Expert, Hydro Generation Mechanical Engineer
PG&E - Danville, CA
posted 3 months ago
About the position
The Expert Rotating Machinery Mechanical Engineer position at Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) is a critical role within the Applied Technology Services (ATS) department, which provides high-quality technical services and expertise to various business lines, including the Diablo Canyon Power Plant. This position is based at PG&E's San Ramon Technology Center and involves leading a test team to execute performance testing and analysis of equipment and components across the PG&E system, with a particular focus on hydro powerhouses. The role encompasses a wide range of systems, including rotating machinery such as turbine-generators, compressors, pumps, governors, control systems, and associated equipment in hydro power plants, pipelines, substations, and transmission and distribution systems. As an Expert Rotating Machinery Mechanical Engineer, you will be responsible for combining testing and data analysis to deliver practical solutions to complex issues faced by internal clients. This includes conducting plant condition assessments, predictive maintenance testing, failure analysis, and performance assessments. The position requires a strong emphasis on safety, as PG&E prioritizes safe work practices. Candidates must demonstrate behaviors that align with this commitment to safety while also possessing the necessary skills to assess and understand the business needs of clients. The role requires collaboration with team members to determine the scope, schedule, budget, and resources needed for successful test outcomes. You will develop test protocols and designs for complex systems, expand your knowledge in various engineering disciplines, and prepare technical reports to identify and solve problems. The position also involves evaluating the performance of parts and systems under simulated or actual operating conditions, compiling project test results, and making recommendations to clients and ATS leadership. Additionally, you will identify innovations and cost-reduction opportunities related to new and existing technologies, ensuring that project deliverables meet customer satisfaction objectives.
Responsibilities
- Lead tests test team and coordinate scope with internal clients.
- Complete assignments with a broad scope and complexity focused on practical resolutions.
- Collaborate with team determining scope, schedule, budget and resources needed to produce a successful test outcome.
- Develop test protocols and designs on complex systems to meet the objectives of projects.
- Expand knowledge in other areas of specialty or discipline, developing breadth or further develops expertise and specialization in one area.
- Collaborate with peers to prepare technical reports and to identify, define, and solve problems.
- Execute multiple projects concurrently.
- Lead development of test protocols, technologies and analyze data.
- Evaluate performance of parts, assemblies or systems under simulated or actual operating conditions, and record results.
- Compile project test results, prepare presentations and recommendations for client and/or ATS leadership.
- Identify innovations and cost-reduction potential of new and existing technologies.
- Determine customer expectations and ensure project deliverables meet customer satisfaction objectives.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering with an emphasis on related/assigned discipline (Mechanical, Civil, or Electrical Engineering, etc.)
- Seven years of related experience
- Hydro power generation experience
Nice-to-haves
- Master's degree
- P.E. license
- Startup testing of hydro powerhouses
- Demonstrated experience in plant engineering testing concepts and methods.
- Experience in the application of predictive maintenance tools including but not limited to vibration monitoring, governor testing, generator heat runs and index testing.
- Experience in acoustic testing, analysis and noise mitigation.
- CAD and FEA experience such as SolidWorks and ANSYS.
- Understanding of quality assurance concepts and practices.
- Experience with test instrumentation application and usage.
- Strong investigative and analytical problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated communication, presentation and teamwork skills.
- Experience in a client focused environment.
- Good mechanical aptitude.
