Technical Director – Turbines and Generators (Hydropower)

Job Description

Overview

AtkinsRéalis is seeking a Senior Hydropower Electromechanical Engineer for the position of Technical Director to act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Hydro Turbines-Generators Systems, supporting some of the largest and most technically complex hydropower projects in Canada and internationally.

This role is designed for a seasoned professional who has spent decades developing deep expertise in turbine-generator technology and now wishes to apply that knowledge at a strategic, advisory, and legacy-building level, shaping national infrastructure, mentoring the next generation of engineers, and influencing major capital decisions across the project lifecycle.

The successful candidate will work within AtkinsRéalis’ Owner’s Engineer/ Independent Engineer/ Technical Advisor consultancy framework, supporting projects from early feasibility through commissioning, while contributing to business development and long-term capability building in hydropower.

Your role

Technical Leadership & Subject Matter Expertise:

• Act as a recognized technical authority for hydro turbine and generator systems across AtkinsRéalis hydropower projects.

• Provide expert input during feasibility and concept stages, including:

  • Selection of turbine-generator technology.
  • Evaluation of refurbishment, power‑increase (uprating), or replacement options.

• Technical risk identification and mitigation strategies.

• Develop, review, and validate technical specifications, and performance requirements for turbine-generator systems.

• Coordinate with BoP electrical and mechanical design teams for Turbine-Generator integration.

OEM Interface & Engineering Oversight:

• Support OEM prequalification and selection, including technical evaluations and tender assessments.

• Review and comment on OEM engineering deliverables, including:

  • Mechanical and electrical design documents.
  • Performance calculations.
  • Manufacturing drawings.
  • Quality plans and inspection & test plans (ITPs), consistent with the PRIE framework when applicable.

• Provide independent technical judgment on OEM compliance with specifications, codes, and contractual requirements.

Manufacturing, Testing & Commissioning Support:

• Witness and review factory manufacturing activities, including:

  • Key hold-point inspections.
  • Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs).
  • Performance and functional testing.

• Support site installation, commissioning, and performance testing, including troubleshooting and resolution of complex technical issues.

• Provide expert input into acceptance, handover, and performance guarantees.

Mentorship & Knowledge Transfer:

• Mentor and coach junior and intermediate engineers, transferring practical turbine-generator knowledge gained through decades of industry experience.

• Provide internal technical reviews, lessons-learned sessions, and contribute to technical excellence frameworks within AtkinsRéalis.

• Support the long-term development of hydropower electromechanical capability across Canada.

Business Development & Strategic Advisory:

• Support business development efforts in the hydropower consultancy space, including:

  • Technical input to proposals and pursuits.
  • Client presentations and workshops.
  • Early-stage technical advisory engagements.

• Act as a trusted technical advisor to clients, utilities, and asset owners on major capital investments and long-term asset strategies.

• Contribute to shaping AtkinsRéalis’ future hydropower offerings, particularly for national building and energy transition projects.

About you

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Electromechanical Engineering (Master’s degree considered an asset).

• Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation in Canada or eligibility for registration.

• Typically 25+ years of progressive experience in hydropower turbine-generator engineering.

Technical Experience:

• Demonstrated deep expertise in hydro turbine and generator systems.

• Experience across multiple project phases.

• Feasibility and conceptual studies.

• Detailed design review.

• Manufacturing oversight.

• Commissioning and performance testing.

• Familiarity with international standards and codes.

Professional Attributes:

• Strong technical judgment and ability to provide clear, defensible expert opinions.

• Comfortable operating in a senior advisory role rather than hands-on drafting or routine production work.

• Excellent communication skills in both French and English; able to explain complex technical matters to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Genuine interest in mentoring and developing young engineers.

Ideal for Professionals Who Are:

• A senior hydro turbine-generator consultant/ expert considering their next and most impactful chapter.

• Motivated by legacy projects, mentorship, and national significance, rather than routine execution.

Rewards & benefits

Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career at AtkinsRéalis in Canada.

Enjoy competitive compensation, employee recognition, and a brilliant range of flexible benefits you can tailor to your health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle needs.

Make the most of diverse opportunities for training and professional development to grow your skills and expertise.

And take advantage of our hybrid working culture and generous time-off policies to balance a fulfilling career with your personal life.

Be rewarded. Find out more.

About AtkinsRéalis

We're AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world. We're committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people.

Find out more.

Additional information

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Worker Type

Employee

Job Type

Regular

At AtkinsRéalis, we seek to hire individuals with diverse characteristics, backgrounds and perspectives. We strongly believe that world-class talent makes no distinctions based on gender, ethnic or national origin, sexual identity and orientation, age, religion or disability, but enriches itself through these differences.