Principal Mechanical Engineer

VNS Federal Services; Richland (WA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Veolia Nuclear Solutions Federal Services (VNSFS) in Richland, WA seeks a Principal Mechanical Engineer to independently lead complex engineering assignments and provide technical leadership for nuclear projects. You will mentor junior engineers, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and drive improvements across engineering standards and processes.

The role emphasizes adherence to codes and safety, with broad responsibility for planning, design, scheduling, budgeting, and client interaction on

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, General, or Environmental Engineering.
• 15+ years of experience in engineering design or Nuclear Facility Operation/Maintenance/Construction.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, design, and execution of engineering projects.
• Provide technical leadership during project planning, scope development, scheduling, and estimating.
• Mentor engineering staff and promote safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure designs meet codes, regulations, and company quality standards.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams and review vendor submittals for compliance.

Skills

Technical leadership

Mentoring

Nuclear engineering

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in General, Mechanical, or Environmental Engineering

PE Licensed

Tools

MathCAD

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

SolidWorks

RISA

AutoPipe

AFT Fathom/Arrow

Job description

Overview

At Veolia Nuclear Solutions Federal Services (VNSFS), located in Richland, Washington, we are working to support and provide innovative, sustainable, and elegant solutions to some of the most complex challenges facing our government and commercial clients. Located just minutes from anywhere in the Tri-Cities, Veolia offers a flexible and balanced schedule and is seeking talented, driven individuals that want to be part of a team, learn from industry experts, and support our clients’ projects.

The Principal Mechanical Engineer is responsible for independently leading engineering assignments and providing technical leadership in support of engineering projects. They are expected to apply advanced engineering knowledge to solve complex technical challenges, coordinate multidisciplinary engineering efforts, mentor junior engineers, and serve as a technical resource to project teams, clients, and management. They are also expected to ensure VNS Federal Services engineering processes continuously improve by identifying lessons learned, driving solution development, and incorporating improvements into other projects. The Principal Engineer has a broad general knowledge of principles and practices of related fields and must work on and lead collaborative multidisciplinary teams. He or she will work on a major project or several projects of moderate scope with complex features.

The Principal Engineer understands professional and ethical responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities:

• Continuously develop technical knowledge and engineering competencies in specific knowledge areas.
• Prepares/Assists proposals that provide engineering services for engineering projects or programs.
• Lead the planning, design, and execution of engineering projects.
• Lead project schedules, adhere to project budgets, and communicate progress to supervisors.
• Provide technical leadership during project planning, scope development, scheduling, and estimating activities.
• Prepare, review, approve, and ensure the technical quality of designs, drawings, calculations, computation methods, specifications, reports, and other project deliverables.
• Ensure work complies with applicable codes, regulations, client requirements, and company quality standards.

• Evaluate vendor proposals and review vendor drawings, calculations, and technical submittals for compliance with project requirements.
• Provides engineering support for testing and/or construction and performs field inspections, testing, commissioning, or site visits.
• Research, investigate, collect, organize, and analyze engineering data.
• Identify technical issues and develop practical engineering solutions while elevating complex matters as appropriate and supporting troubleshooting and resolution of the issue.
• Drive improvements to engineering standards, design practices, and work processes to enhance quality and efficiency.
• Keep informed of new developments and requirements affecting the organization for the purpose of recommending changes in programs or applications.
• Mentor engineering staff by providing technical guidance, coaching, and development opportunities.
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Accountabilities:

• For Engineering Staff to:
  • Lead members of design teams to complete all required project documents
  • Assigns tasks to and coordinates work with mid/entry-level engineers
  • Assist in determining schedule and budget requirements
  • Provide reviews of completed work for application of sound professional judgment
• To Discipline Manager or PM for:
  • Representing the organization and routinely interacting with clients, customers, officials, contractors, and others to maintain liaison with individuals and related organizations.
  • Communicating proactively with stakeholders and executive management regarding progress, issues, and plans for resolution.
  • Understanding instructions on general project objectives, attending project meetings, reporting project progress, and presenting specific aspects of an engineering design.
  • Stewardship of organizational resources and increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of project teams.
  • Leading the development of solutions to unconventional and/or complex problems.
  • Compliance with VNS Federal Services policies and procedures.

Qualifications

Required Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in General, Mechanical, or Environmental Engineering
• 15+ years of experience in engineering design or Nuclear Facility Operation/Maintenance/Construction

Desired Experience

• Working knowledge of MathCAD and AutoCAD/Civil 3D/SolidWorks
• Working knowledge of system analyses software (RISA, AutoPipe, AFT Fathom/Arrow, etc.)
• Working knowledge of national codes and standards such as IBC, ASME, AWS etc.
• PE Licensed
• Experience with Federal Projects within the Department of Defense, Department of Energy or Hanford Specific Experience
• Familiarity with:
• ASCE-7 Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures
• ASHRAE fundamentals and standards
• ASME AG-1 Code on Nuclear Air and Gas Treatment
• ASME B31.X Power/Process/Building Service Piping
• ASME BTH-1 Design of Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices
• ASME BPVC Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code

• ASME Section IX Qualification Standard for Welding, Brazing, and Fusing Procedures
• AWS D9.1, D1.1, D1.6