Career Center

Purpose

Provides specialized mechanical engineering and project management expertise for the planning, design, modification, construction, maintenance and troubleshooting of  mechanical systems at hydro, thermal, wind, battery and utility scale solar generating plants and high pressure transmission gas pipeline; provides design, operations and maintenance engineering, training and procedures development in support of power plant and high pressure natural gas transmission pipeline operations.

Nature and Scope

Serves as an advanced journey level resource in a relevant professional discipline; works independently on projects of moderate complexity; exercises independent judgment and discretion; may serve in a Lead role and assist in planning, coordinating, prioritizing, monitoring and evaluating the work results in assigned area and in selecting, training, motivating, evaluating and developing lower-level personnel.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs and provides leadership for mechanical engineering development and integration of new design concepts, system improvements and energy saving measures into SMUD power generation facilities mechanical systems; conducts and/or directs detailed analyses, studies and calculations of operating plant stationary and rotating equipment including turbines and motors; analyzes the impact of proposed system upgrades or improvements; recommends designs and best practices for total system modification.
• Monitors, analyzes, and interprets federal, state, local and industry standards, codes and regulations; ensures that SMUD construction standards and procedures comply with codes.
• Provides mechanical design, technical expertise and high-quality engineering support for SMUD power generation facilities by identifying and resolving unique and complex engineering problems related to design, construction and testing of modifications or daily operations; provides solutions that result in minimal impact to scheduled operations of the mechanical system; assures the updating of facility drawings; responds to requests for technical information; acts as liaison for exchange of technical information.
• Participates in project management for mechanical system modifications; develops, monitors and controls project schedules; provides cost estimates for proposed modification work; reports process in achieving project deliverables and schedules and meeting project budgets through written or oral communications.
• Participates in the procurement and contract bidding, award, and management process by preparing written specifications of work and equipment; evaluates bid proposals to determine qualifications of consultants, contractors and manufacturers and makes award recommendations; coordinates and directs contractor activities in the development of design and performance of construction; represents SMUD in technical and business meetings on complex contractual obligations.
• Provides technical guidance and documented standards and procedures for maintenance of mechanical equipment in SMUD power generation facilities; establishes and documents use of test equipment and test procedures; provides training, as necessary, for maintenance procedures; issues drawings, diagrams, instructions, and technical information for maintenance staff.
• Develops and maintains expertise and knowledge of current industry practices, standards, correct engineering applications and interpretations for the Power Generation department; represents SMUD at meetings, industry committees and professional organizations; attends technical seminars and keeps current with published trade articles and professional journals.
• Identifies and resolves complex mechanical problems by analyzing and interpreting data from test instruments; researches mechanical related disturbances and their relation to generating facility problems; diagnoses causes and recommends solutions.
• Provides standards, procedures, and training to ensure that high pressure natural gas pipeline operations and maintenance are conducted safely and are in compliance with all applicable regulations; initiates procedure and/or facility design changes to improve safety, effectiveness or efficiency; conducts ongoing review of new projects adjacent to the pipeline for possible impacts; mitigates harmful effects.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Develops and implements high pressure natural gas pipeline’s emergency preparedness and safety management programs; coordinates emergency preparedness simulation activities; conducts public information sessions on pipeline safety, interacting with community groups and agencies.
• Develops and implements a comprehensive welding control program; ensures regulatory compliance, integrity of installations, worker safety and availability of qualified workers to meet Department needs.
• Plans, coordinates, prioritizes, monitors, guides, reviews, and conducts work activities associated with department internal/external projects in accordance with established task objectives and schedule as outlined in the project plan/contract.
• Performs related duties as required.

Required Education

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in mechanical engineering or closely related field.

Required Experience Qualifications

• Five plus (5+) years experience in the design, maintenance, testing or construction of power generating mechanical systems, or high pressure gas transmission pipeline operations, engineering and project and maintenance management.

Knowledge Of

Hydroelectric and gas-fired turbines, wind turbines, utility scale solar fields and energy storage batteries and other generating power plant machinery, control systems interface; balance of power plant equipment including cooling water, penstocks, pipelines, flow control, turbine bearings, motors, pumps, lubricating oil systems, speed governors, turbine and generator balancing, heat recovery steam generators, relief valves, turbine shutoff valves; American Society of Mechanical Engineers Boiler & Pressure Vessel and Piping Codes; Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID) functions, Uniform Building Code (UBC); National Electric Code (NEC) as it relates to motors and controllers; National Fire Protection Association Code (NFPA) as it relates to wet and dry fire suppression and detection systems used in generating plants and generator, oil room and transformer enclosures; construction, operating and maintenance principles of high pressure natural gas transmission pipelines; federal, state and local natural gas regulations, guidelines, codes and standards; gas equipment and facilities such as regulators, monitors, actuators, meters and control systems; gas facilities auditing requirements and methods; methods and techniques of data collection and analysis; metallurgy and non-destructive testing techniques; principles and practices of test procedure writing; procedures and practices for monitoring and managing projects; principles and practices for budget administration; office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as equipment monitoring software, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases; English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Skills To

Analyze complex technical problems and apply engineering principles to develop solutions; diagnose operational and design problems in generating plant mechanical systems; interpret drawings, schematics, statistical data and reports; support the start-up of generating plant rotating equipment and balance of plant systems; effectively manage major high pressure natural gas transmission projects and programs; lead professionals in complex projects; interpret and apply applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations; operate office equipment including a computer, systems and software relevant to the job; present technical information in a clear and concise manner; communicate effectively orally and in writing internally/externally; establish and maintain effective working relationships internally/externally.

Desirable Qualifications

• Registered professional mechanical engineer
• Engineering experience supporting hydroelectric generating plants is highly desirable.  
• Engineering experience with thermal generation facilities is desirable
• Experience leading design changes or capital improvements to generation plants is highly desirable.
• Experience managing contractors and construction contracts is desirable.
• Expertise with large rotating equipment, turbomachinery, lubrication, vibration, metallurgy, welding, corrosion protection, and process equipment are all desirable qualifications.