The Opportunity

Our client was built to solve one of the most constrained problems in infrastructure right now: data centers that need power faster than the grid can deliver it. Their answer is co-located natural gas generation, purpose-built and integrated into data center design from day one, structured to serve as prime power until grid connection is complete and as a wholesale resource thereafter.

Backed by $500M in committed capital from two leading infrastructure investors, with a patent-pending utility yard configuration and active projects in execution, our client is a first-mover in the gas-to-power and data center power intersection.

This is the engineering leadership hire. The person stepping into this role will define and build Our client’s engineering function from a near-blank slate — staffing it, managing third-party engineering firms, and owning technical delivery from site concept through construction handoff.

What You’ll Own

Our client’s engineering spans four interconnected tracks. The Head of Engineering is responsible for all four through a combination of direct leadership, team hiring, and management of third-party engineering firms.

Conceptual / Commercial Engineering

• Work alongside origination and site identification teams from project inception
• Translate customer requirements and site constraints into viable layouts and concepts
• Own the upstream interface between engineering, procurement, and construction

Procurement Engineering

• Evaluate equipment options for each site — fit, availability, and lead times
• Assess constructability and EPC cost implications of equipment decisions
• Interface with the Head of Procurement on vendor and sourcing decisions

Development Engineering

• Provide technical study support and assessments to advance projects through entitlement
• Coordinate third-party engineering inputs required for development milestones

Construction Engineering

• Own the engineering relationship with EPC contractors during construction
• Manage RFIs, resolve technical performance disputes, and keep construction on track

Team & Structure

You will inherit one team member at the principal engineer level and build a team of six to eight engineers over time. Our client’s model relies heavily on third-party engineering firms for delivery — your job is to manage those relationships, ensure quality and accountability, and make the right calls on what to keep in-house versus external.

What We’re Looking For

Required

• Conventional gas engineering background — non-negotiable given our client’s technology model
• Experience across the full development-through-construction lifecycle
• Track record of managing third-party engineering firms as a primary delivery model
• Experience building or scaling an engineering team at an early-stage or growth company
• Comfort operating in a company still building its processes, tools, and structure

Strongly Preferred

• Depth in conceptual and commercial engineering
• EPC contractor interface experience during construction — RFI management, performance resolution
• Familiarity with behind-the-meter or co-located power models
• Austin-based or willing to relocate (package available)

Not Required

• Equal depth across all four engineering tracks — integration and management matter more than narrow specialisation
• Maintenance or long-term asset operations experience — assets transition out when built

Why This Role

• You’re building the engineering function, not inheriting it — real authority over team design, third-party selection, and technical standards
• First-mover position in gas-to-power and data center power — a market intersection now attracting serious capital
• Backed by two leading infrastructure investors with $500M committed and a growing pipeline
• Led by a founder with a strong commercial and technical track record in energy
• Clear scope: development and construction engineering only — no maintenance burden
• Austin HQ with a lean, senior team now scaling