Power Generation Project Engineer, Associate (Mechanical)

Requisition ID # 166665 

Job Category: Engineering / Science 

Job Level: Individual Contributor

Business Unit: Operations - Other

Work Type: Hybrid

Job Location: Auberry

Department Overview

Power Generation operates and maintains PG&E's hydroelectric, fossil, solar generation, and battery storage facilities, providing approximately 5,300 megawatts of generating capacity for our customers. Our nearly 900 coworkers are dedicated to delivering safe, reliable, and cost-effective generation to California in an environmentally responsible manner. Our hydro facilities include 62 conventional hydro powerhouses, a pumped-storage facility, 98 reservoirs, 168 dams and more than 200 miles of canals and flumes, among other water conveyances. Natural gas-fired plants in operation are Humboldt Bay Generating Station in Eureka; Colusa Generating Station in Colusa County and Gateway Generating Station in Antioch. Several utility-scale solar generation plants also are operated and maintained, as well as PG&E’s successful entry into battery energy storage, our Elkhorn Battery facility at Moss Landing in Monterey County.

The Power Generation Asset Management Department works to attain the optimum balance of asset risk, performance, and cost through a clear understanding of asset conditions for risk-informed, data-driven decision-making. These asset management objectives are achieved through systematic risk assessment, long-term planning, and optimizing lifecycle value of assets by improving maintenance, investment, and disposition strategies.

Position Summary

This is an ESC represented exempt classification currently subject to collective bargaining.

This Associate Level Project Engineer position is the first in a progression; the job performs tasks of limited scope under the guidance of more senior engineers and project managers. This job provides engineering, project management, asset management, powerhouse risk analysis and technical support to O&M staff, for small to medium capital and expense improvements to power generation and infrastructure facilities. Projects are normally discipline specific of limited to moderate complexity, and may include upgrades or replacement of turbine/generator, boiler, auxiliary equipment or minor improvements to civil water conveyance or infrastructure features. Job duties will vary by assignment. 

Responsibilities may include Privileged and Confidential work.

Manages multiple routine to moderately complex issues and projects and resolves problems of limited scope and/or supports more experienced engineers and/or project managers on more complex and large scope projects. Assignments typically require application of standard solutions, but may include a moderate level of innovation. Under general direction, independently plans & manages work to meet commitments and assigned objectives. Progress reviewed periodically for technical accuracy & adequacy throughout process.

External contacts typically involve oversight by more experienced engineers and/or project managers and include directing project-related work and contract administration with contractors; and providing information and conducting limited discussions with external stakeholders. Internal contacts are primarily with Power Gen personnel, including O&M clients and project team members, and PG&E internal services organizations along with communication with management and director level leadership.

There will be approximately 30% travel expected for this position.

This position is hybrid, working from your remote office and assigned location based on business needs.

PG&E is providing the salary range that the company in good faith believes it might pay for this position at the time of the job posting. This compensation range is specific to the locality of the job.  The actual salary paid to an individual will be based on multiple factors, including, but not limited to, specific skills, education, licenses or certifications, experience, market value, geographic location, collective bargaining agreements, and internal equity.  Although we estimate the successful candidate hired into this role will be placed towards the middle or entry point of the range, the decision will be made on a case-by-case basis related to these factors.

A reasonable salary range is:

California Minimum: $95,172

California Maximum: $142,956

Job Responsibilities

Initial assignments from the tasks below will require direction and supervision; with experience the independence and responsibility will expand and the need for supervision will decrease. Jobs duties will vary by assignment and include, but are not limited to:

• Fully understands Power Gen safety program and requirements; looks for and resolves unsafe situations; models safe behavior through personal actions and design efforts; holds themselves and others accountable for safety; and contributes to Power Gen’s safety programs.

• Supports powerhouse asset family on development and implementation of maintenance strategies, programmatic solutions, process improvements, regulatory relations, risk analysis for portfolio of powerhouses. Responsible for assisting in providing the strategic portfolio risk view to support long term portfolio management.
• Responsible for engagement with stakeholders and ensuring the strategic plans for these programs are aligned with Business Operational requirements as well as regulatory and compliance requirements.  Responsible for developing and documenting strategic plans associated with the Powerhouse Asset Family within the Powerhouse Asset Management Plan.

