Lead Mechanical Engineer (North/South Carolina location options)

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, February 20, 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.

Note: Charlotte, NC is the preferred location for this position but other locations will be considered throughout North and South Carolina.

PMC is the Project Management and Construction group within Duke Energy, responsible for building new power generation assets. PMC Engineering provides leadership and oversight of contract engineering resources during all phases of Duke Energy’s major projects (development, design, execution, commissioning and closeout). As part of Duke Energy’s broader strategy to meet rising customer demand and decarbonize the grid, PMC is actively planning and building solar, bulk energy storage (batteries), simple cycle and combined cycle generating facilities. Additionally, PMC is developing projects for advanced nuclear, hydro pumped storage, carbon capture, LNG storage and potentially, offshore wind.

The Lead Engineer is at the specialist level of the engineering classification hierarchy, with advanced skills and the ability to work completely independently. Employees at this level solve complex problems, manage work, and provide leadership to others in the discipline specific area of specialization. They perform duties with minimal supervision and are granted increased latitude for unreviewed work. The Lead Engineer also serves in an advisory role to project managers and departmental executives. This position reports to the Manager, PMC Design Engineering.

Responsibilities

The 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.

- 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 Qualifications

- Must have obtained Bachelor of Science in Engineering from an ABET accredited program AND/OR a PE

- Minimum of 8 years of engineering experience

- A Master's degree in Engineering will be considered in lieu of the B.S. Engineering degree.

Desired 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 researching engineering and design issues, evaluating alternatives, and preparing and presenting recommendations.

- Familiarity with ASME PTC 22 and overall plant performance testing.

- 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 Requirements

- Travel 15-25%

Travel Requirements

15-25%

Relocation Assistance Provided (as applicable)

Yes

Represented/Union Position

No

Visa Sponsored Position

No

Please note that in order to be considered for this position, you must possess all of the basic/required qualifications.

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