What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal Mechanical Engineer position at Columbia Energy?
Principal Mechanical Engineer
Columbia Energy and Environmental Services is an established small business headquartered in Richland, WA. We offer full-service engineering, design, fabrication, instrumentation and controls, testing, and technology development. Columbia Energy currently has an opening for a Principal Mechanical Engineer interested in advancing their career with opportunities to serve as technical leads, project engineers, and mentors to project teams. Veterans are strongly encouraged to apply!
Job Responsibilities/Duties:
- Lead multi-disciplinary project teams in the development and execution of complex design/build/test projects, ensuring alignment with project goals, timelines, and budgets.
- Provide strategic technical leadership, fostering collaboration among engineers, designers, and shop staff to deliver innovative solutions for nuclear and hazardous waste remediation, chemical processing, and nuclear ventilation systems.
- Collaborate closely with fabrication teams to ensure designs are manufacturable and optimized for production, leveraging hands-on experience with fabrication processes and techniques.
- Conduct design analysis and reviews to ensure compliance with industry standards and codes (e.g., ASME B31.3, ASME B&PV, ASME AG-1, etc.).
- Develop and oversee test plans and procedures, supporting system testing and troubleshooting as needed.
- Maintain configuration control of baseline drawings and documents while ensuring high-quality design deliverables.
- Act as a mentor and resource for junior engineers and designers, promoting professional growth and technical excellence.
- Communicate effectively with project stakeholders, providing clear updates on task status, progress, and technical challenges.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives in design and fabrication processes to enhance efficiency and quality.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher from an ABET-accredited university.
- 15 years of demonstrated experience in mechanical engineering design, adhering to industry standards.
- Proven experience leading and managing project teams, including coordination across disciplines and ensuring successful project execution.
- Extensive experience in preparing design deliverables, resolving technical review comments, and finalizing design packages.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
- Self-motivated with a focus on meeting project needs and delivery schedules.
Preferred Qualifications:
- PE License.
- DOE experience.
- Hands-on experience with fabrication processes, including providing design input to optimize manufacturability and troubleshooting during production.
- Experience working at nuclear facilities or within Navy Nuclear Power systems.
- Willingness to embrace new challenges and contribute to the growth and development of project teams.
Working Conditions:
This position is performed in an office environment with occasional visits to the company’s Fabrication Shop for testing and guidance to shop staff.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
Columbia Energy is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal and state law.
