Senior Design Manager - Thermal Power Generation

Energy At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

Our Energy & Power team, grounded in Jacobs’ global solutions expertise, thinks and acts systemically. We bring deep cross- knowledge to meet clients where they are, solving energy and business challenges in parallel. Our projects are more than iconic – they are pivots around which the future is created. Through our work, we scale innovation, making resilient energy a reality faster and for more people across the world.

We are passionate about solving our clients’ problems with pragmatism and steadfast dedication. We exist to accelerate our clients’ transition to a resilient energy future, delivering the energy the world needs – sustainably, securely and with the lowest impact.

We don’t just envision the future; we build it.

Jacobs is seeking an experienced Senior Design Manager to lead the planning, design, and execution of complex thermal power generation projects from early-stage feasibility through commissioning. This role provides strategic direction, multidisciplinary coordination, and technical leadership across natural-gas–fired generation design projects, including simple-cycle, combined-cycle, and RICE-based facilities.

The Senior Design Manager is accountable for delivering predictable scope, schedule, budget, quality, and safety outcomes while serving as a primary technical and client-facing authority throughout the full project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Design project delivery leadership — Manage feasibility studies, conceptual engineering, front-end design, detailed engineering, construction administration, startup, and commissioning support for thermal generation projects.
• Oversee multidisciplinary engineering — Direct civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, I&C, and environmental engineering teams to ensure integrated, constructible, and compliant designs.
• Develop project execution plans — Establish scope, schedule, budget, risk registers, design criteria, and project controls aligned with client and regulatory requirements.
• Manage technical design for power systems — Provide oversight and technical guidance for combustion turbines, steam turbines, RICE generators, HRSGs, emissions control systems, fuel systems, and balance-of-plant infrastructure.
• Support construction administration — Lead a multi-disciplinary team in the review submittals, respond to RFIs, evaluate change requests, and collaborate with field teams to resolve technical issues during construction.
• Coordinate startup and commissioning — Ensure engineering support for system turnover, functional testing, performance testing, and readiness for commercial operation.
• Engage with clients and stakeholders — Serve as a primary point of contact, maintaining transparent communication and strong relationships throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure compliance and quality — Uphold QA/QC standards, regulatory requirements, environmental compliance, and industry best practices.
• Drive project risk management — Identify technical, schedule, and cost risks; develop mitigation strategies; and maintain proactive issue resolution.
• Support business development — Contribute to proposals, client presentations, project estimates, and execution strategies.

Here's what you'll need

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Engineering Management, Construction Management, or equivalent technical discipline.
• 10+ years of progressive experience delivering thermal power generation projects from concept through commissioning.
• Demonstrated experience with simple-cycle and combined-cycle power plants, including combustion turbines, steam turbines, HRSGs, and associated BOP systems.
• Familiarity with RICE generator technologies and reciprocating engine plant design.
• Strong working knowledge of site development, civil/structural design, industrial mechanical systems, fuel systems, and medium-/high-voltage electrical systems.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional engineering teams and manage multiple subcontractors or design partners.
• Excellent communication, client-facing, and technical leadership skills.
• Deep understanding of engineering safety programs, regulatory compliance, and industry standards (OSHA, NFPA, ASME, IEEE, etc.).

Ideally you will also have:

• Professional Engineering License
• Experience with digital engineering tools, model-based design, and advanced project controls systems.
• Experience supporting or managing construction administration for power generation facilities.
• Familiarity with data center power infrastructure or mission-critical facility development.

Posted Salary Range: Minimum

175,000.00

Posted Salary Range: Upper

200,000.00

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. Eligible employees may also enroll in a deferred compensation plan or the Executive Deferral Plan. Jacobs has an unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full-time salaried/exempt employees, seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.

The base salary range for this position is $175,000.00 to $200,000.00. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Job posted on June 24, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days.

We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support .

Locations

City State Country
Atlanta	Georgia	United States