Principal/Senior Mechanical Design Plant Engineer - Boiler & Pressure System

Portland General Electric•Portland, OR

32d•$99,975 - $197,375

About The Position

At PGE, our work involves dreaming about, planning for, and realizing a smarter, cleaner, more enduring Oregon neighborhood. Its core to our DNA and we haven't stopped since we started in 1888. We energize lives, strengthen communities and drive advancements in energy that promote social, economic and environmental progress. We're always on the lookout for people passionate about leading and being a part of teams that are advancing innovative clean energy solutions that are also affordable and accessible to all. We're hiring for a position open to both Senior Mechanical Design Plant Engineer (P3) and Principal Mechanical Design Plant Engineer (P4) candidates. The level will be determined based on the successful applicant's qualifications, experience, and demonstrated skills during the interview process. Job Overview This position plays a critical role in maintaining the reliability, efficiency, and safety of PGE's thermal generation assets, serving as the primary engineering authority supporting Heat Recovery Steam Generators (HRSGs), conventional auxiliary boilers for process steam production, and high-energy piping systems. The role provides specialized technical leadership essential to maintaining plant operations, reducing forced outages, ensuring code compliance, and supporting long-term asset health strategies that directly impact operational costs, system reliability, and customer value. With aging infrastructure and the increasing complexity of thermal systems, this role is vital in supporting major capital upgrade work, outage planning, engineering evaluations, and regulatory compliance.

Requirements

HRSG/Boiler Design and Operation
In-depth understanding of boiler pressure parts, including economizers, evaporators, superheaters, and associated systems.
Familiarity with thermal performance and mechanical behavior under cycling and baseload conditions.
ASME Code and Regulatory Compliance
Proficiency with ASME Section I, ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code, B31.1 Power Piping, NBIC, and jurisdictional pressure part requirements.
Ability to evaluate and approve code-required repairs, alterations, rerates, and pressure boundary changes.
Pipe Stress and Structural Analysis
Expertise in thermal/mechanical pipe stress analysis (e.g., AutoPIPE, CAESAR II, etc).
Ability to assess modification impacts to ensure system integrity and compliance.
Requires a bachelor's degree in engineering. ABET-accredited program or equivalent preferred.
P3: Typically 8+ years in engineering, or 5+ years with a PE license.
P4: Typically 10+ years in engineering.
Expert to advanced knowledge of engineering and economic principles.
Expert understanding of engineering processes and procedures; strong cross-disciplinary interpretation skills.
Advanced industry knowledge, technology trends, QA/QC processes, procurement, contract administration, and project controls.
Expert knowledge in design, construction, and maintenance of power boilers, HRSGs, turbines, cooling towers, pumps, and auxiliary equipment.
Advanced accuracy, organization, prioritization, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Strong written, oral communication, and presentation abilities.
Advanced understanding of utility industry operations.
Ability to meet deadlines and accuracy standards
Effective teamwork and communication under stress
Adaptability to frequent change
Strong self-awareness and ability to apply feedback
Ability to analyze new information and apply to work consistently
Ability to adhere to established schedules
Ability to work long hours or variable schedules
Ability to report during severe weather
Regular, reliable, predictable attendance
Ability to work shift and on-call schedules
Valid driver's license required
Daily and frequent travel within service territory; occasional overnight travel
Regular computer use entire work shift
Ability to lift/carry up to 10 lbs
Ability to work in elevated areas, confined spaces, uneven terrain, stairs, ladders could be up to 100 feet high

Nice To Haves

PE license: Required for P4, strongly preferred for P3.

Responsibilities

Maintains current engineering practices and provides guidance on processes and standards as requested.
Interprets and applies applicable codes (ASME B31.1, ASME BPVC, ANSI, NBIC, API, ASTM, AWWA, Oregon Boiler Law) and serves as a resource to other engineers.
Prepares a variety of complex engineering deliverables; coordinates multi-discipline activities.
Analyzes and recommends design enhancements related to reliability, safety, and regulatory compliance across generating resources.
Reviews calculations from other engineers and supports work such as boiler modifications, gas turbine overhauls, steam/wind turbine maintenance, vibration analysis, bearing alignment, and specification development. Review engineering documents, drawings, calculations, vendor submittals, and construction packages for completeness and technical accuracy.
Investigates moderately complex construction, maintenance, and operational issues; develops and initiates corrective actions.
Provides design direction to engineers, technicians, draftsmen, and designers.
Coordinates with internal/external teams on moderately complex projects; represents engineering to other departments.
Reviews junior engineering work.
Selects design methodologies and collaborates with plant staff, environmental services, NDE/Welding teams, and RCA teams.
Scopes, plans, and schedules major or multiple project assignments; prepares cost estimates and tracks project budgets.
Serves as a technical specialist, providing consultation and mentoring; supports knowledge management.
Maintains a high level of engineering proficiency in specialty areas.
Maintains currency in state-of-the-art engineering practices and provides enterprise-level guidance on processes and standards.
Recommends changes to engineering codes or internal application of industry standards (ASME B31.1, ASME BPVC, ANSI, NBIC, API, ASTM, AWWA).
Prepares complex engineering deliverables for large or multiple projects, including establishing work plans.
Leads design enhancements that improve reliability, safety, and regulatory compliance of generating resources.
Performs and reviews complex technical studies; provides expert consultation to leaders and engineering staff.
Investigates major system construction and operational problems; develops solutions and corrective actions.
Provides high-level design direction across departments and disciplines.
Coordinates internal/external teams on complex projects; represents engineering to regulatory and technical bodies.
Reviews peer engineering work and provides recommendations to engineers and senior management.
Selects and adapts methodologies; leads work across engineering departments, plant staff, environmental services, NDE teams, and RCA groups.
Scopes, plans, schedules, and directs major project assignments including capital and O&M work.
Advances enterprise knowledge management, mentors engineers, participates in professional societies/standards committees, and contributes to code authoring.
Maintains high technical proficiency within the specialization.

Benefits

PGE believes in rewarding dedicated performance. We provide a total rewards package that is designed to reward your contributions to the company, and, at the same time, support your well-being and professional development, both now and into the future.

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