Associate Mechanical Engineer Journey – Advanced Energy Solutions

Minimum Pay Rate: $114,712.00

Maximum Pay Rate: $151,985.60

Apply by Date: 05/07/2025

Posting Type: Open

SMUD’s Distributed Energy Solutions team is seeking a technical individual to help commercial and industrial customers “Go Electric” by supporting customer projects to convert gas fired equipment to efficient electric equipment. Emphasis will be around calculations of customer equipment energy usage to report on customer savings. Qualified candidates will be expected to be in the field with the ability to physically inspect customer mechanical and electrical equipment. Are you able to manage customer and contractor projects in energy related fields? If so, please submit your application today!

Purpose

Under general supervision, performs minor to moderately complex mechanical engineering core responsibilities, including problem resolution/project assignments, in the most efficient, safe and cost-effective manner, and that comply with regulatory requirements and restrictions.

Nature and Scope

There are four (4) levels in this job classification series that have similar job content but with progressively more challenging degrees and levels of skill, responsibility, knowledge, experience and qualification requirements:

Flex Classifications (that permit progression from lower-level classes to higher level classes without examination based upon assessment of an individual’s experience and performance) within the series:

• Entry: Incumbent acquires knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the tasks associated within the series but are not yet demonstrating these at the Journey level.
• Journey: Incumbent is demonstrating the required skills and knowledge to independently perform the full scope of the job.

Non-Flex Classifications (that promote from lower-level classes to higher level classes and require an examination, such as an interview, based upon individual experience and performance) within the series:

• Senior: Advanced journey level resource who is responsible for advanced assignments, as dictated by the work needing to be performed; may act in a lead capacity.
• Principal: Subject matter expert/lead level and is responsible for leading the most advanced work, as dictated by the work needing to be performed.

Entry to Journey: Incumbents at the entry level are required to successfully “progress” to the journey level within 60 months of appointment to remain within the job series.

Seniors and Principals must be hired through a promotional process and do not automatically progress from lower levels in the series.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs electrical assessment to determine the impact of changing electrical load profiles and the effect on the utility distribution systems when electrifying natural gas consuming water heating and space heating end uses with heat pump technology.
• Coordinates with third parties on the latest for engineering design fundamentals, considering modification and alterations to the proposed design, factoring in implications of an alternative approach; understands that the design considerations shall go beyond electrification and energy efficiency, to benefit SMUD initiatives and optimize the customer’s objectives.
• Coordinates with building simulation teams on modeling results submitted for electrification and energy efficiency incentives; conducts evaluations of modeling approaches and sets expectations for simulation results and reports submitted.
• Performs and provides guidance for mechanical engineering development and integration of new design concepts, system improvements and energy saving measures into SMUD customers’ facilities’ mechanical systems; conducts and/or directs detailed assessments, studies and calculations of HVAC; evaluates the impact of proposed system upgrades or improvements; recommends designs and best practices for total system modification.
• Monitors, evaluates, and interprets federal, state, local and industry standards including the State of California Title 24 part 6 and other codes and regulations; helps ensure that customer projects comply with codes.
• Develops and maintains expertise and knowledge of current industry practices, standards, correct engineering applications and interpretations in support of customer projects using energy efficient equipment; represents SMUD at meetings, industry committees and professional organizations; attends technical seminars and keeps current with published trade articles and professional journals.
• Plans, coordinates, prioritizes, monitors, guides, reviews, and conducts work activities associated with department internal/external projects in accordance with established task objectives and schedule as outlined in the project plan/contract.
• Presents to both internal and external audiences using visual presentation tools, on current design concepts and utility incentive offerings to further support the SMUD customer base.
• Performs other related duties as needed to include working outside of typical business hours when necessary.

Required Education

• Bachelor’s degree with major course work in mechanical engineering from and accredited college or university.

Required Experience Qualifications

• At least three (3+) years of progressively responsible relevant work experience in the design, installation, and maintenance of mechanical systems.

Required Licenses/Certificates

• Engineer In Training (EIT) test. In lieu of having passed the EIT, incumbent will be expected to pass the test prior to completion of the first year of employment as a condition of probation.

