Mechanical Engineer - Hydropower

Location: Overland Park, KS; Cary, NC; Chattanooga, TN; Ann Arbor, MI; Atlanta, GA; Greenwood Village, CO

About the Company

As an employee-owned company, our people are Black & Veatch. We put them at the center of everything we do and empower them to grow, explore new possibilities, and use their diverse talents and perspectives to solve humanity's biggest challenges in an ever-evolving world. With over 100 years of innovation in sustainable infrastructure and expertise in engineering, procurement, consulting, and construction, together we are building a world of difference.

About the Role

In this role, you will lead, design, and manage new and upgraded projects on hydropower systems, which may include:

• Hydro turbines, including condition assessments, hydraulic evaluations, and FEA calculations
• Dam and water conveyance, including radial gates and large valves
• Generator evaluations and cooling systems
• Raw water and oil systems
• Fire protection and HVAC systems
• Turbine and generator bearings
• Compressed air systems
• Instrumentation support
• Crane/hoist systems

You may also perform dam safety inspections (lighting, drainage, isolation methods, handrails, doors, alarms, etc.) and design improvements to HVAC systems, spillway gates and hoists, instream flow release, and low-level outlets. Additionally, you may support hydro unit disassembly and reassembly operations.

The Team

Black & Veatch has delivered hydropower solutions worldwide for more than 40 years, producing results on nearly 500 projects and more than 50,000 megawatts in hydropower design. Our expertise ranges from studies and valuations to optimizing existing operations, handling full services for facilities of all sizes. Clients rely on us for thorough studies, full-range design services, construction support, and ensuring operating efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Develop knowledge and provide guidance on design guides, standards, systems, applicable engineering codes, and B&V policies.
• Provide technical guidance to others regarding projects and disciplines.
• Ensure compliance with B&V quality program and provide related guidance.
• Support continuous improvement and change management efforts.
• Prepare complex engineering deliverables for larger or multiple projects.
• Perform complex research and develop recommendations for equipment and/or materials selection.
• Oversee collection, assimilation, and management of data for engineering work.
• Prepare complex engineering calculations following standard methods and principles.
• Manage assigned budget, schedule, and quality requirements.
• Apply advanced engineering techniques and analysis to problems and methods.
• Delegate tasks to lower-level team members to develop project execution staff.
• Review lower-level engineering work or assignments.
• Lead production teams, coordinate multiple discipline activities, and serve as the responsible charge for a project.
• Coordinate with internal/external team members on moderately complex projects.
• Identify key client interests and drivers on low to moderately complex projects and communicate them to the project team.
• Support business development or pursuit activities and offer other services to clients.
• Provide consultation and guidance to project teams as a technical specialist.
• Design complete projects of moderately complex scope or support multiple projects on complex technical challenges.
• Foster knowledge management and mentor others.
• Assist with performance management processes, mentoring, recognition, and corrective actions.
• Participate in career planning, learning, and development.
• Mentor lower-level professionals and identify successors.
• Assist with resource management strategy and manage engineering resources for small groups.
• Ensure policies, procedures, and processes are effectively implemented and adhered to within the work group.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering from a recognized accredited program.
• Minimum of 5 years of related work experience.
• Ability to complete pre-employment onboarding requirements, including criminal/civil background check, drug screen, and motor vehicle records search.

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years of mechanical or systems engineering experience in power generating facilities or related fields.
• Experience managing projects and/or programs in a utility power plant setting.
• Experience in design and operation support of conventional and pumped storage hydroelectric generation stations.
• Previous experience in a client-facing role.

Work Environment and Schedule

This position requires working in a typical office environment, with prolonged periods of sitting and computer use. It may also involve physical tasks during site visits, including crouching, grasping, and standing/walking for extended periods. Hybrid or flexible work options may be offered after the first 90 days of employment based on manager discretion, job performance, and work assignments.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and 401K match.
• Benefits starting on day 1, including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Disability and a robust wellness program.
• Flexible work schedules, paid vacation and holiday time, sick time, and dependent sick time.
• Company-matched 401k plan.
• Adoption reimbursement, tuition reimbursement, vendor discounts, and an employment referral program.
• AD&D insurance, pre-taxed accounts, and voluntary legal plan.
• B&V Credit Union.
• Performance-based bonus program eligibility.
• 100 percent ESOP-owned company, empowering employees to drive personal growth and company success.