Duties

Perform evaluation of operational risks of running equipment “as-is”, given its present condition and its potential to affect the owner and surrounding community’s wellbeing. Advise power producer whether ageing equipment can be run or must be remediated or replaced. Recommend risk mitigation measures to power producers based on the real-world condition of their equipment. Physically inspect mechanical components of hydropower power trains and evaluate their “fitness for service” and effective service life. Advise on the acceptability of in-process measurements and on improving the procedures and methods. Perform design, drafting, analysis, and site inspection work. Resolve system malfunctions and support power producers in troubleshooting unusual observations of clearly defective equipment. Evaluate the “fitness for service” of ageing equipment by using the principles of material science, solid mechanics, and fracture mechanics, using case-appropriate combination of continuum methods (often using WYSIWYG calculation software application, such as Mathcad) and via finite element methods (using the ANSYS Workbench Mechanical suite of software applications). Analyze and evaluate the margin of safety of hydropower rotating parts vs. shaft critical speed using specialized software. Create or edit 3D models for analysis using commercial modelling applications. Support turbine-generator unit alignment in accordance with normal industry practices. Certify lifting devices, hoists, floor loading for safe and successful lifting, handling, and storage of large pieces of electromechanical equipment. Oversee multi-discipline teams in the following areas: leading them in review of reports from hydropower construction sites and advising on the acceptability of in-process measurements and on improving the procedures and methods; performing design, drafting, analysis and site inspection work within a client’s target schedule and budget while maintaining a high standard of quality; and supporting power producers in troubleshooting unusual observations of clearly defective equipment. Read and interpret technical drawings, bills of materials (material lists), specifications and schematics. Perform mechanical uprate and capability studies for hydropower units. Develop technical specifications, plans and detail drawings for the procurement and installation of custom electromechanical equipment within the hydropower industry. Research availability, pricing and delivery times of required components and materials as part of project planning. Perform technical and economic evaluation of project features for clients. Support mentorship of Engineers-In-Training. This position does not supervise others. No hire / fire authority.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, plus six years of related experience, or alternatively, Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, plus eight years of related experience. Professional Engineering license (PE) from any U.S. state is required. Must have a minimum of five years of hydropower original equipment manufacturer (OEM) design experience; designing new equipment and evaluating, troubleshooting, and refurbishing legacy equipment; performing uprate studies on hydro power trains. Must have experience with inspections, condition assessments, and reverse-engineering of new and legacy equipment. Must have experience in field engineering in support of installation of new equipment, including hydro unit alignment. Must be able to lift items weighing up to 20 lbs and climb 5 flights of stairs. Experience is required in the following areas: use of basic measurement tools for reverse-engineering; entering and navigating the inside of hydro machinery; use of technologies and standards for performing non-destructive examinations for the purposes of discovering and quantifying defects for later “fitness-for-service” evaluation. Must have previous project leadership / management experience. Must have previous experience presenting hydropower designs to managerial and technical audiences. Must have experience utilizing the following software and technology platforms: any commercial 3D modelling software; ANSYS Workbench Mechanical finite element analysis suite; Mathcad (any version); and any 2D rotor dynamics calculation program. National travel required up to 10% of the time. Must have good written and verbal communications skills in English. All applicants must be able to complete pre-employment onboarding requirements (if selected) which may include any/all of the following: criminal/civil background check, drug screening, and motor vehicle records search, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations. Applicants for this position must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require employer sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States (i.e., H1-B visa, TN visa or any other non-immigrant status).

Salary Plan

Job Grade