Mechanical Engineer (Open until Filled)

  • Job ID: 11751
  • Location: Wenatchee, WA
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Regular

LIVE, WORK AND PLAY!

Chelan County PUD is located in the geographical center of Washington State at the confluence of the Columbia and Wenatchee rivers.   A public power leader, the complex and progressive nature of PUD operations offer a unique mix of challenges and opportunities.

We rely on the mighty Columbia River for much of our hydropower generation and we're proud to take a leadership role in environmental stewardship as related to this great river system. Each year we dedicate millions of dollars and thousands of work hours to protect and enhance fish, wildlife and plant ecosystems. As part of hydropower operations, we've also built 14 parks that serve more than 3 million visitors each year.

Rated by Forbes in 2017 and 2019 as one of the top 25 places to retire, Wenatchee is a recreational paradise with an abundance of adventure. The natural scenic beauty of the Wenatchee Valley provides a vivid backdrop to its thriving economy, where the quality of life is high and the climate is moderate with four distinct seasons, including more than 200 days of sunshine!

We are a small town to some and big city to others. We invest in our children and believe that education is the key to our future success.

We live a life of abundant choices and enjoy water sports on the Wenatchee and Columbia rivers, hiking, biking, rock climbing and unlimited golfing. Downhill and cross-country skiing are just minutes away. The area is also known for producing quality wines.

Consider Chelan PUD as a career choice today! The community is waiting for you.

Chelan PUD is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity at all levels of its workforce. M/F/Vet/Disabled

PLEASE NOTE

Applicants are required to submit a cover letter and resume detailing interest in the community, position and related experience. To expedite the process, combine your cover letter and resume into one PDF or WORD document and upload electronically when requested in the online application process.

Incomplete materials will not be considered.

The position is Open until Filled, applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.

The position works primarily onsite. Return to District facilities for any employees working remotely due to COVID is planned for July 2021.

 

SALARY RANGE

In addition to a competitive starting salary range, Chelan PUD employees also enjoy outstanding benefits which include the option of a zero cost medical plan (medical, dental and vision for all eligible dependents), short and long-term disability, Washington State Public Employee's Retirement System, Deferred Compensation (with company matching funds up to 5%), 11 holidays and initial personal leave accrual at 21 days per year. 

The position will be filled at varying levels (I, II, III or Senior) based on candidate qualifications (preference Level III or Senior). The hiring range for this position is $70,000 - $118,900.

Introductory Period: New employees holding regular positions must complete an introductory period of twelve months.

JOB POSTING

JOB PURPOSE:                                
Performs various mechanical engineering duties and assists with project management activities related to the planning, design, construction, operation, maintenance and rehabilitation of equipment within hydroelectric generation plants and related facilities such as fish hatcheries, water supply systems, structures, etc.  This position requires advanced knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures, including materials, equipment and techniques, used in professional level work in the field of mechanical engineering and project management.
 
JOB FUNCTIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function of the job satisfactorily.   Essential functions are those activities that, if not performed, would significantly and fundamentally alter the position. 
 
#    Job Functions
1. Design Engineering - Perform mechanical engineering design, analysis and calculations of advanced complexity frequently determining the need and scope of the analysis and calculation for projects such as turbine generator unit rehabs, cranes, trash cleaners, spillway/intake/draft tube gates, hydraulic systems, bearings, etc.  Prepare cost estimates.  Write technical purchase and construction specifications.  Prepare technically complex plans and specifications for procurement.  Prepare public works and purchase bid document packages.  Review Bid proposals. Follow engineering QA/QC procedures.  Complete technical review of Contractor submittals such as engineering drawings, Bill of Materials, technical reports, FEAs, NCRs, repair procedures, WPSs and QC record sheets.  Develop and implement inspection and test plans.

2. Field Engineering - Collect, analyze, trend and provide written reports on Machine Condition Monitoring air gap and shaft vibration data. Establishment and evaluation of Unit alignment, analysis and correction of stator/ rotor circularity and concentricity, development of activity lists, development of engineering drawings, procurement, procedure development, construction and manufacturing oversight, turbine/ generator Unit commissioning. Provide equipment condition assessments with technical reports.  Inspect fabrication and construction activities, materials, work products and troubleshoot construction problems. Lead project start up activities including training O&M staff.

