Principal Thermal Engineer (Gas Turbine & Power Plant)

About the role

WSP South Africa is seeking an experienced Principal Thermal Engineer to act as a senior technical consultant on gas turbine and gas engine projects across Southern Africa and internationally. The role involves high‑level technical advisory, project management and on‑site support for thermal power plant projects.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver high‑quality technical advisory services for gas turbine and gas engine projects.
• Manage multidisciplinary project teams (mechanical, electrical, civil, control & instrumentation).
• Prepare functional designs, specifications and tender documents to international standards.
• Review detailed designs from OEMs/EPCs and conduct site audits.
• Assess technical performance of thermal power plants and support scoping studies.
• Provide engineering support during execution, including responding to queries, factory inspections and material testing.
• Prepare consultancy proposals and contribute to business development.
• Model and monitor health, safety, environmental and quality (SHEQ) performance.

Required profile

• BSc Engineering (Electrical or Mechanical) with 10+ years experience in thermal power plants.
• Strong exposure to gas turbines and gas engines in simple and combined‑cycle applications.
• In‑depth knowledge of power‑plant modelling, design, construction supervision and commissioning.
• Technical advisory experience for investors, developers and banks.
• Familiarity with gas infrastructure in Southern Africa and various OEM turbine/engine models.
• Proven business‑development experience and international project delivery.
• Professional registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECS) preferred.

Required skills

• Gas turbine and gas engine engineering
• Combined‑cycle power plant design
• Power‑plant modelling and simulation
• Thermoflow software
• Project management and multidisciplinary coordination
• Technical advisory and stakeholder communication
• Tender document preparation
• Site audit and inspection