Hydro Mechanical Engineer

ENTRUST Solutions Group is seeking a Hydro Mechanical Engineer to support client hydropower assets across the United States and Canada. The role focuses on hydro turbine and balance-of-plant mechanical assessments, calculations, troubleshooting, maintenance planning, commissioning, and asset performance optimization.

Responsibilities:

• Evaluate and review the mechanical design of hydro turbines (Francis, Kaplan, Pelton, etc.) and related components
• Perform and review mechanical calculations for structural integrity, vibration, fatigue, and hydraulic loads
• Conduct or oversee finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations using ANSYS or comparable software
• Support condition assessments, refurbishments, uprates, and modernization projects
• Prepare and review technical specifications, calculation notes, design reports, and drawings
• Support the selection and sizing of turbine equipment and auxiliary mechanical systems
• Evaluate vendor proposals and participate in technical bid reviews
• Review and approve manufacturer documentation and fabrication drawings
• Lead or support turbine commissioning, including installation oversight, testing, troubleshooting, and performance verification
• Troubleshoot mechanical and operational issues during commissioning and operation
• Coordinate with electrical, civil, and controls engineers on integrated hydropower plant design
• Ensure compliance with applicable IEC and ASME standards and other relevant international codes
• Prepare detailed technical reports and inspection records
• Provide construction support, including submittal reviews, site inspections, and quality assurance
• Attend virtual and in-person client meetings
• Travel as needed, typically not exceeding 15%
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited university
• At least 6 years of hydropower experience
• Extensive experience in hydro turbine design and engineering, fleet engineering, commissioning, and/or operations
• Experience in turbine commissioning and performance testing
• Hands-on experience with FEA and/or CFD software applied to hydro machinery
• Solid understanding of rotor dynamics and the mechanical behavior of rotating equipment
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical writing skills
• Valid, unrestricted driver's license
• preferably with a focus on stress analysis, mechanical design, or turbomachinery
• Knowledge of BOP systems, including lubrication systems, hydraulic power units, and compressed-air systems
• Experience with fatigue analysis, welding, and cavitation
• Experience designing or analyzing penstocks, spherical valves, and butterfly valves is a plus
• Experience with AutoCAD, MicroStation, or other 2D and 3D modeling software. Drafting is not expected to be a primary responsibility, but familiarity with the tools used by drafters and designers is valuable