Lead Civil/Structural Engineer/Manager

TAaKA Engineering is a Tokyo-based engineering consulting company that specializes in prime power, data centers, and commercial and industrial energy projects in the U.S. Our current portfolio predominantly consists of battery and solar projects, but we are expanding our expertise to include microgrids and data center infrastructure. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, we aim to revolutionize the energy engineering landscape.

The Power Plant Lead Civil/Structural Engineer/Manager will be responsible for the engineering design, feasibility studies, and structural assessments for power generation systems that integrate gas turbines, PV solar, BESS, and other technologies to meet the unique energy demands of large industrial facilities and data centers. This role will focus on optimizing site layout, foundation concepts, and structural integrity while ensuring compliance with relevant codes and standards. The engineer will work closely with electrical, mechanical, and project teams to define the civil engineering scope, material selection, and cost estimates before detailed engineering and construction phases begin.

Geotechnical investigation & Structural Feasibility Assessments:

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  Prepare scope of work for geophysical and geotechnical investigations and evaluate proposals and contractors’ selection.

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  Review soil investigation reports and recommend foundation solutions for different terrains

Hydrology and Stormwater Management:

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  Designing systems to manage runoff from rainfall, preventing flooding and erosion. This includes stormwater drainage systems, retention ponds, and drainage networks.

Planning, Design and Engineering:

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  Manage external parties and consultants to prepare project design basis, conceptual and preliminary plans, and deliver detailed design and engineering deliverables.

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  Identify optimal site layout, structural configurations, roads and access, and space planning to ensure efficiency and constructability.

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  Conduct high level seismic and wind load evaluations to determine the best design approach.

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  Evaluate structural loads, settlement risks, and thermal expansion effects on plant infrastructure.

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  Develop high-level structural feasibility assessment and foundation design for thermal power generator systems, solar PV arrays, and battery storage systems.

Material & Technology Selection:

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  Define preliminary material specifications (concrete, steel, composites) suited for power plant conditions.

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  Assess innovative construction techniques to improve cost-efficiency and durability.

Regulatory & Compliance Review:

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  Ensure civil designs align with standards, seismic regulations, and international power plant standards (ASCE, Eurocodes, UBC, etc.).

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  Identify potential permitting and regulatory constraints related to site development.

Interdisciplinary Coordination & Design Documentation:

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  Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and other project discipline teams to integrate civil structures with power systems.

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  Provide input on CAPEX estimates, construction feasibility, and long-term operational impacts.

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  Prepare reports, drawings, and technical documentation to guide the next project phases.

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  Education: Bachelor’s or master’s in civil engineering, Structural Engineering, or Geotechnical Engineering.

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  Experience: 7+ years in power plants, industrial facilities, or energy infrastructure.

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  Technical Skills:

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    Familiar with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, , and geotechnical analysis, hydrology and stormwater manage design tools.

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    Strong understanding of structural load calculations, geotechnical assessments, and power plant infrastructure planning.

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    Familiarity with codes & standards applicable to power generation projects.

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  Language:

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    English proficiency is required with the ability to hold a conversation and understand technical discussions..

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    Japanese proficiency is an advantage.

Preferred Attributes:

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  Experience in gas power generation projects or similar large-scale projects: oil & gas, petrochemicals.

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  Experience in renewable energy projects: solar, wind, energy storage systems.

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  Strong analytical and problem-solving skills in early-stage engineering design.

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  Experience in detailed design/engineering and installation of projects for power generation, renewable energy, or industrial plants.

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  Ability to assess technical risks and recommend cost-effective design solutions.