Mechanical Engineer 3 – Energy & Utility

M.C. Dean, Inc•Tysons, VA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

In this role of Mechanical Engineer 3 – Energy and Utility, as part of a multidisciplinary engineering and construction team, you will develop and integrate behind-the-meter and grid-connected natural gas–fired generation systems and associated infrastructure for mission-critical and industrial facilities. This role supports the delivery of integrated energy systems, bridging power generation, fuel infrastructure, and mission-critical facility requirements. These documents include drawings, specifications, product selection, installation sequence planning, and commissioning testing/commissioning scripts. This is a position for an experienced Mechanical Engineer 3, and general use and application of concepts, practices, and techniques is expected. You must be able to identify and develop solutions to a variety of problems of moderate scope and complexity with limited to moderate oversight. You will be provided with tools required to succeed, including access to more experienced engineers, and training on industry standards, codes, and software that will facilitate and drive the requirements of your work. You will be expected to properly understand and utilize the tools provided to you.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering required. Mechanical Engineering preferred or equivalent engineering degree.
5+ years of relevant experience in design or commissioning of energy, utility, or building power systems.
Familiarity with essential responsibilities and activities.
Excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal, problem solving and analytical skills.
Work in a fast-paced EPC/design-build environment.
Reliable transportation to job sites.

Nice To Haves

Preferred to have passed the fundamentals of Engineering test.
Professional Engineers License.
Proficiency with the latest version of AutoCAD, Revit, and BIM experience.
Certified Energy Manager (CEM).
Design Build Institute of America (DBIA).
Distributed Power Generation Professional (DGCP).

Responsibilities

Maintains design standards, specifications, and criteria for projects, including the following systems: Power generation systems, including RICE, Combustion Turbines, and combined cycle systems; Fuel gas – pressure regulation, gas conditioning, metering and custody transfer; Cooling systems – air and water cooled, heat exchangers; Piping systems – high pressure gas, steam, and condensate; Auxiliary systems including fire protection, compressed air, drain and vent.
Define and support implementation of mechanical system inputs to plant control systems, including startup/shutdown sequencing, trip logic, interlocks, and integration with PLC/DCS-based control architectures.
Lead and coordinate natural gas utility interconnections, including pipeline tie-ins, pressure class evaluation, redundancy strategies, and coordination with interstate and intrastate gas providers.
Design and evaluate thermal rejection systems, including cooling towers, air-cooled condensers, and water treatment systems, with consideration for site constraints and sustainability requirements.
Support environmental permitting efforts, including air emissions, thermal discharge, and noise considerations, in coordination with environmental consultants and regulatory agencies.
Coordinate with electrical engineering teams to align mechanical system performance (ramp rates, startup times, thermal constraints) with grid interconnection and dispatch requirements.
Support construction and commissioning activities, including equipment setting and alignment, piping system QA/QC, system turnover, flushing and cleaning procedures, and performance testing of generation systems.
Represent the Company in interactions with the customers, contractors, suppliers and collaborate with other project team members.
Perform site survey, calculations, evaluations, equipment selection, equipment specification, system design, system layout for project proposal and contract execution.
Thermal modeling and cycle analysis.
Develop sustainable designs for high performance systems for power generation systems, include RICE and Combustion turbines, Combined Cycle systems including HRSGs, and balance of plant as required to support generation.
Produce construction contract drawings and specifications consistent with contract requirements and Regulations, applicable industry Codes and Standards.
Address any mechanical design, fabrication, construction, and commissioning issues.
Develop system sequence of operations, compliance matrices and other project support documentation.
Provide support for construction activities, including but not limited to, responses to Requests for Information, review of project equipment submittals, and technical support of operations management.
Assist in mentoring entry level engineers.
Assign and manage tasks for entry level engineers.
Assist Project Lead Engineers in managing project support and deliverables.
Perform quality control check of work product you provide, and work product provided by others.
Travel to project jobsites as required, with possibility of temporary relocation to the project site.
Actively participate in design and owner/architect/contractor meetings as necessary.
Determine or assist in determining project engineering scopes of work, deadlines, and budget, and complete support within agreed deadlines and budget.
Keep senior staff informed of important and relevant service/design decisions and that the objectives of the company and the client are achieved.
Coordinate work with other members of the project team.
Inform all relevant MC Dean staff of client matters.
Commitment to self-learning and professional development.
Manage your time effectively and support multiple projects concurrently.