Power Generation Mechanical Engineer I

Omaha Public Power District; Nebraska City (NE); On-site; USD 74,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Omaha Public Power District is seeking a Power Generation Mechanical Engineer I to help maintain safe, reliable operation of generating stations. You will apply foundational mechanical engineering principles to monitor equipment health, support troubleshooting, and contribute to small project tasks affecting turbines, boilers, pumps, condensate/feedwater systems, cooling water, and other plant equipment.

This role offers exposure to plant engineering and learning established processes, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Ability to interpret drawings, specifications, and plant documentation.
• Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Exposure to structural evaluation or soil analysis.
• Willingness to travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Monitor system health and identify reliability risks with corrective actions.
• Assist senior engineers with troubleshooting; collect data and document findings.
• Perform engineering work within plans, standards and safety requirements.
• Prepare technical reports, sketches, and redlines.
• Identify small improvements and propose changes.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD

Job description

What This Role Delivers

As a Power Generation Mechanical Engineer I at OPPD, you will help maintain the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of OPPD's generating stations. You'll apply foundational mechanical engineering principles to monitor equipment health, support troubleshooting, and contribute to small project tasks affecting turbines, boilers, pumps, condensate/feedwater systems, cooling water, and other plant equipment. This role supports OPPD's mission to provide affordable, reliable, and environmentally responsible energy while you learn established processes and build plant engineering skills.

Opportunity Profile

As a Power Generation Mechanical Engineer I at OPPD, you will help maintain the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of OPPD's generating stations. You'll apply foundational mechanical engineering principles to monitor equipment health, support troubleshooting, and contribute to small project tasks affecting turbines, boilers, pumps, condensate/feedwater systems, cooling water, and other plant equipment. This role supports OPPD's mission to provide affordable, reliable, and environmentally responsible energy while you learn established processes and build plant engineering skills.

What You’ll Do

• Perform system health monitoring by learning assigned systems, tracking performance trends, and identifying emerging reliability risks with recommended corrective actions.
• Support complex troubleshooting alongside senior engineers on equipment issues that exceed maintenance/operations capabilities; gather data, run basic calculations, and document findings.
• Execute project tasks by completing defined engineering work (calculations, drawings, material lists) within project plans, standards, and safety requirements.
• Develop technical documentation by producing clear reports, sketches, and redlines to communicate findings and support decision making.
• Practice continuous improvement by researching small improvement opportunities and proposing practical changes.

What You Will Bring

• Demonstrated ability to successfully complete essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

What Will Help You Stand Out

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
• Foundational understanding of structural engineering concepts
• Ability to interpret drawings, specifications, and plant documentation
• Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Exposure to concrete evaluation, structural repair methods, or soil analysis

Work Location

• Office: Work will be performed in a modern office environment amid normal conditions of dust, odors, fumes, and noises.
• Field: Work will be performed outside in a wide variety of weather conditions (snow, rain, heat, cold, wind, etc.), terrain, and other natural environmental hazards as well as pollen and other airborne allergens.
• Generation Plant: Work will be performed inside with exposure to industrial building conditions and may include extreme temperatures, odors, dust, gases, poor ventilation, and loud noise levels.
• Travel: Must be able to travel throughout the service territory and report to various locations in a timely manner as needed.

Work Environment

• Work will be performed in high traffic environments.
• Will work around energized high voltage electrical equipment.
• Will work in construction areas that present many physical hazards.
• Will work at heights.
• Will work in closed or confined spaces.
• Will work around asbestos and lead.

Strength Factor

Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work.

Salary/Wage Info

Grade: S3

Minimum: $81,905

Midpoint: $102,381

Our Culture & Mission

At Omaha Public Power District, everything starts with people - our teams, our communities, and the customer owners who count on us. As the 12th largest public power utility in the U.S., we serve more than 900,000 people across 13 counties, and we take that responsibility seriously.

We lead with integrity, support one another, and do what's right, because how we serve matters just as much as what we deliver. Our goal is simple: provide affordable, reliable, and environmentally responsible energy today and for generations to come.

We create power with purpose. Your work here has real impact; on families, on the environment, and on the future of energy. And we believe great ideas can come from anywhere.

If you want to be part of a team that takes care of the community and the people who serve it, you're in the right place. We back up our mission by taking care of our employees, too; which is why our benefits are among the most comprehensive and competitive in the region.

EOE: Protected Veterans/Disability

If you would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with OPPD, please email OPPD Talent Acquisition at [e-mail].