Sr Mechanical Engineer

Consumers Energy is Michigan’s largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. Consumers Energy knows job number one is to keep the lights on for customers. We are committed to delivering reliable, clean, and affordable energy to our customers 24/7. 

Location: This position is onsite at Dan E. Karn 3 & 4 located in Essexville, MI. The selected candidate must be within a commutable distance or willing to relocate (relocation package is available for those that qualify).

General Summary of Job Responsibilities

The Senior Mechanical Engineer plays a key role in the development, design, and testing of new products and systems. This individual collaborates with a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, and technicians on moderately complex projects to ensure compliance with all relevant safety standards and specifications. Responsibilities include testing mechanical and electromechanical products and systems, overseeing mechanical testing and maintenance of products in production, and evaluating prototypes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Design, control, and implement mechanical systems and products; serve as the primary point of contact for clients on all mechanical engineering project matters
• Manage the development and implementation of mechanical systems
• Design, maintain, implement, and improve mechanical instruments, facilities, components, equipment, and systems for industrial, commercial, or domestic applications
• Perform a wide range of engineering tasks using computer-assisted design (CAD) software and engineering tools
• Ensure installations and operations meet standards and customer requirements by preparing specifications, technical drawings, and topographical maps
• Investigate and resolve project-related issues promptly
• Establish construction, manufacturing, or installation standards through detailed calculations
• Compile reports and data on existing and potential mechanical engineering projects and studies
• Provide technical support to other departments and personnel as needed
• Prepare specifications for mechanical equipment and materials; estimate material, labor, and construction costs for budgeting purposes
• Collaborate with customers, coworkers, and stakeholders to discuss mechanical engineering projects; monitor project progress and budget, and prepare reports for senior management
• Ensure compliance with specifications, codes, and customer requirements by coordinating installation, manufacturing, construction, maintenance, documentation, support, and testing activities
• Perform other duties as assigned or required

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Continued

• Support plant operations and maintenance teams in resolving system and equipment issues
• Assess mechanical and turbomachinery systems using system health assessment processes
• Develop and maintain historical records for key mechanical and rotating equipment systems
• Monitor systems for operational and predictive trends; implement actions to ensure reliability
• Review preventive maintenance and inspection results
• Evaluate equipment condition indicators and recurring maintenance issues
• Analyze data from operations, regulatory, and strategic sources to identify performance issues and necessary actions
• Ensure corrective actions are identified, justified, scheduled, and completed
• Develop strategies for equipment lifecycle management and system/component performance improvement aligned with corporate business plans, including:
  • Problem identification and solution development
  • Cost estimates, justifications, and scheduling
  • Input to financial planning processes
  • Maintenance of short- and long-term system plans
• Evaluate performance data (e.g., routine testing, vibration analysis, thermal imaging, oil analysis) and take appropriate actions
• Optimize preventive maintenance strategies based on data and trends
• Lead or participate in root cause analyses (RCA) for equipment issues
• Plan and oversee equipment overhauls and refurbishments
• Recommend spare parts inventory levels for system equipment
• Provide work management support, including prioritization of notifications and work orders
• Ensure timely scheduling of open work orders to maintain system reliability
• Assist in outage and work window planning
• Serve as the single point of contact (SPOC) or sponsor for assigned projects

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Advanced mechanical and technical expertise
• Proficiency in CAD software
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Solid understanding of GD&T principles
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn new software quickly

Education/Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited program with four (4) or more years of relevant experience
  • [OR]Bachelor's Degree Engineering from a non-ABET accredited program plus a Professional Engineering license with four (4) or more years of relevant experience

Preferred Experience

• Certified Weld Inspector (CWI) or ability to obtain certification within 12 months
• Experience with mechanical/balance of plant systems and turbomachinery
• Prior experience in a power plant environment

Why should you join our team?

At Consumers Energy, we offer more than just a place to work. We foster a culture that supports career development, growth, and stability, and we take pride in offering our co-workers excellent benefits and compensation packages. We are deliberately creating an inclusive culture that makes our diverse team of co-workers feel valued, supported, and empowered every day. We're a company made up of thousands of people, all with different stories to share and work to do, but we stand united in our company purpose: world class performance delivering hometown service.

What we offer:

• Competitive compensation packages
• Medical, Dental and Vision
• 401k with company match
• Paid parental leave
• Up to 13 paid Holidays
• Paid time off
• Educational Assistance Program

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:

We, at CMS Energy, value Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. It is part of our DNA. We treat our employees with respect, we treat each other fairly and we value the opinions of others. We are passionate about building and nurturing an environment where everyone feels included. We don’t discriminate. We seek to learn about each other and better understand our unique differences. Our uniqueness makes us authentic. We create safe spaces where everyone can be who they truly are. We invite difficult conversations and uncomfortable topics. We value diverse perspectives; this is what makes us great together. We harbor an inclusive environment where employees feel empowered to share their backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. Our Employee Resource Groups, Women in Energy (WE), Minority Advisory Panel (MAP), Pride Alliance of Consumers Energy (PACE), GENERGY, capABLE, Interfaith and Veterans Advisory Panel (VAP) are key enablers to living the values of our company culture: Caring, Empowered, Deliberate, Agility, and Ownership.

All qualified applicants will not be discriminated against and will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability, race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.