City of Tacoma

Power Generation Mechanical Engineer

City of Tacoma$131K — $184K *
Energy & Utilities
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field
  • 4 years of professional engineering experience in a power utility
  • Washington State Licensed Professional Engineer
  • Washington State Driver's License
  • Experience with turbine/generators or heavy industrial equipment

Responsibilities

  • Participate in design, installation, and maintenance of fish facilities and hydropower plants
  • Prepare and review engineering calculations, drawings, and reports
  • Develop specifications for mechanical equipment procurement
  • Support the procurement and testing of project activities and equipment
  • Conduct shop inspections and factory tests for mechanical systems
  • Coordinate repairs and upgrades with contractors and staff
  • Plan mechanical equipment installation and alignment

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on significant power generation projects
  • Engagement with diverse teams in hydropower and fisheries operations
  • Exposure to both mechanical and civil engineering aspects
  • Potential for professional growth in a well-established utility
  • Stable work environment with city employment benefits
Full Job Description
Salary: $131,248.00 - $184,808.00 Annually
Location : Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Non-Classified
Job Number: T0440-26B
Department: Power
Division: Generation
Opening Date: 05/27/2026

Position Description
Tacoma Power's Generation Section is seeking a Mechanical Engineer (Power Systems Engineer or Power Systems Engineer, PE) to join their team. This position provides mechanical engineering technical services for capital and maintenance projects at Tacoma Power's hydroelectric and fisheries facilities. As a Professional Engineer, this position is expected to be a subject matter expert for operation, maintenance, repair, and improvement of Generation's mechanical systems and equipment. This position supports the mission of the organization by ensuring continued availability of generating resources and fisheries operations.
Responsibilities Include:
  • Participate on diverse working teams involved with the design, fabrication, installation, maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation of fish facilities and hydropower plants
  • Prepare, review, and stamp calculations, drawings, reports, etc., related to mechanical systems
  • Prepare specifications and other engineering documents to procure and install a wide variety and of mechanical equipment and systems
  • Provide support for the evaluation, selection, procurement, installation, testing, and acceptance of project activities and equipment
  • Represent the City at shop inspections and factory acceptance tests related to mechanical systems
  • Coordinate and work with contractors and hydro project staff to repair and upgrade systems and equipment
  • Plan and direct mechanical equipment installation, disassembly, reassembly, and alignment
  • Provide operations & maintenance and asset management program recommendations for mechanical systems
  • Power plant mechanical equipment within the scope of this position includes but is not limited to utility-scale generators, hydroelectric turbines, balance-of-plant systems (e.g., air, oil, and water), large valves, gates, cranes, and hoists
  • Fisheries facilities mechanical equipment within the scope of this position includes but is not limited to motors, pumps, piping, valves, water-treatment systems (e.g., ozone, filtration, UV), and fish attraction and conveyance systems


Qualifications
Minimum Education*
Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or directly related field

Minimum Experience*
4 years of professional level engineering experience in a power utility

Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements
Washington State Licensed Professional Engineer
Washington State Driver's License

Desired Qualifications & Experience:
Experience with turbine/generators or heavy industrial equipment.
Some positions may require individuals to complete annual CIP training after employment and pass a comprehensive personal risk assessment (background check) prior to employment and every five years thereafter as required by federal regulatory requirements (NERC-CIP)

*Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education

Knowledge & Skills
Desired Qualifications & Experience:

Experience with turbine/generators or heavy industrial equipment.

Heavy civil, geotechnical, structural, or hydropower industry related engineering experience

Selection Process & Supplemental Information
Jenna Flanagan with J Powers Recruiting is leading this recruitment. If you're interested in learning more about the position, please contact her at 916-304-6663

This recruitment is being managed by Kye Merritt, if you would like to be notified of similar opportunities or stay connected with things going on at Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma, connect with me on !

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Details:

Annual Salary: $131,248 - $184,808

01

Do you have a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or directly related field?*Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education
  • Yes
  • No

02

Do you have 4 years of professional level engineering experience in a power utility?
  • Yes
  • No

03

Do you have a Washington State Professional Engineer License or the ability to transfer one within six months of appointment?
  • Yes
  • No

04

Do you have a Washington State Driver's License or ability to obtain one at time of appointment?
  • Yes
  • No

05

Do you have experience with hydropower or power generation? If so, please explain.
06

One of the City's Principles that guides us is Equity. Describe what equity means to you and describe any experience you have working with diverse groups of people.
07

Please provide specific information regarding how you learned about this job opening. Thank you, your feedback will be used to evaluate our success reaching the public and refine our methods for future job postings.
Required Question

About City of Tacoma

The City of Tacoma is a local government organization that provides a range of services to residents and businesses in Tacoma, Washington. These services include public safety, transportation, utilities, and parks and recreation. The City of Tacoma was founded in 1875 and is headquartered in Tacoma, Washington.
Learn more about City of Tacoma
Size
3,000 employees
Industry

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