Facilities Engineer
Fervo Energy
Fervo’s Mission is to use innovation in geoscience to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy. To accomplish that goal, Fervo has developed groundbreaking technology solutions that have advanced the state-of-the-art of geothermal energy decades ahead of schedule, including the world’s most successful commercial enhanced geothermal system completed in 2023. Fervo has raised over $400 million from leading investors and has secured a multi-billion-dollar project pipeline to meet the world’s growing need for 24/7 carbon free energy. Join us and work alongside world-class engineers, researchers, investors, and developers in making geothermal a key pillar of our climate-friendly energy future.
Description
The Facilities Engineer will be responsible for the execution and commissioning of permanent surface facilities for Project Cape Phase 1, as well as the engineering development of Project Cape Phase 2. This role will specifically focus on well pad facilities that transport fluid between the well pads and the power plant. The Facilities Engineer will collaborate with multidiscipline teams, including geothermal facility engineers, drilling & completions engineers, operations, and project controllers for cost and scheduling, to support early-phase project development and manage simultaneous field activities. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the advancement of geothermal energy infrastructure while working in a dynamic, cross-functional environment. The Facilities Engineer will report to the Lead Project Engineer for well pad facilities.
Responsibilities
- Oversee Project Cape Phase 1 field operations from construction to commissioning to ensure all systems meet project specifications, operational requirements and timelines
- Develop and implement commissioning plans, procedures, and validation protocols with the help from Operations
- Lead the integration of commissioning and start-up activities with the project delivery schedule for the well pad system specifically to ensure adequate brine can be delivered to the power facility
- Oversee the turnover from contractors to start-up team to operations, ensuring adherence to commissioning and start-up requirements
- Coordinate amongst internal teams, contractors and vendors to execute key activities
- Manage punch lists, walkdowns, inspections to ensure compliance with design and commissioning protocols
- Coordinate troubleshooting efforts with engineering resources when needed to lead issues to resolution in timely manner
- Lead scopes within Project Cape Phase 2 engineering development, engaging with engineering firms and syncing with PowerCo ORC facility development
- Engaging and maintaining relationships with major equipment suppliers to optimize facility design
- Collaborating across technical and commercial teams to successfully deliver projects on time and on budget
- Identifying continuous improvement opportunities and executing ongoing continuous improvement measures
- Provide solutions and optimization support to operations to resolve day-to-day operational issues
- Develop/modify Operating/Maintenance procedures and assist with understanding/comprehension of material to provide safety and optimized performance
- Develop projects and engineering design that improve the safety and operability of the facility
- Lead and/or participate in Risk Assessments, PHA, and Incident Investigations/Learning Teams
- Provide direct and impartial feedback to ensure corporate and industry code compliance
- Lead MOC process for all activities that are directly supported including coordination with all support functions, submission of MOC, updating appropriate documents and completion of Pre-Start Up Safety Reviews (PSSR)
- Provide creative project options to meet critical timelines or capital requirements
- Support Project Teams and Operations in the commissioning and start-up of new/modified facilities
- Act as key interface to ensure regulatory and HSE compliance
Required Qualifications
- 5 to 8 years of relevant facilities execution experience in the energy or process sectors
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or technical field
- Experience with facility construction management; pipeline and gathering facility design; utility interconnection processes and procedures
- Demonstrated experience with contractor and vendor management in $25M+ projects
- Proven experience managing projects through multiple stages of execution
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects at different stages of execution
- Experience with key industry codes and standards; Experience with identification and evaluation of new technologies and their incorporation into facility projects
- Proficiency working with project management and scheduling software; Ability to lead engineering efforts and work effectively in cross-functional teams
- Effective written and verbal presentation and communication skills
- Ability to stay organized while managing multiple projects at different stages of development
Preferred Qualifications
- Geothermal facilities and transmission interconnection experience; Expertise with a wide range of renewable energy types; Familiarity with subsurface science and drilling
- Advanced knowledge of Technical Standards (API, ASME, ISA84, IEEE etc.)
- Trained in/ experienced in process improvement methodologies (e.g. Lean Six Sigma, Agile)
- 5+ years of experience in technical areas related to facilities; experience directing Engineering contractors and Construction contractors
- Ability to specify appropriate equipment and material as well as evaluate alternatives; Builds effective solutions based on available information and makes timely decisions that are safe and ethical
- Extensive experience in construction and/or commissioning work
Location
Fervo Energy is headquartered in Houston, TX with growing offices in Oakland, CA, Golden, CO, Reno, NV, and Salt Lake City, UT. This position will be eligible for some hybrid work flexibility, but regular in-office presence at the Houston or Salt Lake City offices will be required. Travel is required for this position.