Josh Stender
Aptos
Summary
Mechanical engineer with extensive experience in power generation, providing technical oversight for engineering and maintenance functions. Managed multiple million-dollar projects, ensuring compliance with industry standards while enhancing operational efficiency through systematic analysis and collaboration with diverse teams.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Principal Engineer
Vistra Corporation
Moss Landing
11.2020 - Current
- Provided technical oversight and support for engineering, operations, and maintenance functions for a 1020 MW combined cycle power plant.
- Planned and executed capital projects with budgets exceeding $1 million.
- Frequently executing multiple projects in the same year with a combined value of multiple millions of dollars.
- Also provided support for 750 MW battery electric storage system collocated at the same facility, and support for a 110MW oil fired turbine site in Oakland, CA.
- Types of projects included: HRSG and Power Piping Repairs and Upgrades, Control system replacement and additions. (Foxboro and MK VI), Pump and Piping Replacement, Fire system repairs, upgrades, and modernization, Network communication replacement and extension (Ethernet, Fiber, Wireless), Plant security additions and enhancements (Cameras, Fencing, etc.), Extension and repowering of 480V systems.
- Fire Protection System owner for CCGT facility. Oversaw maintenance, inspections, and repairs for the facility. Maintained plant records for fire protection.
- Supported 5-year long range plan (LRP) activities with project proposals and cost benefit justifications.
Plant Engineer II
Calpine Operating Services Company
Londonderry
07.2012 - 11.2020
- Provided technical oversight and support for all engineering, operations, and maintenance functions at a 740 MW combined cycle power plant.
- Managed individual projects with budgets of up to $650k. Managed portions of outage scopes with values of up to $1.3 million.
- Maintained compliance with ASME BPVC and NBIC standards for two HRSGs and several air receivers. Scheduled and coordinated yearly permit to operate (PTO) inspections.
- Developed scopes of work for maintenance and outage projects and coordinated contractor activities during outages to ensure timely completion and compliance with site policies.
- Specified and sourced replacement parts and materials including large bore alloy valves, tanks, and pipe/tubing.
- Generated data monthly for use in both internal and external reporting including GADS, EIA, and water consumption. Calculated monthly net/gross MWh, HR, and CTG/STG operational hours.
- Facilitated safety training for operations and maintenance staff, enhancing safety awareness and adherence to protocols.
Plant Engineer II
Calpine Operating Services Company
San Jose
07.2012 - 10.2017
- Provided technical oversight and support for all engineering, operations, and maintenance functions at a 600 MW combined cycle power plant.
- Conducted performance analysis and implemented enhancements to optimize plant operations.
- Managed projects with budgets up to $300k and coordinated outage scopes valued at $400k to ensure timely completion.
- Maintained compliance with ASME BPVC and NBIC standards for two HRSGs and several air receivers. Scheduled and coordinated yearly permit to operate (PTO) inspections.
- Performed Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and troubleshooting of equipment and process failures including valves, heat exchangers, water treatment, and lube oil systems.
- Created scopes of work (SOW) and collaborated with vendors during the RFP/RFQ process to refine SOW.
- Specified and sourced replacement parts including valves, tanks, gaskets, bolting, sheet material, pipe, tubing, instrumentation, and wiring.
Senior Engineer
ERIN Engineering and Research, Inc.
01.2010 - 07.2012
- Performed Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) for nuclear power plants.
- Created statistical models for determining the frequency of core damage events for nuclear power plants.
- Performed model sensitivity and uncertainty analysis.
- Provided extensive documentation of model development, results, and insights.
- Provided technical insight to site personnel for regulatory activities.
- Utilized existing PRA methodology and best practices while exploring new methodology for modeling best practices.
- Mentored junior engineers in PRA practices. Reviewed the work of other engineers and provided feedback.
- Presented at industry events and provided training to engineers on industry tools.
- Now known as Jensen Hughes, ERIN is the leading provider of Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) consulting services to the nuclear power industry.
Operations Analyst I
Calpine Operating Services Company
05.2008 - 01.2010
- Performed statistical analysis of plant performance to quantify capacity and fuel usage. Presented analysis results to Plant Managers, Operations Managers, and Plant Engineers for review. Data was used for portions of 2010 revenue projections.
- Analyzed performance of simple and combined cycle power plants to identify operational efficiencies.
- Conducted pre and post maintenance outage analysis of plants to determine performance changes in heat rate and MW output.
- Utilized Visual Basic in Excel to extract operating data from Plant Information (PI) and quantify plant operational status with a numerical value.
- Investigated method for controlling SW 501F gas turbines with blade path temperature sensors at plant site.
Education
Masters of Science - Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Fluid Systems
California State University, San Jose
San Jose12-2016
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
California State University, Sacramento
Sacramento05-2009
Skills
- Project management
- Project oversight
- Technical oversight
- Performance analysis
- Design requirements
- Problem solving
Certification
EIT Exam, 04/01/08
Timeline
Principal Engineer
Vistra Corporation
11.2020 - Current
Plant Engineer II
Calpine Operating Services Company
07.2012 - 11.2020
Plant Engineer II
Calpine Operating Services Company
07.2012 - 10.2017
Senior Engineer
ERIN Engineering and Research, Inc.
01.2010 - 07.2012
Operations Analyst I
Calpine Operating Services Company
05.2008 - 01.2010
Masters of Science - Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Fluid Systems
California State University, San Jose
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
California State University, Sacramento