Hydroelectric Power Generation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Minimum Pay Rate: $99,923
Maximum Pay Rate: $132,350
Posting Type: Open
Open until filled - Candidates are encouraged to apply early as this posting may close at any time without notice on or after May 27, 2026.
SMUD delivers power to more than 1.5 million customers throughout the Sacramento area. As a community-owned, not-for-profit electric service, we've been providing low-cost, reliable electricity for over 75 years. Our hydroelectric system is a key part of that, transforming Sierra water resources into clean, renewable energy for our communities.
SMUD is seeking a mechanical engineer with power generation or heavy industrial experience to support maintenance projects at the nine hydroelectric powerhouses in the Upper American River Project. In this hands-on role, you will be working with the maintenance engineering group in Pollock Pines, CA to maintain and upgrade the mechanical equipment that keeps our hydropower system at peak reliability. The ideal candidate is a good communicator, comfortable managing projects in the field, and enjoys working alongside skilled craft workers on construction projects.
Located about an hour east of Sacramento, the Fresh Pond campus is home to our engineering offices, skilled craft shops, and warehouses that support the operation and maintenance of the Upper American River Project. This impressive system includes nine powerhouses, eleven reservoirs, and eighteen dams spread across the west slope of the Sierra Nevada, between Placerville and the Desolation Wilderness. If you enjoy the outdoors, you'll appreciate the many recreational opportunities nearby, along with the chance to work on projects within the stunning Crystal Basin.
Purpose
Under general supervision, assists in performing 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/supervisory capacity.
• Principal: Subject matter expert/lead/supervisory 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 - Power Generation, All Assets

• Assist in performing minor to moderately complex engineering designs for mechanical systems, applying State and National codes, SMUD standards, and construction guidelines. Assist in making modifications that enhance asset reliability and efficiency.
• Assist in preparation of project documentation, including Design Change Notification (DCN) packages, and manage revisions using the Generation Design document control system.
• Assist in the development of bid package specifications for procurement of materials and services related to mechanical projects, ensuring compliance with SMUD project standards. Coordinate procurement processes for less complex projects with supply chain services.
• Utilize Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to create and update engineering drawings.
• For projects with lower complexity, assume a primary role in coordinating and communicating from job initiation to completion, ensuring all tasks are executed on time and within designated budgets.
• Conduct field investigations to gather measurements and collect data, verifying existing configurations against project documentation, ensuring proper installation by contractors. Assist in producing as-built drawings and perform on-site visits to ensure facility installations comply with design specifications and regulatory requirements.
• Support the transition of projects from the design phase to operational status by creating schedules, defining testing and acceptance criteria, and compiling reports, ensuring adherence to established regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with senior engineers and project teams to ensure that asset modifications enhance reliability and efficiency while complying with regulatory requirements and cost-efficiency targets.
• Perform other related duties as needed; schedules, hours and locations may fluctuate based on business needs.

Duties and Responsibilities - Hydro Generation

• Assist with routine inspections and basic performance monitoring of hydroelectric turbines, generators, penstocks, gates, valves, hydraulic systems, and auxiliary equipment (e.g., cooling water systems, lubricating oil systems, air compressors).
• Support troubleshooting activities by collecting operational data, evaluating vibration/noise issues, and documenting maintenance needs for mechanical components of hydro plants.
• Participate in preventive and corrective maintenance planning, including scheduling, coordinating with plant staff, and updating computerized maintenance systems with outcomes.
• Support regulatory and safety inspections by preparing required reports and assisting with documentation related to dam safety, pressure vessel certifications, and plant safety features.
• Assist in the development and update of Standard Operating Procedures for mechanical and auxiliary systems under the direction of more senior engineers.
• Gather field data for root cause investigations of system malfunctions or equipment failures under supervision.
• Perform other related duties as needed; schedules, hours and locations may fluctuate based on business needs.

