Lead Mechanical Engineer

**Important Application Submission Information** In order to ensure your application is successfully received before the job posting expires, please submit your application by 11:59 PM on Friday, September 18, 2026 More than a career - a chance to make a difference in people's lives. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Build an exciting, rewarding career with us – help us make a difference for millions of people every day. Consider joining the Duke Energy team, where you'll find a friendly work environment, opportunities for growth and development, recognition for your work, and competitive pay and benefits. **The preferred location for this position is Charlotte, NC but the hiring manager will consider other Duke Energy locations within the Carolina's.** The Lead Engineer is at the specialist level of the Engineering classification hierarchy. Employees at this level solve complex problems, manage work , and provide leadership to others in  engineering areas of specialization, with minimal supervision and increased latitude for un-reviewed work. The Lead Engineer serves in lead roles providing guidance to others. They are also expected to have advanced skills and have the ability to work independently. **The Lead Engineer works as a member of the project team to support all phases of major projects, from initial project scoping and development through performance testing and final project close-out.** **Responsibilities include:** * Ensure accomplishment of business goals and objectives through effective planning, organizing, estimating, scheduling and monitoring of work activities where only limited standardization exists; handling diverse situations that require specialized problem‑solving within the area of expertise. * Provide engineering and technical expertise in the identification, analysis, and resolution of complex problems with the ability to assess cost, long-term impacts, and consequences. * Prepare thorough and accurate technical reports, correspondence, documentation, calculations, and sketches with the ability to conduct analysis and recommend process enhancements and standards related to the area of assignment. * Conduct engineering and related studies with full technical responsibility for planning and coordinating complex projects; apply extensive technical expertise to manage projects and disseminate knowledge to enhance the organization’s competitive position. * Possess and apply a broad knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures; demonstrate ability to analyze and recommend enhancements to business processes and develop standards relevant to area of assignment.   * Support the development of major project scopes and EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) bid packages. * Support cost estimating, scheduling, risk analysis, bid evaluation, and contract development. * Provide engineering oversight to ensure compliance with project contracts and design criteria and make design decisions in compliance with applicable codes, standards, and permits. * Participate in design reviews, drawing reviews, construction support, resolution of technical RFIs, commissioning support, performance testing, and project warranty support. * Build positive internal and external relationships to effectively coordinate work activities. Demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills. Maintain accurate records and files. * Stay current on new developments, technologies, procedures, and equipment. * Coach and mentor other engineering and non-degreed engineering professionals. * Support the company's goals and represent the company positively and professionally. **Basic/Required Responsibilities** Must have obtained Bachelor of Science in Engineering from an ABET accredited program AND/OR a PE  Minimum of 8 years of engineering experience  Professional Engineer licensure required (current standing) A Master's degree in Engineering will be considered in lieu of the B.S. Engineering degree.  **Additional Preferred Qualifications** * Extensive knowledge of power plant design and processes including high energy steam systems, HRSGs, combustion turbines, steam turbine generators, pumps, condensers, cooling towers, chillers, and similar mechanical equipment. * 8+ years of power plant experience with an emphasis on operations and project execution in the utility industry. * Strong understanding of engineering theories and principles. * Experience with EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) contractors. * Experience researching engineering and design issues, evaluating alternatives, and preparing and presenting recommendations. * Familiarity with ASME PTC 22 and overall plant performance testing. * Familiarity with ASME B31.1 and ASME BPVC Section 1. * Experience with system modeling software (Thermoflex, Fathom, Arrow) and thermal performance analysis. * Demonstrated effective written and verbal communication skills. * Demonstrated expertise in project management, decision making, critical thinking, and problem solving. * Project related work experience: risk management, project leadership, strong collaboration, oversight. **Working Conditions** * Hybrid work model with 2-3 days per week in the office or at project sites. * Travel required to operating plants and active construction sites **Travel Requirements:** * Travel 15-25% **Relocation assistance is offered for this position** **#LI-PG1** **#LI-Hybrid** ****Travel Requirements**** 15-25% ### Relocation Assistance Provided (as applicable) Yes ### Represented/Union Position No ### Visa Sponsored Position No. This is not a Visa Sponsored Position. This role requires the ability to work lawfully in the U.S. without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future. ### ### Please note that in order to be considered for this position, you must possess all of the basic/required qualifications. [Privacy](https://www.duke-energy.com/legal/privacy) [Do Not Sell My Personal Information (CA)](https://www.duke-energy.com/legal/ccpa-opt-out-request-form) [Terms of Use](https://www.duke-energy.com/legal/terms-of-use) [Accessibility](https://www.duke-energy.com/customer-service/accessibility)