Senior Mechanical Engineer-Hydropower Gates and Locks Specialist

Senior Mechanical Engineer-Hydropower Gates and Locks Specialist

Date:
Apr 18, 2026

Location:

Tualatin, OR, US

Company:
Black & Veatch Family of Companies

Opportunity Type:
Staff

In this role you will have the opportunity to lead, design, and manage new and upgraded projects on hydropower systems that may include:

• Conceptual studies of mechanical equipment related to hydraulic structures, including condition assessments, hydraulic evaluations, & calculations
• Design of gates for Dams or water conveyance projects, including radial (tainter), drum, crest, and roller gates
• Large valves for Dam outlets and emergency shutoff of conveyance;
  In-stream flow (IFR) valves
• Gate hosts and actuation systems with custom‑designed gearing
• Sector gates and tow haulage for Locks & Dams
• Fluid power actuation systems, including oil and oil‑alternatives
• Penstock and associated piping
• Deicing systems such as bubblers
• Intake screens and trash rakes
• Gantry and Jib Cranes

The role also involves dam safety inspections related to mechanical equipment and providing input for risk assessment. You may also support hydro turbine unit upgrades and powerhouse balance of plant systems.

• Continually develop knowledge and may provide guidance and direction on design guides, standards, systems, applicable engineering codes and B&V policies. Provides technical guidance to others regarding projects and disciplines.
• Prepare specifications and drawings for complex engineering deliverables for challenging projects.
• Perform complex research and analysis leading to recommendations for potential solutions. May oversee collection, assimilation, and evaluation of condition data for engineering work. Independently apply advanced engineering techniques and analysis methods. Apply knowledge of standard methods and industry codes.
• Manage assigned budget, schedule, and quality requirements. Actively delegate appropriate tasks to lower level team members and review their work. Responsible for one or more of the following: leading production teams; coordinating multiple discipline activity; and serving as the responsible charge for a project.
• Identify and communicate key client interests and drivers to project team members and develop approaches. Provide support to business development or pursuit activities.
• Recognized as a technical specialist and has knowledge and skill set to provide consultation and guidance to project teams in a particular practice area.
• Accountable for some administrative responsibilities, including but not limited to: ensuring policies, procedures and processes are effectively implemented and communicated for work group; ensuring adherence to corporate and division programs; complying with B&V quality program relative to assigned tasks.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from an accredited program in the applicant’s home country or the country in which the professional is practicing.
• 25+ years of mechanical or systems engineering experience related to locks, dams or water conveyance facilities.
• Experience in finite element analysis (FEA).
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license.
• Previous experience in a client‑facing role.

Requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited program in the applicant’s home country or the country in which the professional is practicing or equivalent experience in engineering work. Minimum of 11 years related work experience. All applicants must be able to complete pre‑employment onboarding requirements (if selected) which may include any/all of: criminal/civil background check, drug screen, and motor vehicle records search, in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Holds an active engineering registration or licensure to support engineer of record (EOR) requirements for BV projects in applicable countries, and supports where necessary.

• This position would require working in a typical office environment. The position may entail prolonged periods of sitting and computer use, and the professional would ideally be able to maintain focus and attention to detail…