Associate Mechanical Engineer - Hydropower Job Details | Confidential Client Family of Companies
The Associate Mechanical Engineer - Hydropower at Confidential Client is responsible for designing and managing hydropower projects involving turbines, dam systems, and related mechanical infrastructure. This role includes performing engineering calculations, equipment selection, site inspections, and client interactions, contributing to sustainable energy solutions within a collaborative, employee-owned company. The position offers hybrid work flexibility and opportunities for professional growth through mentoring and project leadership.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Position Summary & Opportunity Overview
Confidential Client is seeking an Associate Mechanical Engineer (Hydropower) to support design, analysis, and field activities for hydropower and dam-related mechanical systems. This role will contribute to projects spanning concept through commissioning and offers exposure to hydro turbines, gates and valves, generator cooling systems, bearings, and other mechanical systems used in water infrastructure.
What You’ll Do
- Support design and upgrade projects for hydropower systems including hydro turbines, dam water conveyance (radial gates, large valves), and associated systems.
- Prepare engineering deliverables, calculations, and equipment/material recommendations following applicable codes and internal standards.
- Collect, analyze, and manage engineering data; perform condition assessments and hydraulic evaluations as required.
- Provide limited commissioning support, on-site inspections, and data collection during field visits.
- Coordinate with multi-discipline project teams, clients, and vendors to meet budget, schedule, and quality goals.
- Contribute to continuous improvement efforts and maintain familiarity with departmental design guides, standards, and tools.
- Mentor and assign tasks to entry-level staff or interns when applicable.
Key Responsibilities
- Execute mechanical engineering tasks for hydropower projects from concept to completion.
- Produce accurate engineering calculations and drawings for mechanical systems.
- Assist with equipment selection and specification for systems such as generator cooling, raw water/oil systems, fire protection, HVAC, compressed air, instrumentation, and crane/hoist systems.
- Conduct site visits for inspections, data capture, and limited commissioning activities.
- Communicate effectively with clients and internal teams; support business development efforts as needed.
- Follow quality program requirements and support project controls (scope, schedule, budget).
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (or related accredited engineering degree).
- Minimum of 1 year of relevant mechanical engineering experience.
- Ability to complete pre-employment onboarding requirements where applicable (background check, drug screen, motor vehicle records review), consistent with applicable laws.
- Willingness and ability to perform occasional travel (up to ~15%).
Preferred Qualifications
- 3+ years of mechanical engineering experience in hydropower, dams, or related utility settings.
- Experience with hydro turbine systems, gates/valves, generator cooling, and bearings.
- Client-facing experience and strong written/verbal communication skills.
- Interest in both design and operational support for water storage and dam mechanical systems.
Work Environment & Physical Demands
- Primarily office-based work with prolonged computer use; attention to detail and sustained focus required.
- Site visits may require physical activity such as walking, standing, crouching, and lifting during inspections.
- Hybrid or flexible work arrangements may be available after initial employment period based on performance and manager discretion.
Compensation & Benefits
- Estimated salary (source posting): $105,778 per year (estimated).
- Where provided by the original posting, a California pay band was listed as $91,047 - $152,053 (applicable to roles based in California offices).
- Benefits typically include health (medical/dental/vision), 401(k) match, paid time off, wellness programs, and other offerings consistent with Confidential Client policies. Exact benefits and final compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and location.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
Negotiate a higher salary! Check the salary ranges for this job type in your area.
View My Salary Range