Associate Mechanical Engineer - Boundary Project

City-of-Seattle; Washington; On-site; USD 129,000 - 151,000; Full time

Job summary

Seattle City Light is seeking an Associate Mechanical Engineer to ensure reliable operation of hydro turbine generating units and related systems. You will design, maintain, and install powerhouse and dam infrastructure, gates, hoists, piping, and ventilation, reporting to the Mechanical Engineering Supervisor.

The role blends field and design work across design engineering, field engineering, and equipment analysis.

Qualifications

• Requires three years of professional mechanical engineering experience.
• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering required.
• Experience with hydroelectric facilities is a plus.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and adapt to site needs.

Responsibilities

• Report to Boundary Project and provide engineering support with operations and maintenance.
• Meet with maintenance crew to review planned work and ensure completion/documentation.
• Support procurement and sourcing of materials.
• Work independently to complete tasks and manage priorities.
• Recommend projects to improve safety, productivity, or generation reliability/efficiency.
• Ensure designs meet codes and promote safe operations.
• Reverse engineering of old parts and design replacement parts.
• Perform full design engineering including stresses, tolerances, and drawings.

Skills

NDE methods

Mechanical data analysis

Multi-project management

Communication with trades

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD

3D design software

MATLAB

Job description

Seattle City Light, a department of the City of Seattle, is one of the nation’s largest municipally owned utilities in terms of the number of customers served. Over the years we have worked very hard to keep Seattle's electricity affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound. Today, City Light is a recognized national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.

Seattle City Light’s Engineering & Technology Operations Division is seeking an Associate Mechanical Engineer to ensure reliable operation of hydro turbine generating units and all auxiliary systems that support the generating units. In this position, you will be responsible for design changes, maintenance and construction of powerhouse and dam support systems, gates, hoists, structural equipment, piping systems, ventilation system, etc. This position reports to the Mechanical Engineering Supervisor.

Here is more about what you’ll be doing:

• Reporting to City Light’s Boundary Project and provide engineering support with operations and maintenance
• Meet regularly with the mechanical maintenance crew to review planned work and ensure projects are completed and documented
• Provides support with procurement and sourcing of materials
• Work independently to complete tasks and manage priorities
• Recommend projects at our plants and facilities when deficiencies are identified, with a goal of enhancing worker safety and productivity or generation reliability and efficiency
• Ensure that designs meet or exceed all Codes, Laws and Ordinances and promote safe operations of equipment and a safe environment for yourself, your co-workers and the general public

Design Engineering

• Reverse engineering – review old parts without existing information or drawings. Determine functionality, loading, forces, and calculate/design new replacement parts.
• Full design engineering includes calculate part stresses, strains – to be compliant with safety and code requirements and produce drawings with part dimensions, tolerances, bearing clearances, and alignment requirements.

Field Engineering

• Knowledge of rotating machinery systems and their testing procedures and control systems.
• Develop disassembly procedures including tooling and rigging designs for rotating machinery.
• Develop assembly procedures for rotating machinery including proper materials, clearances, bolt torque values, alignment and fit up. Confirm shaft run out measurements meet industry standards.

Required Qualifications

In addition to the skills and experience mentioned below, a successful applicant will have experience that reflects a commitment to creating fair and equitable outcomes and has:

Requires three years of professional mechanical engineering experience and a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or other combinations of education and/or experience which provides preparation to do professional mechanical engineering work.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• Most work is performed in a normal City work/office environment.
• Field assignments may entail exposure to all types of weather, high noise levels, hazardous/toxic substances, confined spaces and work near heavy equipment.
• May be required to stand, walk, or bend for extended periods of time.
• May be required to work nights, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
• Overnight travel may be required.

License, Certification and Other Requirements

Current Washington State driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility.

Desired Qualifications - You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities

• Experience working at a hydroelectric generating facility
• Experience with Non-Destructive Examination (NDE) methods
• Experience with mechanical data analysis to determine changes in machine operation
• Ability to work on multiple projects and adapt to project and site needs
• Power Plant, plant maintenance, and maintenance procedure experience
• The ability to communicate and collaborate with skilled trade workers
• Proficient using CAD, 3D design software, and Matlab

Emergency Response Commitment

Seattle City Light is committed to reliable service during emergencies. Through our Emergency Response Program, each employee is assigned a role—usually aligned with their regular duties to support emergency operations. Your participation is required and vital to helping the utility stay prepared and serve our community when it matters most.

The full salary range for this position is $62.32 to $72.73 per hour.

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle City Light values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Seattle City Light encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17 and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3. A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits

Want to know more about Seattle City Light? Check out our web page: https://www.seattle.gov/city-light/about-us/careers