Power Generation Project Engineer (Mechanical)

Requisition ID # 159767 

Job Category: Power Generation; Engineering / Science 

Job Level: Individual Contributor

Business Unit: Operations - Other

Work Type: Hybrid

Job Location: Auburn

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.

Position Summary

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

This is a journey-level Project Engineer job that requires mastery of the Associate level Project Engineer skills and duties and provides complete engineering & design, Low Level system and Dam Spillway gates asset risk management, project management, and technical support to O&M staff for a wide range of moderately complex issues and multiple medium to large capital and expense improvements to power generation and infrastructure facilities. The position requires a comprehensive knowledge of job functions and proficiency in applying sound engineering and project management principals; recognition as a professionally licensed engineer; a working knowledge of industry practices, standards, and equipment; ability to develop and implement all aspects of multiple assigned projects; use of independent judgment; enhanced verbal and written communication skills; and ability to work with minimal supervision. Job duties will vary by assignment. Responsibilities may include Privileged and Confidential work.

This position will manage the Dams Low Level Outlet program and support dam asset risk management and risk model development. The position manages multiple moderately complex issues and projects and resolves problems of moderate scope. Supports more experienced engineers and project managers on more complex and large scope projects. Assignments can require standard solutions but may include a moderate level of innovation. Under limited general direction, independently plans work to meet assigned objectives; progress is reviewed periodically for technical accuracy and adequacy in process and upon completion.

External contacts primarily include directing project-related work, contract administration with contractors and vendors, and providing information, communicating with regulatory agencies. Internal contacts are primarily with Power Gen personnel, dam safety engineers, operations and maintenance teams, and communication with director level leadership and project team members, and PG&E internal services organizations and typically include directing project-related work, discussing and reporting progress, exchanging and coordinating information, managing meetings and providing appropriate documentation. May partner with internal or external stakeholders to solve problems or explore alternative solutions.

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: $​110,964

California Maximum: $168,756

Job Responsibilities

• Performs functions of Associate level Project Engineer, but for more complex and higher profile programs. Job duties will vary by assignment. In addition, job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Program lead for the Dams Low Level Outlet program and support for mechanical components of spillway gate systems.  Responsible for engagement stakeholders and ensuring strategic plans for this Dams Low Level Outlets are aligned with Business Operational requirements as well as regulatory and compliance requirements.  Responsible for developing and documenting strategic plans associated with the Dam Asset Family within the Dam Asset Management Plan.
• Provides broad and in-depth technical support to O&M as needed including incident investigation and development of corrective actions.
• Proactively controls scope, schedule, cost, and quality of deliverables pertaining to Asset Management Systems and their programs.
• Performs and/or reviews engineering analyses and studies, detailed scope, viable alternatives, conceptual designs, and recommended strategies to ensure safe/reliable/affordable operation of generation assets.
• Collaboratively with supervisor and Project Manager, solicits, prepares, and evaluates contracts and proposals, including engineering and/or project management consultants, equipment vendors, and construction firms, and directs resulting work. Reviews consultant contracts for technical compliance.
• Interprets and applies applicable codes
• Reviews and Approves technical reports, specifications, new drawings, and revisions to existing records as needed
• Works with supervisors and others to represent PG&E to internal and external organizations as required
• Identifies gaps between current business practices and stated objectives and provides recommendations for process improvements to address gaps.
• Other job duties as assigned as related to Asset Management and Engineering.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• A 4-year BS Degree in Engineering from an accredited curriculum in the US or the equivalent from outside the US is required.
• Successful candidates to obtain a California PE license within 18 months of hiring. Failure to obtain the California PE license within the 18 months will result in demotion to Associate Project Engineer.
• Mastery of the Associate level Project Engineer job duties and demonstrated leadership, knowledge, and ability to perform the job duties of the Journey level Project Engineer. Meets specific technical requirements gained through a minimum of three years of cumulative experience in project engineering, design, and construction.

Desired Qualifications:

• Project Management Certification
• Demonstrates knowledge and abilities required for the Associate level Project Engineer and also:
• Able to programmatically manage and complete several projects concurrently, depending on scope and complexity, and implement business strategy.
• Has demonstrated a broad and in-depth knowledge of engineering and project management concepts, principals, practices, and design requirements for generation assets; ability to develop moderately complex design changes, project scopes, and project implementation plans; and provide more in-depth investigation & analysis support to O&M.
• Has a working knowledge of power generation industry including understanding of design, construction, and/or operation of Hydro Dams, and experience interpreting applicable codes, standards, regulations, and practices.
• Demonstrate informed judgment when making decisions and recommendations and use of technical & business judgment in applying engineering and project management principles and techniques to determine cost effective and practical solutions
• Able to function as a journey level project manager on projects with moderate scope and/or support more experienced project managers on larger or more complex projects.
• Track record of building consensus around moderately complex and controversial Asset Management issues and successfully persuading others to act on agreements reached; able to build upon foundation of technical and business knowledge to shape the opinions of others.
• Able to provide clear and effective technical direction and guidance to less experienced engineers, project managers, drafters, and analysts, and to provide training to these and other groups as needed.
• Able to independently provide technical and/or project oversight and direction to consultants, suppliers, and construction firms to meet moderately complex project needs; understands contracting principals and options; able to effectively manage moderately complex contracts and to negotiate and resolve contract disputes favorably.
• Track record of taking ownership of problems and their solutions.
• Able to identify gaps between current business practices and stated objectives and provide recommendations for process improvements to address gaps.
• Track record of working with senior engineers and project managers to further his or her own professional development.
• Proactively evolves asset management, engineering and project management skills and knowledge through industry associations & conferences, technical workshops, trade publications, and additional formal education.

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