Technical Director – Turbines and Generators; Hydropower

Job Description Overview

Atkins

Réalis 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 Atkins

Réalis’ 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.

• Act as a recognized technical authority for hydro turbine and generator systems across Atkins
  
  Réalis 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 Atkins
  
  Réalis.
• Support the long‑term development of hydropower electromechanical capability across Canada.

• 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 Atkins
  
  Réalis’ future hydropower offerings, particularly for national building and energy transition projects.

• 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.

• 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.

• Strong technical judgment and ability to…