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Power Generation Mechanical Engineer
Salary
$127,420.80 - $179,400.00 Annually
Location
Tacoma, WA
Job Type
Non-Classified
Remote Employment
Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number
T0440-25
Department
Power
Division
Generation
Opening Date
08/15/2025
Closing Date
9/8/2025 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
Benefits
Questions
Position Description
Tacoma Power's Generation Section is seeking a Mechanical Engineer (Associate Power Systems Engineer, Senior or Power Systems Engineer, PE level) to join their team. This position provides mechanical engineering technical services for capital and maintenance projects at Tacoma Power's hydroelectric and fisheries facilities. As a Professional Engineer, this position is expected to be a subject matter expert for operation, maintenance, repair, and improvement of Generation's mechanical systems and equipment. This position supports the mission of the organization by ensuring continued availability of generating resources and fisheries operations.
Responsibilities Include:
Participate on diverse working teams involved with the design, fabrication, installation, maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation of fish facilities and hydropower plants
Prepare, review, and stamp calculations, drawings, reports, etc., related to mechanical systems
Prepare specifications and other engineering documents to procure and install a wide variety and of mechanical equipment and systems
Provide support for the evaluation, selection, procurement, installation, testing, and acceptance of project activities and equipment
Represent the City at shop inspections and factory acceptance tests related to mechanical systems
Coordinate and work with contractors and hydro project staff to repair and upgrade systems and equipment
Plan and direct mechanical equipment installation, disassembly, reassembly, and alignment
Provide operations & maintenance and asset management program recommendations for mechanical systems
Power plant mechanical equipment within the scope of this position includes but is not limited to utility-scale generators, hydroelectric turbines, balance-of-plant systems (e.g., air, oil, and water), large valves, gates, cranes, and hoists
Fisheries facilities mechanical equipment within the scope of this position includes but is not limited to motors, pumps, piping, valves, water-treatment systems (e.g., ozone, filtration, UV), and fish attraction and conveyance systems
Qualifications
Power Systems Engineer
Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or directly related field.
2 years of engineering experience in a power utility
*Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education
Licensing, Certifications, and Other Requirements:
Washington State Driver's License
Some positions may require individuals to complete annual CIP training after employment and pass a comprehensive personal risk assessment (background check) prior to employment and every five years thereafter as required by federal regulatory requirements (NERC-CIP)
Power Systems Engineer, PE
Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or directly related field.
4 years of professional level engineering experience in a power utility.
*Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education
Licensing, Certifications, and Other Requirements:
Washington State Licensed Professional Engineer
Washington State Driver's License
Some positions may require individuals to complete annual CIP training after employment and pass a comprehensive personal risk assessment (background check) prior to employment and every five years thereafter as required by federal regulatory requirements (NERC-CIP)
Knowledge & Skills
City of Tacoma's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We're committed to eliminating racial and other disparities and actively seek candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences.
We believe diversity of thought, background, and experience contributes to our innovation and collective success. If you're passionate about this role and our mission-even if you don't meet 100% of the qualifications-we encourage you to apply. We value transferrable skills and are excited to see what you bring to the table.
The Community
Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma's geographic area. Downtown's Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's Car Museum.
With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!
View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI
Selection Process & Supplemental Information
Pay Details:
Annual Salary: $107,328.00 - $174,595.20
Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma (https://tacoma.gov/government/departments/human-resources/employee-benefits/)
Application Process
This recruitment is being managed by Kye Merritt, if you would like to be notified of similar opportunities or stay connected with things going on at Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma, connect with me on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyemerritt/) !
Interested individuals should apply online and attach a resume and cover letter that includes how your background, experience, and training align with this position. Applications without the required materials may not be considered.
Application Deadline
Submit your application by the closing date listed on the job posting.
Assistance
For questions about the job announcement or application process, contact Human Resources at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. on the job closing date.
For technical support with the NEOGOV system, call 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
Important Communication Notice
The City of Tacoma primarily communicates via email. Please ensure emails from @tacoma.gov and @governmentjobs.com are added to your safe senders list. Check your junk/spam folders to avoid missing updates.
The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.
Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.
Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.
Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.
Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment @type.
Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.
Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.
Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.
Other Employment Information
Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.
Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.
Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.
Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.
01
Do you have a Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or directly related field?
Yes
No
02
Which best describes your experience. Check all that apply.
2 years of engineering experience in a power utility; or possession of Washington State EIT
4 years of professional level engineering experience in a power utility AND possess a Washington State Professional Engineering License (or can obtain one within 6 months of employment)
None
03
Do you have a valid WA driver's license or the ability to obtain one by time of employment?
Yes
No
04
Do you have experience with hydropower or power generation? If so, please explain.
05
One of the City's Principles that guides us is Equity. Describe what equity means to you and describe any experience you have working with diverse groups of people.
06
Please tell us how you learned about this job opening.
Job Interest Card notification
Internet search
Professional organization
Community organization
Military organization
Union job posting
City of Tacoma employee
Online job board posting
Word of mouth
Linkedin
Indeed
Facebook
Instagram
Government Jobs
NWPPA
Other
07
Where did you first learn about this job?
Required Question
Employer
City of Tacoma
Address
Human Resources Department 747 Market Street Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764
Phone
253-591-5400
Website
http://www.tacoma.gov
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