset management and capital planning objectives. Oversee engineering scopes, budgets, schedules, and third-party engineering resources to ensure successful project delivery. What You'll Need Bachelor of Science in Engineering or physical science, or comparable experience. Ideal candidate will have five years of related experience in power generation or industrial systems; of minimum two years required. Strong knowledge of thermodynamics and plant operations. Experience with data analysis, technical reporting, and performance testing. Effective communication skills and the ability to work across teams. Preferred Engineer in Training certification. Experience supporting coal or gas generation assets. Project management experience in an industrial or utility setting. Familiarity with regulatory performance reporting requirements.