Summary
The Senior Mechanical Engineer serves in a leadership position within the mechanical engineering functional area, providing high-level technical direction, advisory support, and evaluation on mechanical engineering issues related to the development of renewable energy resources. The Senior Mechanical Engineer provides expert technical advice to the Government for renewable energy development programs, evaluating the feasibility of planned projects from multiple perspectives including financial, technical, and operational viability. A key function of this role will be the evaluation of grant proposals, such as those under the Energy and Mineral Development Program (EMDP) and monitoring assigned grants throughout their entire lifecycle.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
- Serves as a leadership position within the mechanical engineering functional category, providing day-to-day direction of technical work as required by individual Task Orders.
- Provides expert support and technical advice to the Government on mechanical engineering issues concerning the development and conservation of renewable energy resources.
- Performs complex engineering assignments with specified objectives, involving conventional plans, calculations, and specifications, with work reviewed for the application of sound professional judgment.
- Evaluates the feasibility of planned renewable energy projects from multiple viewpoints, including financial feasibility, technical viability, operational viability, and practicality.
- Reviews and evaluates grant proposals for energy and mineral development projects, assessing the technical merit, feasibility, and alignment with program objectives.
- Monitors assigned grants throughout their full lifecycle, from award to closeout, ensuring compliance, tracking progress against milestones, and providing technical assistance to grantees.
- Performs design calculations and prepares equipment or material specifications using relevant design software.
- Provides technical direction across various DEMD departments, including the Renewable Energy Program, to ensure an integrated approach to resource development.
- May be expected to perform supervisory responsibilities, such as coordinating the work of designers and other technical support personnel, reporting to the On-Site Lead and Project Manager.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Skills and Qualifications
- Technical Capacity: Broad technical knowledge of renewable energy technologies and applications, including photovoltaics, concentrating solar thermal, wind, geothermal, biofuels, power production (combustion, gasification, fuel cells), and biomass resource processing.
- Complex Problem Solving: Ability to evaluate intricate issues and planned projects, investigating variables and assessing feasibility from financial, technical, and operational perspectives.
- Critical Thinking & Initiative: Ability to perform engineering assignments with specified objectives, applying sound professional judgment to conventional plans and specifications.
- Communication: Highly effective communication skills for providing technical advice and support to government and tribal entities, and for preparing specifications and reports.
- Leadership and Direction: Responsible for the day-to-day direction of technical work as required by specific work orders.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mechanical Engineering or closely related discipline; Master’s preferred (e.g., MSME, Energy Systems). FE required; PE strongly preferred (or ability to obtain within 12 months).
- 6-8 years of progressively responsible experience in mechanical design and engineering for energy, industrial, or infrastructure projects (renewables, thermal generation, process/utility systems), including field work and construction support.
- Demonstrated success across multiple technology areas, such as balance-of-plant for solar/wind/geothermal/biomass, HVAC and thermal systems, fluid handling (pumps, piping, valves), pressure vessels, water/wastewater utilities, and thermal storage—delivering designs from concept through IFC and as-builts.
- Significant experience leading full lifecycle engineering requirements and basis-of-design, load/thermal calculations, equipment selection/specs, 3D model coordination, P&IDs, piping layout, skid/package integration, commissioning plans, and O&M documentation plus QA/QC of team deliverables.
- Proven capability with engineering economics (capex/opex estimating, LCCA, value engineering, constructability reviews) and supporting feasibility studies and pro formas with defendable mechanical inputs and risks.
- Hands-on technical reporting and compliance: authoring design narratives, calculation packages, and technical memos; applying codes/standards (ASME, API, ANSI, ASTM, AWWA, NFPA; coordination with NEC/IBC/IECC as applicable) and executing design reviews (FMEA/HAZOP).
- Owner/agency interface experience representing project owners in technical negotiations with OEMs/EPCs (equipment specs, warranties, performance guarantees), and in coordination with permitting/regulatory bodies (e.g., NEPA touchpoints, rights-of-way, environmental constraints).
- Track record of executive-level presentations and able to translate complex mechanical issues and trade-offs into clear recommendations for senior stakeholders (Tribal leadership, Federal program managers, boards).
- Supervisory/mentoring experience managing junior engineers and consultants: work-planning, day-to-day direction, design checks, and professional development.
- Field and commissioning readiness: comfortable with site walks, punchlists, vendor FAT/SAT, start-up/commissioning protocols, and safety (LOTO, JSAs); ability to travel to Tribal communities and project sites.
Supervisory Responsibility
This position may be expected to perform supervisory responsibilities, reporting to the On-Site Lead and Project Manager.
Work Environment
This job operates in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and photocopiers. Work will primarily be performed at the DEMD facility in Lakewood, Colorado, with options for authorized remote work.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position. Normal business hours align with DEMD’s core hours of 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Mountain Time, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays. Evening and weekend work may occasionally be required to meet project demands.
Travel Requirements
Travel is required to provide support at government or Tribal sites, attend meetings, conduct grant site visits, and represent DEMD at conferences. All travel must be pre-approved by the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) and will be reimbursed in accordance with Federal Travel Regulations (FTR).
Clearance/License Requirements
- A Public Trust clearance is required for this position. A minimum background investigation (NACI) is required for access to DOI facilities and information systems.
- Must maintain a valid Driver’s License and be insurable under the company insurance program.
Our Values: Native American Owned & Proud | Accountable | Team Focused | Innovative | Visionary | Excellence
AAP/EEO Statement Ho-Chunk, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered without regard to age, sex, race, national origin, religion, marital status or physical disability. However, preference may be extended to persons of Indian descent in accordance with applicable laws.
