Senior Mechanical Engineer

Overview

Seattle City Light, a department of the City of Seattle, is one of the nation’s largest municipally owned utilities. It serves a large customer base and is a recognized national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.

• Ensure reliable operation of hydro turbine generating units and auxiliary systems supporting the units.
• Design changes, maintenance, and construction of powerhouse and dam support systems, gates, hoists, structural equipment, piping, and ventilation.
• Report to the Mechanical Engineering Supervisor.
• Provide engineering support for operations, maintenance, and procurement.
• Meet with mechanical maintenance crew to review planned work, ensure project completion and documentation.
• Recommend projects to enhance worker safety, productivity, generation reliability, and efficiency.
• Collaborate with customers, electrical, and civil engineering disciplines in design development.
• Ensure designs meet or exceed all applicable codes, laws, and ordinances.
• Use Work Asset Management systems for creating work tasks and preventative maintenance requirements.

• Reverse engineer parts lacking documentation, determine functionality, loads, and design replacements.
• Calculate part stresses and strains to meet safety and code requirements; produce detailed drawings.
• Review designs for code compliance and industry standards.
• Modify or replace piping consistent with ASME B31.1 and B31.3 codes.

• Apply knowledge of rotating machinery systems, testing, and controls.
• Develop disassembly and assembly procedures, tooling, rigging plans, torque values, and alignment requirements.
• Confirm shaft run‑out measurements meet industry standards.
• Inspect work performed by machine shops, iron workers, and welders during generator and support system overhauls.
• Direct in‑place machining of turbine and generator components, including use of boring bars and alignment verification.

Five years of professional mechanical engineering experience.

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent combination of education and experience that prepares for professional mechanical engineering work.

• Primary work at City hydroelectric projects.
• Exposure to weather, high noise, hazardous/toxic substances, confined spaces, and heavy equipment.
• May require nights, evenings, weekends, holidays, overnight travel, and additional travel to Seattle.

• Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Washington.
• Current Washington State driver’s license or equivalent mobility.

• Experience at a hydroelectric generating facility.
• Experience with large rotating machinery and vibration analysis.
• Knowledge of welding codes and welding procedure generation.
• Experience with Non‑Destructive Examination (NDE) methods.
• Experience with mechanical data analysis for operational changes.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and adapt to site needs.
• Power plant, plant maintenance, and maintenance procedure experience.
• Clear communication and collaboration with skilled trade workers.
• Proficiency with CAD, 3D design software, and Matlab.

Each employee is assigned a role in the Emergency Response Program to support reliable service during emergencies and keep the community safe.

$74.99 to $87.31 per hour.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package, including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long‑term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religion, or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Seattle City Light encourages people of all backgrounds to apply.