Mechanical Engineer (Hydropower)

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers•Portland, OR

About The Position

Serve as a hydropower mechanical engineering specialist in powerhouse and pumping station mechanical systems, providing advisory and consultative services to Corps Districts and Divisions involved with hydropower or large pumping stations. Prepare, direct, and review studies and analyses of design alternatives and determine mechanical design features for planning-level studies and general and detailed design memorandums. Prepare or direct preliminary and final designs, contract plans and specifications for mechanical and turbomachinery equipment in hydropower houses and pump stations, and scopes of work for architect-engineer contracts. Serve as a design team leader on multiple jobs, assisting project managers with schedules, budget estimates, technical coordination, technical correspondence, and management reports. Conduct field visits to hydroelectric power projects and manufacturing plants. Provide specialist consulting services to Corps Headquarters, Districts, Divisions, and operating projects concerning hydropower mechanical equipment. The position requires a valid state driver’s license, and temporary duty or business travel is required 25% of the time. Applicants must meet the engineering education or education-and-experience basic requirement and have one year of specialized experience designing mechanical features of common power-generating facilities, multipurpose dams, or industrial facilities, as well as participating in multidisciplinary design teams. Education cannot substitute for the specialized experience requirement.

Requirements

Meet the basic engineering requirement through an eligible engineering degree or qualifying combination of education and experience, including specified licensure, examination, coursework, or related-curriculum pathways.
One year of specialized experience designing mechanical features of common power-generating facilities, multipurpose dams, or industrial facilities, and participating in multidisciplinary design teams; experience must be at the GS-11 level or equivalent.
Education cannot be substituted for the required specialized experience.
Possess or obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license from one of the 50 U.S. states or possessions.
Provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
Submit a Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE 278) or Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE 450) upon entry and annually thereafter.
Complete a one-year probationary period.
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
Foreign education used to meet qualification requirements must be evaluated as equivalent to an accredited U.S. education program or receive full credit at an accredited U.S. college or university.

Nice To Haves

Recruitment or relocation, advanced-in-hire, leave-accrual, or student-loan-repayment incentives may be authorized if determined to be in the government’s best interest.

Responsibilities

Prepare, direct, and review studies and analyses of design alternatives.
Determine mechanical design features for planning-level studies and general and detailed design memorandums.
Prepare or direct preliminary and final designs, contract plans, and specifications for mechanical and turbomachinery equipment in hydropower houses and pump stations.
Prepare scopes of work for architect-engineer contracts.
Serve as design team leader, assisting project managers with schedules, budget estimates, technical coordination, technical correspondence, and management reports.
Conduct field visits to hydroelectric power projects and manufacturing plants.
Provide advisory and consulting services to Corps Headquarters, Districts, Divisions, and operating projects concerning hydropower mechanical equipment.