Entry Level Hydropower Mechanical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ENTRUST Solutions Group is looking for a Hydro Mechanical Engineer with strong design and commissioning expertise in hydro turbines and associated balance of plant (BOP) systems for projects in the United States and Canada. The successful candidate will be responsible for turbine mechanical design, technical review and site commissioning support.

Responsibilities:

• Perform mechanical design and review of hydro turbines (Francis, Kaplan, Pelton, etc.) and associated components.
• Perform and review mechanical calculations including structural integrity, vibration, fatigue, and hydraulic load assessments.
• Conduct or supervise finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations using tools such as ANSYS or equivalent software.
• Support condition assessment, refurbishment, uprating, and modernization projects.
• Prepare and review technical specifications, calculation notes, design reports, and drawings.
• Support selection and sizing of turbine equipment and auxiliary mechanical systems.
• Provide technical evaluation of vendor proposals and participate in technical bid assessments.
• Review and approve manufacturer documentation and fabrication drawings.
• Lead and/or support turbine commissioning activities, including installation supervision, testing, troubleshooting, and performance verification.
• Troubleshoot mechanical and operational issues during commissioning and operation phases.
• Coordinate with electrical, civil, and control engineers for integrated hydropower plant design.
• Ensure compliance with applicable IEC, ASME standards and relevant international codes.
• Prepare detailed technical reports and inspection documentation.
• Provide construction support services including submittal review, site inspections, and quality assurance.
• Attend client meetings (both virtually and in-person).
• Travel as required but not expected to exceed 25%.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

What We Offer:

• A supportive and inclusive work environment that values diversity and encourages innovation.
• Opportunities for professional growth and career development.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, 401(k) with company match, tuition reimbursement, and flexible work schedules.
• This position pays between $120,000 and $165,000 annually and is an exempt position. Benefits offered include company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) plan with company match. Also offered are tuition reimbursement, voluntary life, disability, critical illness, accident and hospitalization plans. HSA or FSA medical accounts and FSA dependent care and transportation/parking accounts are also available. These benefits are subject to employee contribution amounts generally set annually. Full-time employees are eligible to earn PTO hours. May be eligible for discretionary bonus as determined by the company.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from ABET accredited university (with emphasis in stress analysis, mechanical design or turbomachinery).
• Minimum 7–12 years of experience in hydropower.
• Strong experience in hydro turbine design and engineering.
• Proven experience in turbine commissioning and performance testing.
• Hands-on experience FEA and/or CFD software applied to hydro machinery.
• Good understanding of rotor dynamics and mechanical behavior of rotating equipment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical reporting skills.
• Willingness to travel for site inspections and commissioning activities.
• Must have a valid driver's license without restrictions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Knowledge of BOP systems, including: lubrication systems, hydraulic power units, compressed air systems.
• Experience in fatigue analysis, welding and cavitation.
• Experience in design or analysis of penstock, spherical valves and butterfly valves would be considered a plus.
• Experience in AutoCAD, Microstation or other 2D and 3D modelling software (drafting will likely not be part of your role, but experience with the software our drafters and designers use is still very valuable).

This role is designated as remote, giving you the flexibility to primarily work from home while staying actively connected to your team and projects. We value collaboration and responsiveness, so we ask our remote team members to be available when in-office presence is needed—such as for client meetings, team events, or training sessions. Our approach blends freedom with shared accountability, making ENTRUST an exciting and supportive environment for professionals who thrive in remote work settings with clear, respectful expectations.

Why Join Us?

At ENTRUST Solutions Group, we are a community of over 3,000 dedicated professionals committed to our clients and each other. As an ENR Top 100 company, we provide comprehensive engineering, consulting, and automation services to various industries, including gas and electric utilities, telecommunication service providers, pipeline operators, and industrial companies. We are a forward-thinking organization dedicated to leveraging cutting-edge technology to drive success. We are committed to fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

We believe in fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect, where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. If you are passionate about [field/industry] and looking for a place to grow your career, we would love to hear from you!

Explore More Opportunities: Not quite the right fit? Check out all our openings at ENTRUST Solutions Group Careers.

To learn more about ENTRUST Benefits and Culture, please visit our company LinkedIn page and follow us at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrustsolutionsgroup

ENTRUST Solutions Group is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.

Headhunters and recruitment agencies may not submit resumes/CVs through this website or directly to managers. ENTRUST does not accept unsolicited headhunter or agency resumes and will not pay fees to any third-party agency or company that does not have a signed agreement with ENTRUST Solutions Group.

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