Principal Mechanical Engineer

External Job Opportunity

Title

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Position Number

40786

Company

Hanford Tank Waste Operations

City/State

Richland, WA

Location

200E

Posted

12/17/2025

Closes

01/07/2026

Regular/Temporary

Regular

Full/Part-Time

Full-Time

Job Responsibilities/Duties

Hanford Tank Waste Operations & Closure (H2C) delivers exceptional performance in safely removing, treating, and disposing of tank waste. H2C leads the nation's largest and most complex radioactive waste cleanup, including closure of the legacy waste tanks at Hanford containing 56 million gallons of radioactive and chemical waste.

Joining H2C means becoming part of a team dedicated to creating "The Solution Today for a Better Tomorrow." At H2C, our culture is deeply rooted in our Vision, Mission, Values, and Behaviors, which guide our efforts on the Hanford Site and within our communities. Our vision to tackle the Department of Energy's largest environmental challenge reflects our commitment to leaving a positive legacy for future generations. We strive to deliver exceptional performance in safely removing, treating, and disposing of tank waste. Our values emphasize living safely, acting with integrity, and working collaboratively as a team. We encourage innovation, personal accountability, and continuous improvement, fostering an environment where everyone is empowered to contribute to our mission and celebrate our achievements. By embracing these principles, you will be part of a forward-thinking organization dedicated to making a meaningful impact today and for the future.

The Mechanical Engineer works in the Tank Farm Project and Chief Technology Office Organization, supporting the Tank Farms Projects (TFP) Engineering team and will work closely with other engineers, project managers and internal/external agencies. This position will work within the Projects Engineering group supporting a wide variety of tank farm infrastructure projects using innovative approaches to solving complex technical challenges. This involves teaming with the Chief Technology Office, and Industry on development of robotics and remotely operated equipment, and other targeted technology that can implemented in the Field as part of a larger infrastructure upgrade project.

The candidate must be a motivated engineer interested in joining a high performing team focused on project execution, worker safety and deploying innovative engineering solutions to handle Hanford's most challenging tasks.

Tasks include overseeing and coordinating engineering aspects of their assigned projects to include performing field walk downs, interfacing with end users and field crews, development of Engineering Change Documentation and Statements of Work (SOW), technical requirements development as well as working with various internal and external design A&E and fabrication vendors.

The Mechanical Engineer filling these roles will work in an organizational team that encourages innovative solutions and technology development that streamlines equipment removal, installation, decontamination and disposal, and Functions as a team member and/or leader.

Meet the following scope and expectations:

• General knowledge of other related engineering and scientific disciplines.
• Set challenging goals for personal and group accomplishments.
• Develop and sustain productive customer relationships.
• Prepare Statements of Work, design products, procurements, specifications, etc.
• Lead teams or function as a team member consisting of both internal and external resources.
• Perform technical and cost/benefit evaluations and develop task plans and schedules.
• Prepare design media.
• Prepare design media, including engineering documents, evaluations, and calculations.
• Perform routine administrative activities/duties on time (routine training, safety meetings, TIS, continuing training, staff meetings).
• Develop tools and methods for increased efficiency, effectiveness, and safe execution of field work
• Ensure all documents prepared are of "stand alone" quality.
• Understand engineering work assignments and to be self-directed.
• Be customer service oriented, completing assignments safely, on time, and within budget.
• Provide technical guidance to subcontractors in the execution of design (e.g., ensure use of correct design inputs, utilization of accepted analysis methodologies, design standards, and verification methods).
• Effectively communicate project scope and status with H2C management and HFO as needed.

Required Qualifications

Grade 21:

Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical discipline; and

Twelve (12) years of related experience

Grade 22:

Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical discipline; and

Fifteen (15) years of related experience

Note the essential duties for this grade level are like that of the previous grade level, however the scope of responsibility is larger, and the expected level of performance is increased.

Desired Qualifications

Compensation & Benefits

In accordance with the company's philosophy on compensation for exempt and salaried non-exempt employees, H2C takes into consideration a variety of factors when determining initial grade and salary to include assigned job scope and responsibility, a candidate's qualifications as compared to internal comparators performing in a similar role, and the external labor market. A salary offer will be made at the appropriate grade level and within the targeted hiring range posted according to these factors. Note a candidate's prior salary history will not be taken into consideration.

Hiring Range Minimum: $142,038

Hiring Range Maximum: $209,688

H2C offers a comprehensive benefits package to include medical/dental/vision, short-and long-term disability, life insurance, 401(k) with employer match, and paid time off. For a full list of benefits please visit

Relocation Funding Provided

Yes

U.S. Citizenship Required

Yes

Clearance Required

No

Job Classification

Exempt

Shift Work Required

No

This contractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ a), a) and a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.

Applicants and employees have rights under Federal Employment Laws and are protected under federal law against discrimination. To view information regarding these rights, please click on these links:

• Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal
• Pay Transparency Policy Statement
• Family Medical Leave Act
• Employee Polygraph Protection Act
• WA State Paid Family Medical Leave