Power Generation Entry Mechanical Engineer

Title:

Power Generation Entry Mechanical Engineer

Location:

Pollock Pines, CA, US

Posting Type:
Open

Open until filled - Candidates are encouraged to apply early as this posting may close at any time without notice on or after May 27, 2026.

SMUD is seeking a mechanical engineer with power generation or heavy industrial experience to support maintenance projects at the nine hydroelectric powerhouses in the Upper American River Project. In this hands‑on role, you will be working with the maintenance engineering group in Pollock Pines, CA to maintain and upgrade the mechanical equipment that keeps our hydropower system at peak reliability. The ideal candidate is a good communicator, comfortable managing projects in the field, and enjoys working alongside skilled craft workers on construction projects.

Under general supervision, assists in performing minor to moderately complex mechanical engineering core responsibilities, including problem resolution/project assignments, in the most efficient, safe and cost‑effective manner, and that comply with regulatory requirements and restrictions.

There are four (4) levels in this job classification series that have similar job content but with progressively more challenging degrees and levels of skill, responsibility, knowledge, experience and qualification requirements:

• Entry:
  Incumbent acquires knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the tasks associated within the series but are not yet demonstrating these at the Journey level.
• Journey:
  Incumbent is demonstrating the required skills and knowledge to independently perform the full scope of the job.
• Senior:
  Advanced journey level resource who is responsible for advanced assignments, as dictated by the work needing to be performed; may act in a lead/supervisory capacity.
• Principal:
  Subject matter expert/lead/supervisory level and is responsible for leading the most advanced work, as dictated by the work needing to be performed.

Entry to Journey:
Incumbents at the entry level are required to successfully “progress” to the journey level within 60 months of appointment to remain within the job series.

Seniors and Principals must be hired through a promotional process and do not automatically progress from lower levels in the series.

• Assist in performing minor to moderately complex engineering designs for mechanical systems, applying State and National codes, SMUD standards, and construction guidelines. Assist in making modifications that enhance asset reliability and efficiency.
• Assist in preparation of project documentation, including Design Change Notification (DCN) packages, and manage revisions using the Generation Design document control system.
• Assist in the development of bid package specifications for procurement of materials and services related to mechanical projects, ensuring compliance with SMUD project standards. Coordinate procurement processes for less complex projects with supply chain services.
• Utilize Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to create and update engineering drawings.
• For projects with lower complexity, assume a primary role in coordinating and communicating from job initiation to completion, ensuring all tasks are executed on time and within designated budgets.
• Conduct field investigations to gather measurements and collect data, verifying existing configurations against project documentation, ensuring proper installation by contractors. Assist in producing as‑built drawings and perform on‑site visits to ensure facility installations comply with design specifications and regulatory requirements.
• Support the transition of projects from the design phase to operational status by creating schedules, defining testing and acceptance criteria, and compiling reports, ensuring adherence to established regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with senior engineers and project teams to ensure that asset modifications enhance reliability and efficiency while complying with regulatory requirements and cost‑efficiency targets.
• Perform other related duties as needed; schedules, hours and locations may fluctuate based on business…