New

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

Portland General Electric
United States, Oregon, Portland
Nov 21, 2025
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. Key Technical Capabilities Needed 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. Key Responsibilities P3 - Senior Mechanical Design Plant Engineer Engineering Standards * 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. Engineering Production * 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. Project Coordination * 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. Knowledge Sharing * Serves as a technical specialist, providing consultation and mentoring; supports knowledge management. * Maintains a high level of engineering proficiency in specialty areas. P4 - Principal Mechanical Design Plant Engineer Engineering Standards * 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). Engineering Production * 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. Review engineering documents, drawings, calculations, vendor submittals, and construction packages for completeness and technical accuracy * Investigates major system construction and operational problems; develops solutions and corrective actions. * Provides high-level design direction across departments and disciplines. Project Coordination * 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. Knowledge Sharing * Advances enterprise knowledge management, mentors engineers, participates in professional societies/standards committees, and contributes to code authoring. * Maintains high technical proficiency within the specialization. Education/Experience/Certificates Education P3 & P4: Requires a bachelor's degree in engineering. ABET-accredited program or equivalent preferred. Experience P3: Typically 8+ years in engineering, or 5+ years with a PE license. P4: Typically 10+ years in engineering. Certifications/Licenses/Training PE license: Required for P4, strongly preferred for P3. Minimum Competencies Functional Competencies 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. General Competencies Advanced accuracy, organization, prioritization, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Strong written, oral communication, and presentation abilities. Advanced understanding of utility industry operations. Physical, Schedule/Attendance and Cognitive Demands Cognitive Level: Substantial Cognitive: * 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 Schedule/Attendance: * 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 Physical Capabilities: * 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 Environment: * Office, plant, and field environments #LI-SB1 Compensation Range: $99,975.00 - $197,375.00 Actual total compensation, including a performance based incentive bonus, is commensurate with experience, skills, qualifications, education, training, and internal equity. While we anticipate the selected candidate for this position will fall towards the middle or entry point of the compensation range, the decision will be made on a case-by-case basis. 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. To find out more, click here. Join us today and power your potential! Assisting with storms or other Company emergencies is a part of all positions at Portland General Electric. PGE is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a workplace where employees feel connected, valued, and empowered to thrive. PGE will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. PGE does not discriminate on the basis of disability. We recognize individuals have a variety of abilities to offer and we believe there is much to value and celebrate by incorporating different abilities into the work we do. One very important way we live this out is in our application and interview process. We work hard to support individuals who may need an accommodation to fully participate in these processes. If you feel you may need an accommodation, or would like to request one, please notify the Recruiter associated with the job posting. You may also make this request by contacting talentacquisition@pgn.comor by calling 503-464-7250. The Recruiter will provide information and next steps for the accommodation process. To be considered for this position, please complete the following employment application by the posting close date. Posting closes at midnight (Pacific Time) on the closing date below. If no date is listed, job is open until filled. November 30, 2025