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Job Description
Position Description
Tacoma Power's Generation Section is seeking a Mechanical Engineer (Associate Power Systems Engineer, Senior or Power Systems Engineer, PE level) to join their team. This position provides mechanical engineering technical services for capital and maintenance projects at Tacoma Power's hydroelectric and fisheries facilities. As a Professional Engineer, this position is expected to be a subject matter expert for operation, maintenance, repair, and improvement of Generation's mechanical systems and equipment. This position supports the mission of the organization by ensuring continued availability of generating resources and fisheries operations.
Responsibilities Include:- Participate on diverse working teams involved with the design, fabrication, installation, maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation of fish facilities and hydropower plants
- Prepare, review, and stamp calculations, drawings, reports, etc., related to mechanical systems
- Prepare specifications and other engineering documents to procure and install a wide variety and of mechanical equipment and systems
- Provide support for the evaluation, selection, procurement, installation, testing, and acceptance of project activities and equipment
- Represent the City at shop inspections and factory acceptance tests related to mechanical systems
- Coordinate and work with contractors and hydro project staff to repair and upgrade systems and equipment
- Plan and direct mechanical equipment installation, disassembly, reassembly, and alignment
- Provide operations & maintenance and asset management program recommendations for mechanical systems
- Power plant mechanical equipment within the scope of this position includes but is not limited to utility-scale generators, hydroelectric turbines, balance-of-plant systems (e.g., air, oil, and water), large valves, gates, cranes, and hoists
- Fisheries facilities mechanical equipment within the scope of this position includes but is not limited to motors, pumps, piping, valves, water-treatment systems (e.g., ozone, filtration, UV), and fish attraction and conveyance systems
Qualifications
Power Systems Engineer- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or directly related field.
- 2 years of engineering experience in a power utility
Licensing, Certifications, and Other Requirements:- Washington State Driver's License
- Some positions may require individuals to complete annual CIP training after employment and pass a comprehensive personal risk assessment (background check) prior to employment and every five years thereafter as required by federal regulatory requirements (NERC-CIP)
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or directly related field.
- 4 years of professional level engineering experience in a power utility.
Licensing, Certifications, and Other Requirements:- Washington State Licensed Professional Engineer
- Washington State Driver's License
- Some positions may require individuals to complete annual CIP training after employment and pass a comprehensive personal risk assessment (background check) prior to employment and every five years thereafter as required by federal regulatory requirements (NERC-CIP)
Knowledge & Skills
City of Tacoma’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We’re committed to eliminating racial and other disparities and actively seek candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences.
We believe diversity of thought, background, and experience contributes to our innovation and collective success. If you’re passionate about this role and our mission-even if you don’t meet 100% of the qualifications-we encourage you to apply. We value transferrable skills and are excited to see what you bring to the table.
The Community
Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma's geographic area. Downtown's Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's Car Museum.
With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!
View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI
Selection Process & Supplemental Information
Pay Details:
Annual Salary: $107,328.00 - $174,595.20
Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma
Application Process
This recruitment is being managed by Kye Merritt, if you would like to be notified of similar opportunities or stay connected with things going on at Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma, connect with me on LinkedIn !
Interested individuals should apply online and attach a resume and cover letter that includes how your background, experience, and training align with this position. Applications without the required materials may not be considered.
Application Deadline
Submit your application by the closing date listed on the job posting.
Assistance
For questions about the job announcement or application process, contact Human Resources at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. on the job closing date.
For technical support with the NEOGOV system, call 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
Important Communication Notice
The City of Tacoma primarily communicates via email. Please ensure emails from @tacoma.gov and @governmentjobs.com are added to your safe senders list. Check your junk/spam folders to avoid missing updates.
The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.
Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.
Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.
Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.
Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.
Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.
Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.
Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.
Other Employment Information
Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.
Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.
Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.
Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.
Closing Date/Time: 9/8/2025 5:00 PM Pacific -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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City of Tacoma
Show moreTacoma is a mid-sized urban port city that sits along the Puget Sound with a population of nearly 210,000. The third largest city in the state of Washington, it is a diverse, progressive international gateway to the Pacific Rim.
Tacoma boasts the state's highest density of art and history museums, and is home to a flourishing creative community of writers, artists, musicians, photographers, filmmakers, chefs, entrepreneurs, and small business owners who each add their unique flair to the city's vibrant commercial landscape. The iconic Tacoma Dome has endured as a high-demand venue for some of the largest names in the entertainment industry.
A magnet for families looking for affordable housing options in the Puget Sound area, Tacoma also draws those who prefer to live in a more urban downtown setting with competitively priced condos and apartments that feature panoramic mountain and water views.
Tacoma's natural beauty and proximity to the Puget Sound and Mount Rainier draws hikers, runners, bicyclists, and maritime enthusiasts to the area. Its lively social scene is infused with energy by thousands of students attending the University of Washington Tacoma, the University of Puget Sound, the Evergreen State College Tacoma campus, and Tacoma Community College, as well as a number of local trade and technical colleges. Its prime location – just 20 minutes south of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, 30 miles north of the state capital in Olympia, and within 10 miles of the U.S. Department of Defense's premier military installation on the West Coast – only adds to Tacoma's desirability. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view our YouTube video! -