Knowledge Of

Theory, fundamentals and practices of mechanical engineering design; machine design fundamentals; machine shop practices; methods and techniques of stress analysis; piping systems; air conditioning systems; vibration and noise control practices; hydraulics and flow measurements methods; federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations governing safety and construction of mechanical systems; fundamentals, procedures and practices related to construction/fabrication/installation methods, equipment and materials; computer aided drafting and design software (such as AutoCAD); fundamentals, procedures and practices related to engineering mathematics and statistical analysis techniques; fundamentals, procedures and practices related to engineering economics; fundamentals and practices of economic assessments of projects and programs; techniques and practices of cost benefit analyses; methods and techniques of report preparation and writing; procedures and practices for overseeing contractors work activities; techniques and practices for problem research and resolution; safety policies, practices and procedures; office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases; English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Skills To

Use state-of-the-art computer software to design mechanical systems; maintain computer databases for collection, interpretation and reporting of data; read and interpret engineering documents and drawings, plans, diagrams and specifications; assist in planning and implementing system protection enhancements and upgrades; evaluate situations, documents and data for conformance to established policy and procedures; gather data from appropriate sources and identify relevant factors; identify the key elements that must be modified to achieve a goal; interpret, analyze and apply pertinent policies, procedures, regulations and requirements; utilize logic and analysis to identify the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches; ensure adherence to established safety policies, practices and procedures; schedule and prioritize own work assignments to meet expected timeframes; compile and prepare technical, statistical and/or analytical reports and presentations; communicate effectively orally and in writing internally/externally; establish and maintain effective working relationships internally/ externally.

Desirable Qualifications

• Registration as a Professional Mechanical Engineer in the State of California.
• 5 years relative work experience in the private sector supporting mechanical engineering for commercial projects.
• Project Management Experience
• Experience with selection of mechanical equipment and design of mechanical systems (HVAC, or industrial process equipment for example)
• Experience electrifying (decarbonizing) mechanical systems or process.
• Experience with building simulation modeling (for example, Energy Pro, eQUEST, Energy Plus).
• Energy modeling experience in support of Title 24 compliance.
• Experience with mechanical load calculation software and HVAC equipment selection.
• Performs and provides guidance for mechanical engineering development and integration of new design concepts, system improvements and energy saving measures into customers’ facilities’ mechanical systems; conducts and/or directs detailed assessments, studies and calculations of HVAC; evaluates the impact of proposed system upgrades or improvements; recommends designs and best practices for total system modification.
• Monitors, evaluates, and interprets federal, state, local and industry standards including the State of California Title 24 part 6 and other codes and regulations; helps ensure that customer projects comply with codes.
• Develops and maintains expertise and knowledge of current industry practices, standards, correct engineering applications and interpretations in support of customer projects using energy efficient equipment; represents SMUD at meetings, industry committees and professional organizations; attends technical seminars and keeps current with published trade articles and professional journals.

Physical Requirements

Applicants must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) – Who We Are

As the nation’s sixth-largest community-owned electric service provider, we’re proud of our reputation as one of the best places to work in Sacramento. Our employees tell us in our engagement surveys they’re “Happy, satisfied and engaged” which helps create a workplace that best serves our customers.

Sacramento was named as the 2nd happiest place to work in America by Forbes Magazine. Lake Tahoe, San Francisco and the world-renowned Napa Valley are within easy driving distance of our locations.

California Equal Pay Act

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) are a part of who we are and how we do things. Supporting efforts that promote pay equality is part of that. Salary placement for the selected candidate will be determined in alignment with the California Equal Pay Act or the applicable MOU. Determination for salary placement of internal candidates will be made without respect to current classification or compensation and will be based upon the candidate’s qualifications as compared to those performing substantially similar work. In the event there is a guaranteed pay progression outlined in an applicable MOU, the MOU takes precedence.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

SMUD respects, values and celebrates the unique attributes, characteristics and perspectives that make each person who they are. Diversity and inclusion are guiding principles to deliver a culture that reflects the broader values of the community and our customers. Our Board’s policy for Employee Relation sets our commitment to developing and maintaining a high quality, inclusive workplace that engages and inspires employees to commit to SMUD’s purpose, vision and values.

Why Sacramento, California?

The capitol of California, Sacramento is the state’s sixth-largest city, and the 35th largest in the U.S. Local universities include California State University, University of the Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law, and the University of California, Davis and several competitive community colleges. The UC Davis Medical Center, a world-renowned research hospital, is one of more than a dozen hospitals and shared services centers in the Sacramento region. Part of the agriculturally rich Central Valley, Sacramento is at the forefront of the farm-to-fork food movement. Northern California is home to some of the country’s top technology companies, including Google and LinkedIn, and a multitude of startups in many industries. Sacramento is home to the NBA Kings, the River Cats (AAA baseball), the Republic FC (soccer) and the San Francisco Giants, NBA Warriors and NFL 49ers aren’t far away. Sacramento offers an affluent liberal arts community with Broadway, Mondavi Center, Crocker Museum and summer musical theater to name a few.

Hybrid Work

This position may be eligible for SMUD’s hybrid (office/home) work employee benefit, the schedule of which will be determined by the successful candidate and the Hiring Manager. SMUD takes pride in powering the Sacramento region community where we live and work. We value the strong working relationships we develop with our colleagues. Our approach to hybrid work will continue to evolve. Please be aware that should SMUD’s business needs change, emergencies occur, or various other reasons arise, you may be required to report onsite on a part-time or full-time basis.

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