Required Education

• Bachelor's degree majoring in mechanical engineering or related field from an accredited college or university

Required Experience Qualifications

• At least one (1+) year of progressively responsible relevant work experience in mechanical engineering applied to power generation, industrial processes, machine design, or manufacturing; or at least six (6+) months SMUD internship experience within relevant areas.

Knowledge Of

• Fundamentals, practices and procedures of mechanical engineering as applied to power generation systems, including hydroelectric, thermal, wind, and photovoltaic facilities, as well as natural gas pipeline infrastructure.
• Operation, maintenance and performance characteristics of hydro turbines, thermal plant boilers and pressure vessels, wind turbine mechanical systems, photovoltaic mounting/trackers, and gas pipeline components (e.g., valves, regulators, compressors).
• Applicable codes, standards, and regulatory requirements governing power generation and fuel supply, such as FERC, DSOD, OSHA, ASME, CPUC, NFPA, and PHMSA regulations related to hydro, thermal, renewable, and pipeline systems.
• Methods and best practices for troubleshooting, failure analysis, and root cause investigation specific to hydro, thermal, wind, photovoltaic generation, and natural gas pipeline operations.
• Safety and environmental protection standards as related to power generation facilities and natural gas pipeline operations.
• Preventive and predictive maintenance practices for major mechanical components in hydro plants, thermal plants, wind and solar energy systems, and gas pipeline networks.
• Engineering economics used to evaluate cost/benefit of design modifications and maintenance for generation and pipeline assets.

Skills To

• Assist in the design, evaluation and specification of mechanical systems for hydroelectric, thermal, wind, and photovoltaic generation facilities, as well as natural gas pipeline infrastructure, under the guidance of senior engineers.
• Support troubleshooting and resolution of basic operational and maintenance issues involving turbines, pumps, valves, and piping systems associated with power generation and gas supply pipelines.
• Prepare and maintain technical project documentation, drawings, and engineering change notices (e.g., DCN packages and as-builts) for mechanical design and field modifications, using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools.
• Apply foundational knowledge of industry standards and regulatory requirements to support compliance in the operation and maintenance of hydroelectric, thermal, wind, photovoltaic, and gas pipeline systems.
• Conduct field investigations and assist with inspections, collecting and organizing equipment condition data and supporting maintenance or repair recommendations.
• Communicate effectively with team members, field crews, and contractors to support coordination of engineering projects and maintenance activities.

Desirable Qualifications
The mechanical maintenance engineer is expected to oversee modest projects that enhance the reliability of SMUD's turbine generators. Experience in any of the following would enhance a candidate's success in this position.

• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Experience with hydroelectric generating equipment or other large industrial equipment
• Experience with AutoCAD software
• Experience with 3D modeling software
• Experience creating or reviewing mechanical drawings that include geometric dimensioning and tolerancing
• Experience and interest in working in the field on construction projects
• Welding, corrosion or protective coating experience

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.
Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
SMUD celebrates diversity, and inspires an inclusive culture based on trust and respect to create belonging and connection among our employees, customers, and communities. By working together, we are powering positive, equitable opportunities for all. We aspire to be a workplace where you can be yourself, achieve your best, and thrive together.
An example of our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging is when SMUD signed the California Equal Pay Pledge in 2020. This requires equal pay for employees who perform "substantially similar work," when viewed as a composite of skill, effort, and responsibility at the time those employees started within that classification. As such, initial hiring salary range is not subject to negotiation and salaries will vary over time based on performance.
SMUD is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, veteran status, or any other applicable legally protected characteristic. All employment decisions are made on the basis of individual qualifications, merit, and business needs and interests.
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 49er's 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.
Onsite Work
This position reports daily to Fresh Pond Hydro Operations (near Pollock Pines, CA). Several work schedules are available including the popular 4 days per week, 10 hours per day schedule. SMUD offers vanpools to many regions of the Sacramento basin.
CalPERS
SMUD is a CalPERS agency. As a member of the Cal...