Hydro Mechanical Engineer I

Description

• Inspect hydroelectric turbines for condition assessment.
• Review alignment data provided by vendors for adherence to industry standards.
• Write or modify existing specifications for hydroelectric turbines, oil systems, bearings, shafts, and coolers.
• In this role, the position would be responsible for writing or reviewing specifications, providing drawings to contract partners, reviewing design drawings from internal or external groups, and providing technical support for assembly, disassembly, and commissioning.
• This position would also interface with, provide support for, and attend meetings scheduled by TSS for these larger projects.
• This position has cradle to grave responsibility for small projects, working with hydro plant personnel to: identify problem, develop viable solutions, assess options and select solution, find relevant vendors, and provide technical direction for installation and commissioning.
• Assist Hydro management with Capital and O&M budgeting process by providing budgetary estimates, project durations, and project cash flows.
• Review operational data to identify trends.
• Take field measurements when no relevant drawings are available.
• Perform shop inspections of witness or hold points prior to equipment shipment.
• For larger projects, this position will work on a multidisciplinary team representing the Hydro Engineering group.

Requirements

• Knowledge of vertical shaft alignment is desirable.
• Basic knowledge of mechanical systems in hydroelectric power plants is desired: pumps, piping systems, heat exchangers, rolling element and fluid film bearings.
• Ability to read, review, and mark-up physical and schematic drawings is required.
• Must be comfortable working in an operating power plant, often during construction or outage related activities, occasionally in confined spaces.
• Strong Excel and VBA skills are desirable.
• At least 1 year of experience working on project teams in various roles (design, technical support, project engineer, project manager, etc.) is preferred.
• Ability to build relationships across departments and organizations is required.
• Ability to write and review detailed technical specifications is desirable.
• Ability to communicate with all levels of organization, from union-represented plant employees to executives is required.
• Knowledge of hydroelectric turbines is desirable.
• Experience supporting Technical Shared Services (TSS) managed projects is preferred. (TSS is Southern Company’s internal engineering, construction, and project management organization.)
• Ability to work in a matrixed organization with limited direct supervision is desirable. Candidates with less experience will work under the direction of a Senior Engineer.
• Knowledge of laser tracker use and operation is desirable.
• Knowledge of formal root cause analysis process is desirable.
• Strong written and oral communications skills are required.
• Ability to sit, stand, or walk for long periods of time.
• Ability to handle multiple projects of various priorities at once is required.
• Understanding of principles of machine vibration and alignment is desirable.
• Strong troubleshooting skills are required.
• Knowledge of machine design as it relates to turbine and generator assembly and disassembly is desirable.
• Project management skills are desirable.

Benefits

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance