Mechanical Engineer - Hdq (Level Doe)

POSITION PURPOSE

This position is located at our Headquarters building in Bismarck, ND and is not a remote position.

This position is open to varying levels (Mechanical Engineer I, II, III or Senior) depending on experience. 

Successful candidates at an entry level will plan, schedule, conduct, and/or coordinates broader phases of engineering work on assigned parts of major projects, or total activities associated with smaller modification projects.

Successful candidates with more experience will handle similar duties on larger projects at existing facilities and also make decisions independently regarding most engineering problems and methods and may coordinate activities of a particular group with various stages of a project.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Entry Level:

• Assist Engineering and Construction and/or engineering staff at existing facilities in completing engineering work activities, as required. Activities will include interaction and coordination with facility personnel to adequately understand their needs and concerns. Information gathered and engineering skills will be used to develop designs and solutions needed to correct deficiencies, improve plant operation, and make required changes.


• Develop a basic understanding of typical plant equipment and systems including boilers, heat recovery steam generators, steam turbines, combustion turbines, reciprocating engines, air and gas systems, flue gas cleaning system, water treatment systems, pumps, fans, oil systems, coal conveying equipment, fuel gas supply and conditioning equipment, heat exchangers, cooling towers, steam/gas/water/air systems, ash removal systems, fire protection systems, and heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.


• Provide engineering skills and design efforts required on existing facility projects that may include system design, equipment selection, contract development, and construction oversight, as required.


• Develop effective working relationships with all major departments within Basin Electric Power Cooperative headquarters and staff at operating power plants, as appropriate


• Assist Engineering and Construction with efforts to enhance reliability, performance, and safety of all generation facilities through technical support of day-to-day challenges along with planning and support for plant outages.


• During plant outages, the incumbent may be required to provide outage support at the plant for extended periods of time to assist with inspections of plant equipment/systems and coordinate repairs.


•  Perform other duties as assigned.

More experienced Engineers will perform the essential duties above as well as:

• Perform technical evaluation of equipment problems and make recommendations.


• Conduct economic and technical feasibility studies.


• Perform engineering design calculations, write specifications and coordinate the work of designers/drafters.


• Review submittals and respond to requests for information.


• Develop and provide advanced engineering skills and design efforts required on existing facility projects that may include system design, equipment selection, contract development, and construction oversight, as required.


• Prepare and monitor drawings and specification to ensure that the design of above noted systems in completed on time to meet construction schedules, and that the design is cost effective and in accordance with BEPC's philosophy. May witness factory tests of equipment, maintain project schedules, check on the general status of mechanical documentation and coordinate with the construction manager.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering Accreditation Commission/ Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (EAC/ABET) accredited mechanical engineering program.


• Occasional travel by motor vehicle or aircraft which may also include overnight stays.


• A valid driver’s license.
   

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

This position requires frequent sitting and lifting/carrying up to 25 pounds; and occasional standing/walking, bending/reaching, kneeling, climbing, crawling, pushing/pulling up to 15 pounds, and lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds. This position requires use of keyboard/computer and occasionally working at heights up to 250 feet, which requires the use of safety equipment, including a harness, in accordance with ANSI Z359 standards. This position requires good finger dexterity, hand coordination, good hearing, and good vision. The incumbent may occasionally work in confined spaces, and be exposed to extreme heat/cold, dirt, fumes, chemicals, vibration, and noise. Tools/equipment used include floating pick scaffolding, vibration testing equipment, velocity measuring probes, electronic thickness testers, slag hammer, computer equipment, and surveying equipment. This position must be respirator qualified. 

KEY SKILLS

• Technical knowledge of mechanical engineering and a basic knowledge of computers.


• Proficient with personal computers and Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook


• Good verbal and written communication skills.


• Ability to analyze data/reports, conduct research, implement recommendations, coordinate projects, develop plans, present information to others, and work under pressure to complete assignments.