Title Mechanical Engineer (Early-Career)
Position Number 41182
Company Hanford Tank Waste Operations
City/State Richland, WA
Location 2750E/200E
Posted 05/26/2026
Closes 06/09/2026
Regular/Temporary Regular
Full/Part-Time Full-Time
Job Responsibilities/Duties
Hanford Tank Waste Operations & Closure (H2C) delivers exceptional performance in safely removing, treating, and disposing of tank waste. H2C leads the nation's largest and most complex radioactive waste cleanup, including closure of the legacy waste tanks at Hanford containing 56 million gallons of radioactive and chemical waste.
Joining H2C means becoming part of a team dedicated to creating "The Solution Today for a Better Tomorrow." At H2C, our culture is deeply rooted in our Vision, Mission, Values, and Behaviors, which guide our efforts on the Hanford Site and within our communities. Our vision to tackle the Department of Energy's largest environmental challenge reflects our commitment to leaving a positive legacy for future generations. We strive to deliver exceptional performance in safely removing, treating, and disposing of tank waste. Our values emphasize living safely, acting with integrity, and working collaboratively as a team. We encourage innovation, personal accountability, and continuous improvement, fostering an environment where everyone is empowered to contribute to our mission and celebrate our achievements. By embracing these principles, you will be part of a forward-thinking organization dedicated to making a meaningful impact today and for the future.
H2C is seeking an early career Mechanical Engineer to serve as a key member of the Tank and Pipeline Integrity and Tank Monitoring Engineering team, providing technical support for the planning, coordination, and analysis of waste storage tank integrity inspections. Responsibilities include supporting the development of inspection plans, analyzing inspection results generated through visual, ultrasonic, laser-based, and other applicable technologies, and contributing to related technology development initiatives. The role will also provide general engineering support as required. The successful candidate will work in close partnership with team members, project managers, Engineering organizations, and State and Federal Regulators to ensure compliance, effective execution of inspection programs, and high-quality technical outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Participation in planning and development of field integrity inspections and assessments.
Documentation and communication of field inspections in technical reports and presentations.
Preparation of scope cost and schedules for projects/tasks.
Investigating engineering problems, applying technical knowledge and proposing solutions.
Participation in inspection technology and equipment development.
Work collaboratively with other Engineering Organizations, Operations and Regulatory Agencies.
Required Qualifications
Grade 14:
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Science, Engineering, or a related technical discipline
Grade 15:
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Science, Engineering, or a related technical discipline and one (1) year of directly related experience
Note the essential duties for this grade level are like that of the previous grade level, however the scope of responsibility is larger, and the expected level of performance is increased.
Grade 16:
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Science, Engineering, or a related technical discipline and two (2) years of directly related experience
Note the essential duties for this grade level are like that of the previous grade level, however the scope of responsibility is significantly larger, and the expected level of performance is greatly increased.
Desired Qualifications
Compensation & Benefits
In accordance with the company's philosophy on compensation for exempt and salaried non-exempt employees, H2C takes into consideration a variety of factors when determining initial grade and salary to include assigned job scope and responsibility, a candidate's qualifications as compared to internal comparators performing in a similar role, and the external labor market. A salary offer will be made at the appropriate grade level and within the targeted hiring range posted according to these factors. Note a candidate's prior salary history will not be taken into consideration.
Hiring Range Minimum: $74,538
Hiring Range Maximum: $113,550
H2C offers a comprehensive benefits package to include medical/dental/vision, short-and long-term disability, life insurance, 401(k) with employer match, and paid time off. For a full list of benefits please visithttps://hmis.hanford.gov/hr/page.cfm/HEWTBenefits
Depending on the nature of your employment with H2C, you can expect the following:
A business casual dress work environment: jeans are permissible (restrictions may apply).
Opportunity for work/life balance: a standard 4 x 10 work schedule, allowing more personal time to enjoy life outside of the office (other schedules and/or shift work may be required).
Note: employment at H2C involves working in the office or in the field depending on the role.
Relocation Funding Provided Yes
U.S. Citizenship Required Yes
Clearance Required No
Job Classification Exempt
Shift Work Required No
As an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, H2C abides by federal statutory requirements of 41 CFR § 60-300.5 VEVRAA Protected Veterans, 41 CFR § 60-741.5 Workers with Disabilities, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and state and local requirements.
These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, age, sex, and national origin. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Applicants and employees have rights under Federal and State Employment Laws and are protected against discrimination. To view information regarding these rights, please click on these links:
Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/OFCCP/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/22-088\EEOC\KnowYourRights.pdf)
Pay Transparency Policy Statement
Family Medical Leave Act (https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/fmlaen.pdf)
Employee Polygraph Protection Act
WA State Paid Family Medical Leave (https://paidleave.wa.gov/app/uploads/2021/12/2021.12.Six-things-to-know-about-Paid-Leave.pdf)
