Mechanical Engineer - Project Engineering

LG&E and KU Energy LLC; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

LG&E and KU Energy LLC in Louisville, Kentucky, is looking for a Mechanical Engineer for its Project Engineering department. This role involves leading safety and quality on major construction projects while collaborating with project managers on engineering designs and execution. The successful candidate will ensure project compliance, manage contractor activities, and analyze engineering plans.

A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering is required, preferably with experience in power generation or industrial settings. The position demands frequent travel to project sites.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from an ABET accredited program.
• Experience in power generation facilities or heavy industrial environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all mechanical systems respect safety protocols and regulations.
• Lead design and execution of heavy industrial process systems.
• Collaborate on scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation.
• Monitor adherence to design, quality standards, and budget.

Skills

Safety Compliance

Project Management

Mechanical Systems Design

Data Analysis

Education

ABET accredited bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering

Job description

Company Summary

Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company, part of the PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) family of companies, are regulated utilities that serve more than 1.3 million customers and have consistently ranked among the best companies for customer service in the United States. LG&E serves 334,000 natural gas and 433,000 electric customers in Louisville and 16 surrounding counties. KU serves 569,000 customers in 77 Kentucky counties and five counties in Virginia. LG&E and KU are major employers and active supporters of the communities they serve. They empower employees, community members and initiatives across their service territory through volunteerism and investments in organizations that support education, sustainability and wellbeing.

Overview

As a Mechanical Engineer in the Project Engineering department, you will be a front-facing field engineer and report directly to the project manager of heavy industrial, major capital construction projects. You will be a job-site leader in safety, quality, and scope execution, ensuring all work is completed in a professional and ethical manner, within a team environment. Your primary responsibilities include project document review & reporting, contract management & execution, and act in an advisory position to management. Project Engineering projects include new generation (such as natural gas combined cycle plants and solar facilities), large‑scale battery storage, and other environmental compliance (selective catalytic reduction technology, effluent guidelines water treatment, etc.) projects. This position will travel daily to the assigned project site.

Responsibilities

• Passion for safety; ensure all mechanical systems adhere to safety protocols and regulatory requirements.
• Spearhead the design and execution of heavy industrial process systems.
• Collaborate and advise the project manager on scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation across multiple, complex projects.
• Maintain adherence to project design, quality standards, budget, and schedule throughout execution.
• Work closely with engineers, construction managers, procurement specialists, and other key stakeholders.
• Analyze and identify discrepancies on engineering plans, specifications, and contract documents.
• Manage the activities of contractors and suppliers related to mechanical equipment and services to meet project specifications.
• Identify opportunities for improvement and/or suggest improved methods.
• Gather, correlate, and analyze specific data using established procedures.
• Perform detailed and/or routine engineering assignments involving established calculations, tests, and analysis.
• Perform a variety of routine tasks to become familiar with the engineering methods, practices, and programs of the company.
• Support operating and maintenance functions with problem identification, engineering analysis, and problem resolution activities.
• Prepare and present reports giving conclusions of job‑related engineering activities.
• Assist other engineers with large projects, as needed.
• Assist with the development of goals, objectives, budgets, programs, and procedures.
• Plan and control all activities to provide an accident‑free workplace.
• Conduct work activities in accordance with environmental rules and regulations.
• Regularly review assignments to assure optimum efficiency and cost effectiveness.
• Occasionally direct the activities of coops, supervisors, and others as they perform various activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Comply with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

Required Education

• ABET accredited bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working at power generation facilities or other heavy industrial environments.