Engineer III / Senior - Predictive Maintenance

Engineer III / Senior - Predictive Maintenance

The Predictive Maintenance Engineer III / Senior Engineer provides advanced technical expertise in the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of predictive and preventive maintenance programs for power generation assets. This role is responsible for ensuring the reliable operation of critical rotating equipment—including steam turbines, gas turbines, pumps, fans, and pulverizers, through the application of industry best practices and advanced diagnostic technologies. This position applies in-depth engineering knowledge to complex technical challenges, construction projects, and emergent equipment issues. The engineer is regularly relied upon as a subject matter expert in one or more predictive maintenance disciplines, with a strong understanding of engineering technologies, maintenance processes, and system performance. Solutions developed in this role are often used as the final technical basis for operational and maintenance decisions, with work evaluated primarily on long-term results and impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development, implementation, and oversight of predictive maintenance (PdM) programs across multiple generating facilities
• Analyze and interpret condition monitoring data using techniques such as: vibration analysis, oil analysis, thermography, ultrasound and acoustics, motion capture and other advanced diagnostics
• Maintain and manage data within web-based PdM systems and databases
• Review and apply OEM technical alerts, recommendations, and equipment-specific testing protocols
• Develop new monitoring methods, tools, and strategies to enhance equipment reliability and performance
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to other personnel on PdM practices and technologies
• Support troubleshooting and resolution of complex equipment issues across multiple plants

Work Environment:

• Coverage of multiple plant sites across the greater Phoenix area and extending to Yuma, including Arlington, Phoenix, Tempe, Coolidge, Marana, and Yuma
• Primary office location in downtown Phoenix
• Approximately 40–50% fieldwork (on-site) and 50–60% office-based work, with a minimum 40% in-person requirement
• May be subject to shift work depending on operational needs

Minimum Requirements:

• Engineer III: A four year Bachelor of Science degree in an engineering discipline or related applied science discipline (see approved list) from an ABET accredited institution plus five (5) years working experience in Engineering-related positions.
• Engineer Senior: A four year Bachelor of Science degree in an engineering discipline or related applied science discipline (see approved list) from an ABET accredited institution plus eight (8) years working experience in Engineering-related positions.

Preferred Special Skills, Knowledge or Qualifications:

• Experience in vibration monitoring and diagnostics
• Experience in oil sampling and analysis
• Certification in Vibration Analysis Category II (ISO 18436-2), or ability to obtain within 6 months
• Oil analysis certification (MLA/MLT II), or ability to obtain Level II within 6 months
• Experience with power plant or manufacturing environments, particularly with rotating equipment
• Working knowledge of predictive maintenance technologies including acoustics, ultrasound, thermography, and related methods
• Familiarity with industry software such as GE Bently Nevada System 1, Petasense, TestOil, FLIR, PI System, and Maximo preferred
• Problem analysis/resolution techniques
• Knowledge of applicable codes, standards, practices, methods and safety standards in the area of applicable engineering discipline
• Experience in the utility industry
• Professional Engineer (PE) licensure

Major Accountabilities:

• Develops and applies unique solutions and applications to a broad range of technical issues and problems (solutions that typically require original and creative approaches). Makes decisions and recommendations that have a moderate to significant effect on the overall organization performance.
• Prepares complex engineering plans, designs, analysis, specifications, cost estimates, evaluations, studies, technical reviews, investigations and verifications. Ensures engineering analyses, design, project control, schedule commitments or oversight work is technically sound, cost effective, and in compliance with established standards, codes, and regulations. Checks and reviews analysis, evaluations, and investigations of others.
• Integrates the many interrelated elements of complex projects that are broad in scope, require considerations not previously encountered and requires interpretation and/or modification to guidelines. Complies with design, regulatory, operating and maintenance requirements. Identifies potential schedule or quality problems and initiates corrective action.
• Interfaces with customers and other departments to ensure project objectives are understood and that work scope meets customer requirements, budget and schedule. Contacts customers and various levels of management to obtain or present technical data. Presents the results of designs, studies projects (in terms of new techniques) or approaches to subordinates, colleagues, management and customers.
• Provides technical guidance, leadership and support to less experienced engineers.
• Assists the organization in problem solving, as needed, by critically challenging assumptions and decisions to ensure the most optimal solutions and strategies are implemented. Assists in developing long-range strategies for significant site problems.
• Leverages industry and organization resources to resolve key technical issues. Develops a path forward to address these issues including bridging strategies. May interface with outside agencies and regulatory authorities.
• May plan and coordinate programs and large-scale engineering projects or multiple medium-scale projects while acting as a technical specialist for a specific engineering field. May be responsible for: all aspects of work scope; directing consultants; conducting feasibility studies; determining staff, cost estimates and resource requirements; and recommending engineering criteria.
• Monitors projects and recommends modifications to increase operating efficiency and /or reviews design and documentation of complex projects to ensure compliance with design specifications, schedules and any regulatory requirements. May develop, negotiate and manage contracts and contract revisions.
• May research new developments and technology and make recommendations to management on their feasibility for Company operations.

Export Compliance / EEO Statement: This position may require access to and/or use of information subject to control under the Department of Energy's Part 810 Regulations (10 CFR Part 810), the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR Parts 730 through 774), or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR Chapter I, Subchapter M Part 120) (collectively, 'U.S. Export Control Laws'). Therefore, some positions may require applicants to be a U.S. person, which is defined as a U.S. Citizen, a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), a Political Asylee, or a Refugee under the U.S. Export Control Laws. All applicants will be required to confirm their U.S. person or non-US person status. All information collected in this regard will only be used to ensure compliance with U.S. Export Control Laws, and will be used in full compliance with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of national origin and other factors. For positions at Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Stations (PVNGS) all openings will require applicants to be a U.S. person. Pinnacle West Capital Corporation and its subsidiaries and affiliates ('Pinnacle West') maintain a continuing policy of nondiscrimination in employment. It is our policy to provide equal opportunity in all phases of the employment process and in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. This policy of nondiscrimination shall include, but not be limited to, recruiting, hiring, promoting, compensating, reassigning, demoting, transferring, laying off, recalling, terminating employment, and training for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, disability, age, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other classification or characteristic protected by law. For more information on applicable equal employment regulations, please refer to EEO is the Law poster. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of every person hired to work in the United States, refer to E-Verify poster. View the employee rights and responsibilities under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). In compliance with the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, the Company is committed to a work environment that is free from the effects of alcohol and controlled substances, and free from the abuse or inappropriate use of prescribed and over-the-counter medications. The Company requires employees to be subject to drug and alcohol testing that is job-related and consistent with business necessity, regulatory requirements and applicable laws. CIP Requirement: This position requires Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) access consistent with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards. The applicant considered for this role will be required to obtain and maintain CIP access for the duration of employment in this position. A full seven (7) year criminal history will be obtained through the pre-employment background check process (or, for current employees, through supplemental background check process) to fulfill the CIP access requirements. In addition,