Job Description

RCS Staffing has an immediate need for a Hydro Mechanical Engineer in the United States or Canada. This is a full-time direct-hire Remote/On-Site assignment with our client (travel up to 15% as needed). This position offers a competitive package including benefits, vacation and holidays.

Overview of YOUR role as a Hydro Mechanical Engineer

As a Hydro Mechanical Engineer, you will support hydropower assets through mechanical assessments, design engineering, commissioning, and maintenance activities. You will evaluate turbine designs, perform structural and hydraulic analysis, support refurbishments and modernizations, and lead commissioning efforts. This role requires an experienced mechanical engineer with deep expertise in hydro turbine design, operations, and fleet engineering across multiple turbine types and hydropower systems.

As a Hydro Mechanical Engineer YOU will:

· Evaluate and review 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 FEA and 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 turbine equipment selection and sizing for auxiliary mechanical systems
· Evaluate vendor proposals and participate in technical bid reviews
· Lead or support turbine commissioning, installation oversight, testing, 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 relevant international codes
· Prepare technical reports and inspection records
· Provide construction support including submittal reviews and site inspections
· Attend virtual and in-person client meetings

YOU are the ideal Hydro Mechanical Engineer candidate if you have:

· Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from ABET-accredited university (required)
· Minimum 10 years of hydropower experience (required)
· Extensive experience in hydro turbine design, engineering, commissioning, and/or operations (required)
· Experience in turbine commissioning and performance testing (required)
· Hands-on experience with FEA and/or CFD software applied to hydro machinery (required)
· Solid understanding of rotor dynamics and mechanical behavior of rotating equipment
· Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical writing skills
· Willingness to travel up to 15% for site inspections and commissioning
· Valid, unrestricted driver's license (required)
· Knowledge of multiple turbine types and hydropower plant systems

It's a BONUS if you have:

· Professional Engineer (PE) license
· Knowledge of balance-of-plant (BOP) systems (lubrication, hydraulic power units, compressed-air)
· Experience with fatigue analysis, welding, and cavitation
· Design or analysis experience with penstocks, spherical valves, and butterfly valves
· Proficiency with AutoCAD, MicroStation, or 3D modeling software
· Experience with vendor management and proposal evaluation

About Our CLIENT

Our client is a leading utility services company specializing in pipeline and gas distribution projects. They are committed to delivering high-quality construction with strict adherence to safety and regulatory standards. With a focus on field excellence and professional oversight, they provide opportunities for utility inspectors to ensure quality workmanship on critical infrastructure projects.

Who WE Are

RCS Staffing is a certified Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) specializing in the recruitment of professionals for best-of-class companies throughout the United States. Since 1994, RCS recruits top talent for direct hire, temp-to-perm and contract staffing positions and provides customized payroll services. Our Recruiting Specialties consist of all Engineering Disciplines, Project Management, Project Controls, Information Technology, Energy Efficiency and Business Professionals.

RCS is an equal opportunity employer that prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. RCS recruits, hires, and promotes for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, citizenship status, disability, military status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, genetic information or age. All terms and conditions of employment such as compensation, benefits, work assignment, availability of facilities and privileges of employment are administered on the same basis of equality.