Associate Engineer (Power Plant)

About the position

Under limited supervision of the Principal Engineer/Power Plant Manager, the Associate Engineer coordinates and performs complex and/or special engineering assignments related to the design, procurement, construction, and maintenance of power plant projects or systems. The Associate Engineer is expected to exercise a considerable amount of independent judgment in designing plans and making general engineering and plan checking calculations for projects, and monitoring contracts for compliance with engineering standards and specifications. The ideal candidate possesses thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of power plant technology; process instruments and controls; familiarity of piping systems; methods, materials, and equipment used in electrical utility construction, maintenance and operations. This position is unique to the power plant and supports the many facets of engineering projects including budget monitoring and cost control, and contract administration where an understanding of public utilities economics/funding sources and application procedures is ideal. The successful candidate will demonstrate knowledge of federal, state, and local legislation related to engineering and the environment, and possess experience in drafting with the use of computerized engineering programs such as AutoCAD.

Responsibilities

• Performs engineering design calculations and construction cost estimates; ensures all project design, documents, drawings, and specifications comply with professional engineering principles, standards and practices; prepares specifications, request for proposals, and purchase requisitions.
• Prepares procurement documents, evaluates bids and proposals; negotiates contract terms; prepares agenda reports for contract award recommendations; serves as contract administrator; oversees mechanical engineering construction projects to ensure conformity with the specifications; prepares and updates project schedules; identifies tasks and resources required; monitors project progress.
• Provides technical support during project construction including review of submittal documents, answers contractor's request for information, interprets project drawings, specifications, and contract documents; performs project close out and maintains project files.
• Provides technical support in administering, negotiating and resolving construction project change orders and construction claims; ensures work performed is in accordance with project plans, specifications and professional mechanical engineering standards and codes; conducts job walks.
• Works in conjunction with other work groups in the preparation of section budget, budget monitoring and invoice checks; prepares and reviews a variety of engineering, administrative, and regulatory reports including permit applications, work orders, and correspondence.
• Performs system analysis, conducts tests and studies, and submits results and recommendation for planning; participates in the preparation of project budgets; estimates cash flow projections, cost justifications, and ensures cost containment on projects.
• Coordinates projects with outside agencies, contractors, consultants, and other City departments; works with professional and para-professional engineering teams; assigns, reviews, schedules, selects, and evaluates work performance of subordinate staff.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with contractors, vendors, outside agencies, the public and City staff.
• Attends meetings; makes presentations; acts in the absence of the Engineer.

Requirements

• Graduation from college with a bachelor's degree in mechanical or electrical engineering.
• An Engineer in Training (EIT) certificate issued by the California State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers.
• Two years of recent professional experience in the field of engineering in the utility industry.