Mechanical Engineer I

Who We Are

Hargrove supplies unparalleled services in engineering, procurement, construction management, and technical services in the industrial, commercial, and government sectors. With over 2,700 Teammates in 19 offices domestically and internationally, we build long-term support relationships in the energy generation, manufacturing, research and development, and process-heavy industry in on-site support arrangements, in plant-level small projects and consulting roles, and in larger capital projects.

Hargrove’s key operating principle is to provide the Right People, in the Right Place, at the Right Time. We believe that relationships and partnering together provide the best results and long-term benefits for our clients.

Work-life balance and flexibility are important areas of focus for Hargrove. We’re happy to discuss flexible working hours, patterns, and locations to suit you and the business.

What You'll Be Doing

Job Scope: This position interfaces with plant operators/hydro journeymen, superintendents, and managers to identify, troubleshoot, and solve hydro plant operations and maintenance issues. Position will be heavily involved in the Hydro Modernization program and will support the turbine scope of work for Modernization projects. Successful candidates will work under the supervision of a full-time Senior Engineer in SCS Hydro Engineering.

Primary responsibilities will include but not be limited to:

• This position has cradle to grave responsibility for small projects, working with hydro plant personnel to: identify problem, develop viable solutions, assess options and select solution, find relevant vendors, and provide technical direction for installation and commissioning.

• Project management duties for small projects can be the responsibility of this position.

• For larger projects, this position will work on a multidisciplinary team representing the Hydro Engineering group.

• In this role, the position would be responsible for writing or reviewing specifications, providing drawings to contract partners, reviewing design drawings from internal or external groups, and providing technical support for assembly, disassembly, and commissioning.

• This position would also interface with, provide support for, and attend meetings scheduled by TSS for these larger projects.

• Review alignment data provided by vendors for adherence to industry standards.

• Review operational data to identify trends.

• Take field measurements when no relevant drawings are available.

• Inspect hydroelectric turbines for condition assessment.

• Perform shop inspections of witness or hold points prior to equipment shipment.

• Write or modify existing specifications for hydroelectric turbines, oil systems, bearings, shafts, and coolers.

• Assist Hydro management with Capital and O&M budgeting process by providing budgetary estimates, project durations, and project cash flows.

• Must be comfortable working in an operating power plant, often during construction or outage related activities, occasionally in confined spaces.

Ideal Background

Education: Bachelor or Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited university is required.

Registration: Engineer in Training (EIT) registration is strongly preferred. Professional Engineering registration is preferred upon eligibility.  

Experience: This position requires 1+ years of relevant industrial experience in mechanical engineering.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Ability:

• At least 1 year of experience working on project teams in various roles (design, technical support, project engineer, project manager, etc.) is preferred.

• Experience supporting Technical Shared Services (TSS) managed projects is preferred. (TSS is Southern Company’s internal engineering, construction, and project management organization.)

• Basic knowledge of mechanical systems in hydroelectric power plants is desired: pumps, piping systems, heat exchangers, rolling element and fluid film bearings.

• Understanding of principles of machine vibration and alignment is desirable.

• Knowledge of vertical shaft alignment is desirable.

• Knowledge of machine design as it relates to turbine and generator assembly and disassembly is desirable.

• Knowledge of hydroelectric turbines is desirable.

• Knowledge of formal root cause analysis process is desirable.

• Knowledge of laser tracker use and operation is desirable.

• Ability to read, review, and mark-up physical and schematic drawings is required.

• Strong troubleshooting skills are required.

• Ability to handle multiple projects of various priorities at once is required.

• Project management skills are desirable.

• Ability to build relationships across departments and organizations is required.

• Strong Excel and VBA skills are desirable.

• Strong written and oral communications skills are required.

• Ability to write and review detailed technical specifications is desirable.

• Ability to communicate with all levels of organization, from union-represented plant employees to executives is required.

• Ability to work in a matrixed organization with limited direct supervision is desirable. Candidates with less experience will work under the direction of a Senior Engineer.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit, stand, or walk for long periods of time.

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Hargrove Culture

We work to create an environment founded on trust, personal integrity, and a “team mentality” so that each person understands the value of their contributions both on a project and company-wide level. We know that each person on our team contributes to the success of our company by pairing expertise and passion to meet and exceed the needs of the clients we serve across the globe. 

Our safety culture protects and promotes the well-being of every person who works with us and every person touched by our work.

As a 100% Teammate owned company, we proudly offer a comprehensive benefits package including, paid holidays, personal paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401(k), and other benefits to eligible Teammates.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Hargrove is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex (including gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, sexual identity, marital or family status), disability, military service or obligations, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Hargrove is a drug-free workplace.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.