Mechanical Engineer, Senior

Salary: $72.38 - $84.28 Hourly
Location : Seattle, WA
Job Type: Classified Civil Service, Regular, Full-Time
Job Number: 2025-00378
Department: Seattle City Light
Opening Date: 03/21/2025
Closing Date: 4/15/2025 4:00 PM Pacific

Position Description
Seattle City Light, a department of the City of Seattle, is one of the nation's largest municipally owned utilities in terms of the number of customers served. Over the years we have worked very hard to keep Seattle's electricity affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound. Today, City Light is a recognized national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.
The Engineering & Technology Operations Division is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to ensure reliable operation of hydro turbine generating units and all auxiliary systems that support the generating units. In this position, you will be responsible for design changes, maintenance and construction of powerhouse and dam support systems, gates, hoists, structural equipment, piping systems, ventilation system, etc. This position reports to the Mechanical Engineering Supervisor.
Job Responsibilities
Here is more about what you'll be doing:

• Assist in the generation of work schedules with other department shops and divisions, and to ensure schedules are followed. All aspects of the work shall ensure that department resources are properly and efficiently used.
• Recommend projects at our plants and facilities when deficiencies are identified, with a goal of enhancing worker safety and productivity or generation reliability and efficiency.
• Ensure customers (Shops and Generating Plants) and other engineering disciplines (Electrical & Civil) are included as needed in the development of designs.
• Ensure that designs meet or exceed all Codes, Laws and Ordinances.
• Ensure all aspects of your engineering work promote safe operations of equipment and a safe environment for yourself, your co-workers and the general public.
• Field site visits are required in this position. As per project needs, the duration of travel to a hydro-generating powerhouse can last several days or more at one time.
• Experience with Work Asset Management systems for creating work tasks, preventative maintenance requirements and ordering equipment.

Design Engineering

• Reverse engineering - review old parts without existing information or drawings. Determine functionality, loading, forces, and calculate/design new replacement parts.
• Full design engineering includes calculate part stresses, strains - to be compliant with safety and code requirements and produce drawings with part dimensions, tolerances, bearing clearances, and alignment requirements.
• Review designs for code compliance and/or industry standards.
• Knowledge/familiarity with ASME B31.1 & B31.3 piping codes

Field Engineering

• Knowledge of rotating machinery systems and their testing procedures and control systems.
• Develop disassembly procedures including tooling and rigging designs for rotating machinery.
• Develop assembly procedures for rotating machinery including proper materials, clearances, bolt torque values, alignment and fit up. Confirm shaft run out measurements meet industry standards.
• Oversee and inspect work performed by machine shop, machinists, iron workers, and structural welders during generator and support system overhauls.
• Knowledge of in-place machining of turbine and generator components including the use of boring bars and alignment verification.

Qualifications
In addition to the skills and experience mentioned below, a successful applicant will have experience that reflects a commitment to creating fair and equitable outcomes and has:

Requires five years of professional mechanical engineering experience and a Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering or other combinations of education and/or experience which provides preparation to do professional mechanical engineering work.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

• Most work is performed in a normal City work/office environment.
• Field visits may entail exposure to all types of weather, high noise levels, hazardous/toxic substances, confined spaces and work near heavy equipment.
• May be required to work nights, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
• Overnight travel may be required.

License, Certification and Other Requirements:

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

Desired Qualifications - You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:

• Experience with large rotating machinery
• Experience with vibration analysis of rotating machinery
• Knowledge of welding codes and welding procedure generation.
• Experience with Non-Destructive Examination (NDE) methods.
• Power Plant, plant maintenance, and maintenance procedure experience.
• Power and steam plant operations, hydro plant, and gas turbine operations experience.
• Ability to work as a project engineer and manage engineering teams to complete work.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Additional Information
The full salary range for this position is $72.38 to $84.28 per hour.

Application Process

Please submit the following with your online application:

• A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement
• A current resume of your educational and professional work experience.

Incomplete applications may not be accepted.

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle City Light values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Seattle City Light encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the , and the A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

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. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:

Want to know more about Seattle City Light? Check out our web page:
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.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:
01

Please select your highest level of education completed.

• High School Diploma/GED
• Some College
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• Doctorate Degree

02

Do you have a Bachelor's Degree (or higher) in Mechanical Engineering?

• Yes
• No

03

Which of the following best describes your years of mechanical engineering experience?

• Less than 5 years
• 5 to 6 years
• 6 to 7 years
• 7 to 8 years
• 8 years or more

04

Please briefly explain how your experience matches the desired qualifications for this position ("see resume" or similar is not an acceptable answer).
05

Which of the following best describes your experience with Non-Destructive Examination (NDE) methods?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 to 3 years
• More than 3 years

06

Are you currently registered as a Professional Mechanical Engineer in the State of Washington?

• Yes, I am a registered engineer in the State of Washington.
• No, but I am registered in another state and will be able to register in the State of Washington within 12 months of hire.
• No, I am not a registered Professional Mechanical Engineer and I will not be able to register within 12 months of hire.

07

If you claimed licensure in another state in Question 6 above, please type the state that issued your license. Otherwise, type N/A.
08

Do you possess a current, valid Washington State Drivers License?

• Yes
• No, but I can obtain a valid Washington State Drivers License by the time of hire.
• No, and I will not be able to obtain a valid Washington State Drivers License.

Required Question