Senior Mechanical Engineer

Schnabel Engineering•Greensboro, NC

37d•$100,000 - $140,000•Onsite

About The Position

Schnabel is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer with more than 10 years of experience to support the planning, analysis, design, modernization, and construction of complex hydromechanical systems associated with dams, levees, hydropower facilities, pump stations, fish facilities, water control structures, and other critical water and power infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have expertise in the design and evaluation of hydraulic gates, bulkheads, stoplogs, valves, hoisting systems, penstocks, pump stations, and related mechanical equipment. The selected candidate will collaborate with Schnabel’s Western US Mechanical Practice to build a team that will be capable of winning and completing evaluation and design related services in the relevant areas noted above. The selected candidate will work closely with the leaders of our Hydropower (Powerhouse) Practice. This position offers the opportunity to work on multidisciplinary projects involving civil, structural, geotechnical, electrical, and water resources engineers. The successful candidate will serve as a technical lead on projects, mentor junior staff, support business development efforts, and provide specialized engineering expertise throughout project execution.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited university.
10+ years of relevant professional engineering experience.
Professional Engineer (PE) license and ability to obtain licensure in other jurisdictions through reciprocity.
Demonstrated experience with the design, analysis, inspection, or rehabilitation of heavy mechanical and hydromechanical systems.
Project management experience, including the offer and execution phases of projects.
Experience preparing technical specifications and construction documents.
Strong understanding of mechanical system design principles, structural behavior of mechanical equipment, materials and corrosion protection systems, welding and fabrication practices, and mechanical equipment installation and commissioning.
Experience using engineering analysis software and standard design tools.
Strong technical writing and communication skills.
Experience in business development to grow mechanical engineering services.
Confidence and independent decision-making, with a shared sense of responsibility.
Proven history of business development experience.
Ability to lead staff and work across business lines in a matrix organization.
Ability to pass a background check which may include criminal history, motor vehicle record and credit check.
Ability to pass a pre-employment screening.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in mechanical engineering.
Proven ability to lead a team of mechanical engineers and related technical staff.
Experience with hydropower, dam, and pump station projects.
Lead proposals and technical interactions with customers.

Responsibilities

Lead the mechanical design and evaluation of systems related to various civil infrastructure projects, including dams and levees, hydroelectric facilities, pump stations, intakes, and fish facilities.
Develop designs for tainter, vertical lift, slide, and roller gates; stoplogs and bulkheads; hydraulic and electric gate hoists; penstocks; butterfly and fixed-cone valves; jet flow, knife, and sluice gates; and pump station mechanical systems.
Perform engineering analyses including structural and mechanical calculations, equipment sizing and selection, load analysis, hydraulic force evaluation, fatigue and service life assessments, and operating system evaluations.
Prepare engineering reports, technical memoranda, specifications, and design drawings.
Conduct condition assessments and inspections of existing hydromechanical equipment.
Evaluate rehabilitation alternatives and develop recommendations for repair, replacement, or modernization.
Serve as a project or discipline lead on multidisciplinary infrastructure projects.
Coordinate and collaborate with internal and external structural, civil, geotechnical, electrical, mechanical and water resources engineering teams, leveraging Schnabel’s deep bench of senior technical experts for mentoring, peer review, quality assurance and guidance on complex engineering challenges.
Support permitting, regulatory reviews, and owner coordination.
Review and respond to contractor submittals, RFIs, manufacturing, supply chain, and field support during successful project execution.
Participate in factory acceptance testing (FAT), commissioning, and startup activities.
Travel, as necessary, to support essential functions of the role.
Develop and maintain strong client relationships with public agencies, utilities, contractors, and private owners.
Assist with proposal preparation, scope development, and fee estimates.
Participate in project interviews and technical presentations.
Identify opportunities for expanding mechanical and hydromechanical engineering services.
Mentor and train junior engineers and designers.
Actively engage with senior mechanical engineering staff for technical guidance, peer review, professional development, and the advancement of specialized expertise.
Actively engage with Dams Business Unit leadership and senior technical staff to advance the state of practice in mechanical engineering, improve project delivery, and foster technical excellence across the company.
Perform quality reviews of engineering analyses, designs, drawings, and specifications.
Contribute to the development of technical standards, internal communities of practice, best practice guidance documents, and design guidelines.