3. Planning and Preliminary Engineering - Perform engineering planning, feasibility studies (including technical report writing), cost estimating, economic analyses and develop alternatives to determine solutions to operational problems, regulatory concerns, efficiency improvements, asset management issues, etc.  Investigate alternatives for design steps and sequencing for obscure or indeterminate problems.  Evaluate and propose solutions to problems in support of feasibility studies.  Interpret codes and standards including nuances of application, identifying different possible interpretations.

4.  Project Management - May develop budgets, schedules and procurement documents for programs.  May act as a project manager for complex projects.  Oversee and monitor projects from concept to close out. Communicate project progress to internal clients, supervision and management.  Write status and tracking reports. Lead project team and progress meetings.   Lead consultant selection processes.  Negotiate and manage consultant contracts. Negotiate conditions and obtain permits and agreements with stakeholders, land owners and regulatory agencies. Oversee preparation of purchase and construction contract bid documents.  Ensure compliance with QA/QC procedures to maintain the quality of project deliverables.

5. Operations and Maintenance Troubleshooting and Technical Assistance - Troubleshoot operations and maintenance problems at the request of plant personnel. Clarify and pinpoint problems.  Develop testing methods and alternatives.  Provide alternative problem solutions.  Write brief reports describing possible solutions and recommendations.

6. Training/Mentoring – Remain abreast of technology and engineering discipline changes. Lead and direct the work of professional staff with less experience. Mentor other professionals. Provide structure and work sequence to lower level engineers to guide technical activities.

7. Process Improvement Efforts - Lead or participate in multidisciplinary work process improvement teams. Participate in procedure development and methods of engineering service delivery.  Contribute to the development of company technical standards.

8. Drive a motorized vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the District.

9.   Maintain regular and predictable attendance.  Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.  Comply with District policies.  Complete all required training. Maintain a working knowledge and comply with District safety procedures and specific safety requirements of this position, and those in accordance with applicable provisions of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and Washington Administrative Code (WAC).
 
QUALIFICATIONS: The qualifications listed below are representative of those required, but reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. 
 
Post-Secondary Education:                                
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited university.  For entry level applicants, EI or EIT preferred.  For senior level applicants a PE in the State of WA strongly preferred. 
 
Experience:                                
The position will be filled at varying levels: for example, the entry level position requires some paid, volunteer or college environment mechanical engineering experience - and the senior level typical candidate will have twelve (12) years of progressively responsible experience performing mechanical engineering design and project management with a minimum of seven (7) years in the hydroelectric power generation industry. Preference is level III or Senior candidates.
 
Computers & Equipment: A fully skilled incumbent will have the ability to utilize the following software, hardware, or equipment:
 
To perform this job successfully, an individual is required to have knowledge of PeopleSoft Timekeeping/ HR; Microsoft Outlook; Microsoft Word; AutoCAD/ Inventor; Microsoft PowerPoint; Primavera; Maximo Order Processing; general office equipment; mechanical diagnostic equipment, electronic data and event records, mechanical and optical measuring devices, PLC technology; QA-QC equipment procedures for VT, PT, MT, UT, and other technical skills related to the field and industry.  Advanced skill required with Microsoft Excel; metallurgy, machining processes, welding technology including heat treatment and stress removal, thermal measuring devices, viscosity, stress and strain measurement, painting and prep.
 
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; talk and hear.  The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel.  The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl or twist torso; pull, push, or exert force; perform repetitive hand or arm motion; taste and smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds above shoulder height unassisted. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
 
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
While performing the duties of this job, occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions (non-weather) work near moving mechanical parts; work in high, precarious places; in confined spaces; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outdoor weather conditions; extreme cold (non-weather); extreme heat (non-weather); risk of electrical shock; and vibration. The noise level is usually moderate.
 
Occasional national or international travel may be required.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

A valid driver's license is required for this position (verified upon hire).  A valid Washington State driver's license is required within 30 days of employment.

DISCLAIMER

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions for this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility. This should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.  Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.

EEO

Chelan PUD is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer (EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled). We value diversity at all levels of the organization. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected classifications as defined by law.

EEO Law Posters can be found on the main Careers page in English and Spanish. 

Chelan PUD will not be offering any work visa sponsorship for this role.

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-I.35(c)