News Release Archive

Reclamation names Patrick Dawson Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Division Chief

Media Contact: Peter Soeth, 303-445-3615, psoeth@usbr.gov

For Release: October 28, 2020

Patrick Dawson, P.E.WASHINGTON – The Bureau of Reclamation announced the selection of Patrick Dawson, P.E., as chief of the Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Division at the Technical Service Center in Denver, Colorado. Dawson started his new position on October 26, 2020.

"The Technical Service Center provides second-to-none engineering and science services supporting Reclamation's mission delivering reliable water and power to the West," said Chief Engineer David Raff. "Dawson's technical expertise, leadership, and customer service will ensure the continued success of the Technical Service Center and position Reclamation to effectively address the technical needs of our infrastructure."

"Patrick brings a broad range of mechanical engineering design experience to his new position," said Dick LaFond, director of the Technical Service Center. "He has a passion for the work, the Technical Service Center, and a strong focus on customer service. I am looking forward to working with him.”

Dawson joined Reclamation in 2011 as a mechanical engineer and has recently served as the manager of the Mechanical Equipment Group. Dawson will lead the following six groups:

Mechanical Equipment – provides analysis and designs of auxiliary mechanical systems for various Reclamation facilities and performs in-field analysis of mechanical systems at hydropower facilities.

Hydraulic Equipment – produces engineering designs and analysis for large mechanical equipment used at water delivery and hydropower generation facilities.

Electrical Controls – provides designs, analysis, and construction/installation support for electrical controls and systems.

Electrical Equipment – provides designs, analysis, and construction/installation support for electrical equipment.

Power Systems Analysis & Controls – provides specialized electrical technical services to Reclamation’s power-producing facilities.

Hydropower Diagnostics & SCADA – performs a wide range of electrical hydropower technical services including onsite technical assistance, diagnostics, troubleshooting, failure investigation, and inspection.

Previously, Dawson worked as a mechanical engineer for the Department of the Army where he was the ordering officer of the Industrial Control System Program for US Army installations in Italy. During his tenure, he was awarded the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service for “significant reductions in energy consumption and utilities savings in excess of $1M.”

In addition, Dawson has seven years of private industry experience, providing engineering designs and construction administration for a variety of buildings ranging from commercial facilities like universities and museums to industrial operations like SCADA control centers and wastewater treatment plants.

Dawson grew up in Anchorage, Alaska, and earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Colorado State University. He became a registered professional engineer in 2008. He is an author, outdoorsman, traveler, and enjoys exploring Colorado with his family.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.