Principal Mechanical Engineer

Columbia Energy and Environmental services; Richland (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia Energy & Environmental Services in Richland, WA, seeks a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead complex design/build/test projects for nuclear and hazardous waste remediation, and to mentor project teams.

The role requires ABET-accredited degree, PE license, 15+ years in mechanical design, and US citizenship with security clearance eligibility.

You will collaborate with cross‑discipline teams, ensure ASME code compliance, and drive fabrication support from concept through field execution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (ABET-accredited) or higher.
• PE license is required.
• Minimum 15 years of demonstrated mechanical engineering design experience.
• Proven experience leading and managing project teams across disciplines.
• Strong attention to detail and collaborative teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-disciplinary project teams to execute complex design/build/test projects within scope, schedule, and budget.
• Provide strategic technical leadership in mechanical design and code compliance (ASME B31.3, B&PV, AG-1).
• Mentor junior engineers and designers, ensure clear communication with stakeholders and drive fabrication/support during production.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Mechanical design

ASME codes knowledge

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (ABET-accredited)

Job description

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Location: Richland, WA
Company: Columbia Energy & Environmental Services
Salary: $120,000 – $180,000 DOE

About Columbia Energy

Columbia Energy & Environmental Services, headquartered in Richland, WA, is a well-established small business with a strong track record of delivering comprehensive solutions in engineering, design, fabrication, instrumentation and controls, and other specialized services. With expertise in fixed-price design/build/test projects, we serve both federal and commercial clients, consistently delivering high-quality results through innovation and technical precision.

Our collaborative and experienced team is committed to providing practical, client-focused solutions tailored to address a wide range of challenges. Recently, we expanded our operations to Idaho Falls, ID, reflecting our ongoing growth and dedication to broadening our capabilities. We take pride in maintaining a strong reputation for quality and integrity while ensuring compliance with rigorous industry standards.

Why Join Columbia Energy?

At Columbia Energy, we foster a supportive and innovative environment where team members can thrive. As a growing small business with ambitious goals, we value initiative, teamwork, and a dedication to quality. This role offers the opportunity to lead impactful projects, serve as a mentor to junior engineers, and play a key role in advancing our technical capabilities. Veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.

Position Overview

We are seeking an accomplished Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our team in Richland, WA. This role provides opportunities to serve as a technical lead, project engineer, and mentor to project teams while contributing to complex design/build/test projects. The successful candidate will bring a combination of deep technical expertise, leadership ability, and a collaborative mindset to drive innovative solutions for nuclear and hazardous waste remediation, chemical processing, and nuclear ventilation systems.

Essential Responsibilities & Duties

Leadership & Mentorship

• Lead multi-disciplinary project teams in the execution of complex design/build/test projects, ensuring scope, schedule, and budget objectives are met.
• Act as a mentor and resource for junior engineers and designers, fostering technical growth and professional development.

Technical Expertise

• Provide strategic technical leadership in mechanical design, collaborating with engineers, designers, and shop staff.
• Conduct design analysis and reviews to ensure compliance with applicable industry codes and standards (e.g., ASME B31.3, ASME B&PV, ASME AG-1).
• Develop and oversee test plans and procedures, supporting system testing and troubleshooting.
• Maintain configuration control of baseline drawings and documents while ensuring accuracy and quality of design deliverables.

Project Collaboration & Fabrication Support

• Work closely with fabrication teams to ensure designs are manufacturable and optimized for production.
• Apply hands‑on experience in fabrication processes to support design, manufacturability, and troubleshooting during production.
• Provide clear communication and updates to project stakeholders regarding task status, technical challenges, and progress.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives in design and fabrication processes to enhance efficiency and quality.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (ABET-accredited) or higher.
• Registered Professional Engineer (PE).
• Minimum of 15 years of demonstrated experience in mechanical engineering design.
• Proven experience leading and managing project teams across disciplines.
• Extensive experience preparing design deliverables, resolving technical review comments, and finalizing design packages.
• Strong attention to detail with ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Self-motivated with a focus on project needs and delivery schedules.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain government security clearance (required for federal contract work).

Preferred Qualifications

• ASME NQA-1 or DOE project experience.
• Project management experience.
• Hands‑on fabrication experience, with ability to provide design input to optimize manufacturability.
• Experience supporting projects at nuclear facilities or within Navy Nuclear Power systems.
• Willingness to embrace new challenges and contribute to team growth.

Key Success Attributes

• Leader & Mentor: Guides technical teams and supports professional development.
• Technically Proficient: Deep understanding of mechanical design and industry codes/standards.
• Collaborative: Works effectively across engineering, design, and fabrication teams.
• Detail-Oriented: Ensures high-quality deliverables and compliance with requirements.
• Adaptable: Able to manage competing priorities in a dynamic project environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Columbia Energy is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal and state law.