Senior Mechanical Engineer
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeOn-site
location_onTerrace Street & 5th Avenue, Terrace Street, First Hill, Seattle, King County, Washington, 98104, United States
About Seattle City Light
Seattle City Light is one of the nation's largest municipally owned utilities, serving as a department of the City of Seattle. For years, the organization has worked diligently to keep Seattle's electricity affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound. Today, it stands as a recognized national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.
About the Role
The Engineering & Technology Operations Division is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to ensure the reliable operation of hydro turbine generating units and all auxiliary systems that support them. Reporting to the Mechanical Engineering Supervisor, you will play a pivotal role in the Boundary Project, providing engineering support for operations and maintenance.
In this position, you will bridge the gap between design and field execution. Your day-to-day involves managing design changes, maintenance, and construction for powerhouse and dam support systems, gates, hoists, structural equipment, and piping. You will collaborate with mechanical maintenance crews to review planned work, oversee procurement, and recommend projects to enhance worker safety, productivity, and generation reliability. Whether you are reverse-engineering old parts without existing drawings or developing complex assembly procedures for rotating machinery, your work ensures that designs meet or exceed all codes, laws, and ordinances while promoting a safe environment for employees and the public.
Emergency Response Commitment
Seattle City Light is deeply committed to reliable service during emergencies. Through our Emergency Response Program, every employee is assigned a specific role aligned with their regular duties to support emergency operations. Your participation is vital to helping the utility stay prepared and serve the community when it matters most.
Application Process
To apply, please submit the following via our online portal:
- A cover letter clearly describing how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications.
- A current resume detailing your educational and professional work experience.
Note: Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Seattle City Light values diverse perspectives and life experiences. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse 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.
Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials, including a background check in compliance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.
Work location
Work model: On-site
Terrace Street & 5th Avenue, Terrace Street, First Hill, Seattle, King County, Washington, 98104, United States
Seattle, Washington
Key Responsibilities
- check_circlePerform reverse engineering to calculate stresses and design new replacement parts for old components
- check_circleDevelop disassembly and assembly procedures for rotating machinery including tooling and rigging designs
- check_circleOversee and inspect work performed by machine shops and welders during generator overhauls
- check_circleDirect in-place machining of turbine and generator components using boring bars and alignment verification
- check_circleDesign changes and modifications for powerhouse, dam support systems, gates, hoists, and piping systems
- check_circleReview designs for compliance with ASME codes, safety laws, and industry standards
- check_circleRecommend facility projects to enhance worker safety, productivity, and generation reliability
- check_circleCoordinate with maintenance crews to review planned work and ensure project completion and documentation
Requirements
- verified5 years professional mechanical engineering experience
- verifiedBachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering
- verifiedProfessional Engineer registration in Washington State
- verifiedCurrent Washington State driver's license
Nice to Have
Experience working at a hydroelectric generating facility, 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, experience with mechanical data analysis to determine changes in machine operation, ability to work on multiple projects and adapt to project and site needs, power plant, plant maintenance, and maintenance procedure experience, ability to communicate and collaborate with skilled trade workers, proficiency using CAD, 3D design software, and Matlab.
Benefits & Perks
check_circleVacation, holiday, and sick leavecheck_circleMedical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees and dependents
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Skills, education and keywords
Skills: Professional Engineer, Reverse Engineering, Asme B31.1, Asme B31.3, Rotating Machinery, Vibration Analysis, Welding Codes, Non-Destructive Examination, Mechanical Data Analysis, Cad.
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent education/experience.
Frequently asked questions about Senior Mechanical Engineer at City of Seattle
What does a Senior Mechanical Engineer at City of Seattle do?expand_more
Day-to-day, the Senior Mechanical Engineer at City of Seattle will perform reverse engineering to calculate stresses and design new replacement parts for old components; develop disassembly and assembly procedures for rotating machinery including tooling and rigging designs; oversee and inspect work performed by machine shops and welders during generator overhauls; and direct in-place machining of turbine and generator components using boring bars and alignment verification.
What are the requirements for this Senior Mechanical Engineer role?expand_more
To qualify for the Senior Mechanical Engineer at City of Seattle position, applicants should have: 5 years professional mechanical engineering experience; Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering; Professional Engineer registration in Washington State; and Current Washington State driver's license.
Where is the Senior Mechanical Engineer role at City of Seattle located?expand_more
Senior Mechanical Engineer at City of Seattle is based in Terrace Street & 5th Avenue, Terrace Street, First Hill, Seattle, King County, Washington, 98104, United States. This is a on-site role.
Is this Senior Mechanical Engineer job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more
City of Seattle has listed this Senior Mechanical Engineer role as on-site.
How much experience is required for this Senior Mechanical Engineer role?expand_more
Candidates for Senior Mechanical Engineer at City of Seattle should have senior.
What skills do you need for the Senior Mechanical Engineer role at City of Seattle?expand_more
Key skills for Senior Mechanical Engineer at City of Seattle include Professional Engineer; Reverse Engineering; Asme B31.1; Asme B31.3; Rotating Machinery; Vibration Analysis; Welding Codes; and Non-Destructive Examination.
What education is required for Senior Mechanical Engineer at City of Seattle?expand_more
Educational requirements for this role: Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent education/experience.
What category does the Senior Mechanical Engineer role belong to?expand_more
Senior Mechanical Engineer at City of Seattle is part of the engineering job category on Recrutus.
About City of Seattle
The City of Seattle operates as a major government administration entity headquartered in Seattle, Washington. As a public employer, the organization manages operations across more than 40 departments with a workforce exceeding 12,000 employees. The agency focuses on delivering essential services that support the daily lives of residents, including transportation, utilities, housing, environmental stewardship, public safety, arts and culture, and immigrant affairs. The organization aims to foster a community rooted in sustainability, innovation, and inclusion while ensuring that public service drives tangible impact for all citizens.
Career opportunities span over 1,100 distinct job titles ranging from seasonal and entry-level roles to senior leadership positions. The available fields include skilled trades, technology, finance, urban planning, public health, human services, and public safety. The agency emphasizes a workplace culture that values diversity, transparency, collaboration, and equity. By maintaining a broad operational footprint, the City of Seattle seeks to demonstrate how effective local leadership can inspire progress both within the region and beyond.
Individuals seeking public service roles can explore policies and career pathways through the official city digital portal. The organization remains committed to building an environment where every employee contributes to a shared purpose of making the city a model for good governance.
Browse more roles: All City of Seattle jobs, engineering jobs on Recrutus.