Mechanical Engineer (USA)

KGS Group is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join our growing practice in Bellevue, WA or Sacramento, CA.

About Us

We are KGS Group, an employee-owned, multidisciplinary engineering consulting firm serving clients throughout North America. We’re different than traditional engineering firms. We believe a commitment to lasting relationships is just as critical as the expertise applied in our work. To us that means we put our clients and people first. We have the discipline to consistently deliver KGS Quality, never taking the easy way out. We always look closer and dig deeper. And no matter the project, we care enough to do it right.

As an employee-owned company, we’re invested in our work and our people. Working with us means you’ll be part of some of the most interesting projects up and down the west coast. With the extensive, wide-ranging expertise within our company, you’ll have countless opportunities to learn and grow.

Many of our core clients operate in the hydropower and water management fields. We are growing our U.S. team to continue to provide our industry-leading services to these clients. As we expand our presence in California and in these markets, we are looking for strong candidates at all levels to join our team!

The Role

As a Mechanical Engineer, you will be responsible for providing engineering inputs integral to both small and large-scale hydro projects. You will lead technical teams and mentor junior staff, support production, and coordinate delivery of engineering work products with multi-disciplinary project team members and external stakeholders. You will not only support and help grow the broader engineering team capabilities, but your particular focus will be on continuing the development of our hydropower capabilities and working with key staff in growing that aspect of the business.

You’ll also be involved in supporting project management duties, liaising with both internal and external clients as well as assisting with guiding and mentoring other engineers within the team. In this role you will lead teams conducting technical work involving turbines, generators, and their associated ancillary systems, as well as other balance of plant systems such as gates, hoists, cranes, pumping systems, lubrication systems, and other critical equipment at hydroelectric powerplants. You lead teams conducting technical work for feasibility studies, engineering designs, preparation of construction drawings and specifications, and carrying out site visits and inspections. You will be working in a collaborative environment with a great team of engineers and scientists, and you will also interface directly with clients.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design modifications to, or entirely new, mechanical systems related to dams, control structures, water retaining structures, and hydroelectric generating stations.
• Execute multiple projects from the proposal stage through to completion. Projects will include a variety of small to large projects involving water resources, flood control and hydroelectric sectors.
• Conduct site investigations, condition assessments, and provide design and construction support.
• Mechanical engineering with cranes, hoists, hydroelectric turbines, generators, and balance of plant systems.
• Mechanical engineering design of gates, valves, pumps, and other hydro-mechanical machinery.
• Conduct feasibility studies for proposed designs and assess costs and benefits for alternatives in a systematic and thorough manner.
• Preparation and review of reports.
• Work collaboratively with other disciplines to execute project deliverables, as well as ensure that quality objectives, schedules, and budgets are met.
• Edit and prepare design specifications.
• Contribute to the development of the hydro-mechanical practice at KGS by assisting the US mechanical design lead by documenting technical knowledge, improving internal production processes, coordinating and developing internal training content, and other tasks.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

About You

To fill the role, we’re looking for an applicant to bring forward a good mix of qualifications and previous experiences. Some highlights should include:

• Minimum of a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET accredited university. A post-graduate degree would be an asset.
• Minimum of 7-15 years of experience in mechanical engineering.
• Must be registered as a Professional Engineer (P.E.) in Washington and/or California, as well as eligible for registration as a professional engineer in other states by comity through NCEES; or, if not already registered as a PE, would be able to obtain licensure within 1 year from date of hire.
• Previous consulting experience is preferred, but not required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required.
• Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision and manage several projects simultaneously.
• Travel to project sites is usually limited but will be required at times depending on project/client requirements.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and the ability/willingness to undergo security clearance checks.
• Client interaction: must be able to effectively assume a lead role as project engineer at project meetings and communicate project and technical information.
• Demonstrated experience in site investigations, condition assessments, design, and construction support are preferred.

The salary range for this position is:

Washington - $100,000-$150,000

California - $110,000-$170,000

Please note that the salary range mentioned in this job description should serve simply as a guide. The final compensation offered may vary based on a variety of factors, including candidate’s experience, skills, and location. KGS Group is committed to providing a fair, equitable, and competitive package that reflects the value an individual brings to the organization.

KGS Group is an employee-owned equal opportunity company offering an excellent compensation and benefits package.

KGS Group welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Upon request, KGS Group will provide reasonable accommodation for disabilities to support participation of candidates in all aspects of the recruitment process.