• Actively participates on a small number of Power Gen project teams as the discipline (civil, electrical, or mechanical) engineer or project manager, or in support of more experienced engineers. Coordinates project activities with other disciplines as needed.
• Provides appropriate design criteria and calculations; ensures proper checking, design reviews, approvals, and documentation.
• Investigates resources required to complete engineering and project-related tasks.
• Prepares project forecast for engineering, tracks progress, updates as needed, and provides periodic updates.
• Under direction, reviews and approves project material procurement list, vendor drawings, equipment specification updates, and engineering material requests.
• Under direction, provides construction support and evaluates and makes recommendations to resolve field construction problems. Supports start-up tests and field inspections as assigned.
• Ensures all drawings affected by design changes are updated in a timely manner to reflect as-built conditions. Ensures field design changes are properly managed.
• With the support from supervisors and more experienced engineers and project managers, provides technical direction/oversight to consultants and contractors.
• Provides and/or works with more experienced engineers and project managers to provide technical assessments and/or project management services for operating and/or maintenance problems, where needed.
• In emergencies, promptly responds to facility failures to support assessment and corrective actions
• Supports more experienced engineers and project managers and/or provides traditional project management services for small to medium projects, including:
  • Develops and defines, documents, freezes, and obtains stakeholder concurrence of project scope and objectives
  • Ensures project documentation is maintained
  • Collaboratively with supervisor, prepares, evaluates and negotiates contracts and proposals from consultants, equipment vendors, and construction firms, and manages resulting work.
  • Communicates project status on a regular basis to all stakeholders
  • Assures implementation of applicable quality standards
• Other duties as assigned as related to Asset Management and Engineering.

Qualifications

Minimum:

• 4-year BS Degree in Engineering from an accredited curriculum in the US or the equivalent from outside the US is required.
• Successful completion of the NCES FE Exam and submission of documentation to obtain California EIT certification within 150 days of hiring.
• At least 18 months of engineering and/or project management experience and demonstrated performance in related industry; or demonstrated skill development and performance in Power Gen’s EIT program, or completion of PG&E’s college new hire program

Desired:

• A 4-year BS Degree in Mechanical Engineering
• Knowledge and experience in Hydro and mechanical equipment such as rotating equipment, turbines, valves, ASME pressure vessels and balance of plant systems and its designs.
• Understanding of asset planning, FMEA, equipment testing and maintenance, along with risk and condition assessment of equipment associated with the hydropower industry.
• Current and active California PE license desired
• Able to apply basic engineering and/or project management principles and theory.
• Demonstrated ability to identify information needed to solve a problem; gather and organize information in systematic manner; develop simple analysis and/or support more complex analysis by more experienced engineers; prepare basic reports and displays of data logically and according to established standards and guidelines.
• Has basic understanding of utility industry, general knowledge of design requirements and industry standards, and proven ability to develop simple designs and specifications.
• Able to provide technical and/or project oversight and direction to consultants, suppliers, and construction firms to meet routine to moderately complex project needs; understands contracting principals and options; able to contribute to the favorable negotiation and resolution of contract disputes.
• Ability to combine technical & business judgment in applying engineering and project management principles and techniques to determine cost effective and practical solutions.
• Understands PG&E’s basic financial and business policies & practices and tools, and able to apply appropriately to the cost estimating, economic analysis, justification, and approval of routine moderately complex projects.
• Strong communication and analytical skills; effectively communicates orally and in writing; able to present basic information in informal and formal group settings; able to facilitate project team meetings
• Able to build consensus with team members and contractors around basic project and technical issues that involve limited controversy.
• Approaches and plans work in an organized manner to meet project commitments.
• Demonstrates good judgment when making decisions and recommendations, including solicitation of guidance from experienced personnel.
• Frequently shows initiative and takes action proactively.
• Works with more experienced engineers and project managers to further their own development.
• Proactively evolves engineering and project management skills and knowledge through industry associations & conferences, technical workshops, trade publications, and additional formal education.
• Proficient business computer skills such as Microsoft Office Suite Programs (Emphasis on Excel, Word, and MS Project).