Associate Mechanical Engineer, Journey

Under general supervision, performs minor to moderately complex mechanical design and inspection tasks for new construction, modification, and maintenance of SMUD various power generating units and supporting infrastructure assets hydro, thermal, wind, photovoltaic, gas pipeline, etc., and prepares Design Change Notice DCN packages for this work to ensure generation operations for SMUD that are reliable and efficient, and that comply with regulatory requirements and restrictions.

Nature and Scope

This classification is comprised of two levels: Level E is the entry-level where incumbents are provided formal training and/or certification for progression to the journey-level of the classification. The incumbent is promoted/progressed to the journey level J upon successful completion of all training and/or certification requirements for the classification. Incumbents hired at the entry-level are required to successfully progress to the journey-level within 18 to 60 months, depending on the length of the training and/or certification program. If an employee is unsuccessful with progressing to the journey-level they will return to last class held or separate from SMUD.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs minor to moderately complex engineering design on the mechanical systems of SMUD various generation assets; applies State and National codes and regulations, SMUD policies, maintenance or construction standards and other guidelines to the development of engineering designs; may be requested to provide design alternatives for any one design issue.
• Prepares mechanical project documentation; prepares Design Change Notification DCN packages from engineering designs for construction and other fieldwork; utilizes the Generation Design document control system to manage the development and revision of drawings and maps; produces as-built drawings from field data.
• Assists in ensuring that project designs are carried out in the field; assists during the transition of projects from design and construction to operations by preparing schedules and developing project test and acceptance criteria ad reports; produces reports from field data collection in support of regulatory reporting requirements.
• Assists in developing related bid package specifications necessary for bidding and procurement of materials and services related to assigned mechanical projects; for less complex projects, may assume primary responsibility for coordinating with supply chain services department on procurement of services and materials necessary to complete projects.
• Performs a broad range of drafting and graphic assignments utilizing Computer Aided Design CAD software to create and revise drawings and maps associated with engineering design changes and new engineering designs on various SMUD generation assets.
• Utilizes Geographic Information System GIS drafting software to create specialized drawings and maps for SMUD gas pipeline and other assets; develops construction drawings, including equipment/facilities drawings, wiring diagrams, job instructions/notes, etc.; utilizes digital imaging devices for use with CAD and mapping software, works with digital images in varying image formats.
• Performs field investigations to take measurements and collect data for assigned projects; verifies existing configurations and conditions against documentation; produces as-built drawings from field visits and measurements; conducts on-site visits to verify proper facility installations by contractors or SMUD personnel and to ensure conformity with applicable codes and design requirements; conducts site visits and inspections with contractors and other outside personnel.
• May be assigned primary design and coordination role for generation projects with lower levels of mechanical engineering design and construction/installation complexity; uses basic project management skills to function as the primary contact from job initiation to job completion, coordinating and communicating with outside agencies and consulting with field crews and contractors during the course of the project.
• Performs related duties as required.

Required Education

• A Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in mechanical engineering.

Required Experience Qualifications

• Three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible relevant work experience in the design, installation, and maintenance of mechanical systems for thermal, hydro, wind, and photovoltaic power generating resources and pipelines.

Knowledge Of

Theory, principles and practices of mechanical engineering design for thermal, hydro, wind, and photovoltaic power generating resources and pipelines; machine design principles; machine shop practices; methods and techniques of stress analysis; piping systems; air conditioning systems; vibration and noise control practices; hydraulics and flow measurements methods; federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations governing safety and construction of mechanical systems; principles, procedures and practices related to construction/fabrication/installation methods, equipment and materials; computer aided drafting and design software such as AutoCAD; principles, procedures and practices related to engineering mathematics and statistical analysis techniques; principles, procedures and practices related to engineering economics; principles and practices of economic analyses of projects and programs; techniques and practices of cost benefit analyses; methods and techniques of report preparation and writing; procedures and practices for overseeing contractors work activities; techniques and practices for problem research and resolution; safety policies, practices and procedures; office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases; English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Skills To

Utilize a personal computer and/or computer terminal, systems and software relevant to the job; use state of the art computer software to design mechanical systems; maintain computer databases for collection, interpretation and reporting of data; read and interpret engineering documents and drawings, plans, diagrams and specifications; assist in planning and implementing system protection enhancements and upgrades; analyze situations, documents and data for conformance to established policy and procedures; gather data from appropriate sources and identify relevant factors; identify the key elements that must be modified to achieve a goal; interpret, analyze and apply pertinent policies, procedures, regulations and requirements; interpret, clarify, understand and analyze verbal written information and ideas; utilize logic and analysis to identify the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches; ensure adherence to established safety policies, practices and procedures; schedule and prioritize own work assignments to meeting expected timeframes; compile and prepare technical, statistical and/or analytical reports and presentations; operate office equipment including a computer terminal, systems and software relevant to the job; communicate effectively orally and in writing internally/externally; establish and maintain effective working relationships internally/ externally.

Desirable Qualifications

• Engineer In Training (EIT) certification
• California Professional Registration as a Mechanical Engineer (PE)

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