Associate Mechanical Engineer - Boundary Project

Salary: $62.32 - $72.73 Hourly
Location : Boundary Powerhouse - 1198 Boundary Dam Access Road, Metaline, WA, WA
Job Type: Classified Civil Service, Regular, Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-01289
Department: Seattle City Light
Opening Date: 09/23/2026
Closing Date: 10/20/2026 4:00 PM Pacific

Position Description

Seattle City Light, a department of the City of Seattle, is one of the nation's largest municipally owned utilities in terms of the number of customers served. Over the years we have worked very hard to keep Seattle's electricity affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound. Today, City Light is a recognized national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.

Seattle City Light's Engineering & Technology Operations Division is seeking an Associate Mechanical Engineer to ensure reliable operation of hydro turbine generating units and all auxiliary systems that support the generating units. In this position, you will be responsible for design changes, maintenance and construction of powerhouse and dam support systems, gates, hoists, structural equipment, piping systems, ventilation system, etc. This position reports to the Mechanical Engineering Supervisor.

Job Responsibilities
Here is more about what you'll be doing:

• Reporting to City Light's Boundary Project and provide engineering support with operations and maintenance
• Meet regularly with the mechanical maintenance crew to review planned work and ensure projects are completed and documented
• Provides support with procurement and sourcing of materials
• Work independently to complete tasks and manage priorities
• Recommend projects at our plants and facilities when deficiencies are identified, with a goal of enhancing worker safety and productivity or generation reliability and efficiency
• Ensure that designs meet or exceed all Codes, Laws and Ordinances and promote safe operations of equipment and a safe environment for yourself, your co-workers and the general public

Design Engineering

• Reverse engineering - review old parts without existing information or drawings. Determine functionality, loading, forces, and calculate/design new replacement parts.
• Full design engineering includes calculate part stresses, strains - to be compliant with safety and code requirements and produce drawings with part dimensions, tolerances, bearing clearances, and alignment requirements.

Field Engineering

• Knowledge of rotating machinery systems and their testing procedures and control systems.
• Develop disassembly procedures including tooling and rigging designs for rotating machinery.
• Develop assembly procedures for rotating machinery including proper materials, clearances, bolt torque values, alignment and fit up. Confirm shaft run out measurements meet industry standards.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:In addition to the skills and experience mentioned below, a successful applicant will have experience that reflects a commitment to creating fair and equitable outcomes and has:
Requires three years of professional mechanical engineering experience and a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or other combinations of education and/or experience which provides preparation to do professional mechanical engineering work.

Work Environment/Physical Demands: Most work is performed in a normal City work/office environment.
Field assignments may entail exposure to all types of weather, high noise levels, hazardotoxic substances, confined spaces and work near heavy equipment.
May be required to stand, walk, or bend for extended periods of time.
May be required to work nights, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
Overnight travel may be required.

License, Certification and Other Requirements:Current Washington State driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility.

Desired Qualifications - You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities: Experience working at a hydroelectric generating facility
Experience with Non-Destructive Examination (NDE) methods
Experience with mechanical data analysis to determine changes in machine operation
Ability to work on multiple projects and adapt to project and site needs
Power Plant, plant maintenance, and maintenance procedure experience
The ability to communicate and collaborate with skilled trade workers
Proficient using CAD, 3D design software, and Matlab

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Emergency Response Commitment:Seattle City Light is committed to reliable service during emergencies. Through our Emergency Response Program, each employee is assigned a role-usually aligned with their regular duties-to support emergency operations. Your participation is required and vital to helping the utility stay prepared and serve our community when it matters most.

Additional Information

The full salary range for this position is $62.32 to $72.73 per hour.

Application ProcessPlease submit the following with your online application:
A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement
A current resume of your educational and professional work experience.
Incomplete applications may not be accepted.
Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle City Light values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Seattle City Light encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17 and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3. A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:

Want to know more about Seattle City Light? Check out our web page:
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:
01

Please select the highest level of education you have completed.

• High School Diploma/GED
• Some College
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• JD/Doctorate Degree
• None of the Above

02

Do you have a Bachelor's Degree (or higher) in Mechanical Engineering?

• Yes
• No

03

Which of the following best describes your years of mechanical engineering experience?

• Less than 3 years
• 3 to 4 years
• 4 to 5 years
• More than 5 years

04

Which best describes your proficiency using CAD, 3D design software, and Matlab?

• Beginner (have taken classes, but not used much professionally)
• Intermediate (have used professionally for a short period of time)
• Advanced (have used extensively in a professional setting)
• Expert (have trained or could train others in a professional setting)

05

This position reports to City Light's Boundary Project and may require travel both to City Light's other remote facilities, as well as its downtown Seattle location. Are you willing to work at a remote project site and travel to other locations as needed?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you possess a current, valid Washington State Driver's License?

• Yes
• No, but I can obtain a valid Washington State Driver's License by the time of hire.
• No, and I will not be able to obtain a valid Washington State Driver's License.

07

Employees working for the City of Seattle are required to meet the Mayoral mandate of January 2025 to work onsite a minimum of three (3) days per week. Are you able to meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

08

To participate in the hiring process, Seattle City Light requires strict confidentiality of all related information, including any discussions outside the workplace. This ensures fairness and protects the integrity of the process. This obligation applies during and after the hiring process. Do you understand and agree to maintain this confidentiality?

• Yes, I understand and agree.
• No, I do not agree.

Required Question