SUMMARY
The Director of Development Engineering leads the technical strategy, engineering development processes, and continuous improvement of design and delivery capabilities for major EPC projects. This role drives innovation in engineering methods, tools, and standards to enhance project execution, reduce risk, and deliver high-quality, constructible solutions that meet client requirements and industry standards.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Director of Development Engineering is responsible for advancing the company’s engineering capabilities across the full project lifecyclefrom conceptual design and FEED through detailed engineering and support to construction and commissioningwhile building high-performing multi-discipline teams and aligning technical excellence with commercial and schedule objectives.
Common duties include:
- Defining and executing the long-term development engineering strategy, including engineering standards, design tools, modularization approaches, digital engineering methods, and technology roadmaps tailored to EPC project delivery
- Leading multi-discipline engineering teams (process, mechanical, electrical, civil/structural, instrumentation & controls, etc.) to deliver high-quality FEED, detailed design, and constructability packages that support safe, efficient, and cost-effective project execution
- Identifying and implementing emerging technologies, industry best practices, and digital tools (e.g., advanced modeling, automation, digital twins, AI-assisted design) to improve engineering productivity, quality, and risk management
- Establishing and continuously improving engineering processes, work processes, quality systems, and compliance frameworks that meet applicable codes, standards, and client specifications
- Building, mentoring, and scaling high-performing development and project engineering teams; fostering a culture of technical excellence, safety, constructability, and continuous improvement
- Partnering closely with project management, procurement, construction, estimating, and business development to ensure engineering solutions are commercially viable, constructible, and aligned with client and project goals
- Managing the development engineering budget, resource planning, and strategic relationships with technology providers, specialized engineering firms, and industry partners
- Providing clear, data-driven updates to executive leadership on engineering capability development, project technical performance, risks, and improvement initiatives
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
Success in this role depends more on demonstrated technical leadership in EPC environments.
· Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, or related discipline) required
· Master’s degree or professional engineering (PE) license is preferred.
· Candidates should have substantial experience leading multi-discipline engineering organizations on large capital projects, ideally within the energy, chemicals, infrastructure, power, or industrial sectors. Deep knowledge of EPC project delivery, FEED-to-detailed design processes, constructability, and industry codes/standards is highly valuable. Practical experience in process design, modular construction, brownfield/revamp projects, or digital engineering transformation often carries significant weight.
· 5+ years of experience in the development space
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Preferred experience and capabilities include:
- 12+ years of progressive engineering experience in an EPC or owner/operator environment, with at least 6–8 years in a leadership role overseeing multi-discipline engineering teams
- Proven ability to develop and implement engineering standards, processes, and tools that improve project performance, quality, and schedule predictability
- Strong technical depth combined with commercial awareness and the ability to balance engineering excellence with cost, schedule, and constructability requirements
- Experience collaborating with project management, procurement, construction, estimating, and client teams on large capital projects
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills for influencing senior leadership, clients, and cross-functional teams
- Demonstrated success in driving continuous improvement, managing technical risk, and delivering results in fast-paced, safety-critical, or highly regulated project environments
DCO Energy (DCO) is a nationally recognized developer of sustainable and renewable energy facilities that enriches the communities it operates by partnering with contractors, businesses, and talent. DCO Energy applies robust and innovative design, construction, and operation methodologies resulting in sustainable and safe solutions for owners in different industry sectors.
