Associate Mechanical Engineer - Hydropower

The Opportunity

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

• Hydro turbines, including condition assessments, hydraulic evaluations, & calculations
• Dam and water conveyance, including radial gates and large valves    
• Generator cooling systems    
• Raw water and oil systems    
• Fire protection and HVAC systems    
• Turbine and generator bearings    
• Compressed air systems 
• Instrumentation support
• Crane/hoist systems

You may also perform limited commissioning support, on-site data collection, and inspections of powerhouse and dam-related assets.  Projects will span concept to completion, offering insight into the influence of initial decisions and the satisfaction of commissioning.

The Team

Black & Veatch has delivered hydropower solutions worldwide for more than 40 years. We’ve produced results on nearly 500 projects and more than 50,000 megawatts in hydropower design. A track record like that can only be achieved by delivering quality results while meeting budgets and schedules. That formula helps us meet the goal we share with all clients – maximum return on their infrastructure investment.  We’re committed to finding clean, green power alternatives. Our expertise ranges from studies and valuations to optimizing existing operations. We can handle full services for facilities that range from the smallest to the largest in capacity. At the front end, clients rely on us to conduct thorough studies involving overall project management. We provide the full range of design services and construction support, and we ensure that the end product is a model of operating efficiency. Check out our projects HERE!

Key Responsibilities

• Continues to learn and remains current on departmental design guides, standards, systems, applicable engineering codes and B&V policies and procedures. Applies to assigned tasks as appropriate.
• Continues developing and can independently apply knowledge. Complies with B&V quality program relative to assigned tasks. Supports continuous improvement and change management efforts.
• Prepares a variety of increasingly complex engineering deliverables. Performs research and develops recommendations for equipment and/or materials selection. Collects, assimilates, and manages data for engineering work. Prepares increasingly complex engineering calculations following standard methods and principles. Understands and adheres to budget, schedule, and quality requirements.  May recognize, define and resolve problems within assigned area. May provide direction and guidance to others.
• Assigns tasks to develop entry level professionals and interns.  Coordinates with project leadership and other internal/external team members on less complex projects. Interacts as needed with other disciplines on details of design work.
• Works to understand external client's interest and drivers through regular interaction and communication. Also focuses on needs of internal clients and project leadership. May provide support to business development or pursuit activities.
• Shares current knowledge of latest technology and processes.
• As skills develop, may assist with performance management process, recognition, and any corrective actions required.  Actively mentors entry level professionals and interns.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years of mechanical engineering experience in hydropower or related field  
• Previous experience with engineering projects in a utility setting  
• Interest in design and operation support of mechanical systems related to dams and water storage facilities  
• Previous experience in a client facing role 

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor's degree in engineering from either a recognized accredited program in their home country or the country in which the professional is practicing
• Minimum of 1 year related work experience
• All applicants must be able to complete pre-employment onboarding requirements (if selected) which may include any/all of the following: criminal/civil background check, drug screen, and motor vehicle records search, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• 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 throughout the workday. The position may also be require physical tasks during site visits, including crouching, grasping, and standing/walking for extended periods of time.
• Capable of occasional travel (up to 15% of the time)
• Hybrid or flexible work options may be offered after the first 90 days of employment based upon manager discretion, job performance and work assignments.

Salary Plan

Compensation Transparency

In accordance with local requirements, the annual compensation ranges for this role are listed below by state or jurisdiction and reflect the applicable office location(s) within each. Final compensation is determined based on factors such as skills, experience, qualifications, internal alignment, geographic location, and other factors permitted by law. 

State of California: $91,047 - $152,053

Job Grade