Mechanical Engineer, Hydro

TransAlta; Canmore; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading power generation company in Canada is seeking a Hydro Mechanical Engineer to provide engineering support for design and maintenance of water control and mechanical equipment. Ideal candidates will have a Mechanical Engineering degree and at least 7 years of relevant experience. This full-time role offers competitive salary and benefits while contributing to the transition towards a cleaner energy future.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual incentive program

Pension plan with company-matching options

Flexible benefits for you and your family

Vacation and personal days

Employee Rewards & Recognition Programs

Annual Wellness Payment

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of experience in maintenance and design in Hydro Plants or equivalent power industry experience.
• Registered as a Professional Engineer in good standing with APEGA or other provincial Engineering Regulatory Association.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering support for design, operation, and maintenance of equipment.
• Participate in planned and unplanned maintenance events.
• Resolve non-routine technical issues for operating facilities.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Maintenance and Design

Safety Commitment

Self-motivation

Continuous Improvement

Technical Advice

Education

Mechanical Engineering degree

Registered Professional Engineer

Job description

Hydro Mechanical Engineer

Who We Are

At TransAlta, we don’t just generate electricity—\u2014 we generate opportunity. As one of Canada’s largest publicly traded power generators, we’ve been powering communities for over 100 years across Canada, the U.S., and Australia. Our diverse energy portfolio and passionate team are driving the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future. We believe in the power of purpose, the strength of collaboration, and the value of continuous learning. If you’re ready to make a real impact in a dynamic industry, you bring the energy and we’ll provide the platform.

About the Role

The Hydro Mechanical Engineer supports Operations and Capital Projects Teams with specialist support for safe, reliable, and profitable operation of the fleet. Their focus will be design, maintenance, and technical support for water control gates, penstocks, turbine inlet valves, hoists, and other mechanical balance‑of‑plant equipment. They may also support work on generating equipment such as turbines, generators, and governors. They support development of Technical Standards and participate in risk evaluation, quality assurance, condition assessment, technical planning, and project development.

This full‑time, salaried position has the flexibility to be based out of our Ghost Plant near Cochrane, Alberta; Seebe Plant in the Bow Valley region of Alberta; or Brazeau Plant in Drayton Valley, Alberta.

A Day in the Life

• Provide engineering support for design, operation, and maintenance of water control gates, penstocks, turbine inlet valves, hoists, and other mechanical balance‑of‑plant equipment
• Participate in planned and unplanned maintenance events
• Resolve non‑routine technical issues for operating facilities
• Identify, document, update, and communicate equipment risks and mitigations
• Contribute detailed technical risk mitigations for capital processes, including conceptual engineering work scopes and risk assessments
• Provide input into condition and risk assessments
• Establish a collaborative work environment with team, peers, stakeholders, and support groups
• Develop and maintain industry relationships to bring innovations and best practices to the Plant Teams
• Complete technical due diligence for M&A projects in line with standards
• Escalate technical issues and risks to the Engineering Manager and recommend immediate actions, inspections, or testing
• Implement innovative solutions to improve processes and equipment performance/reliability
• Evaluate and bring industry best practices and new technology to the business
• Provide emergency support for forced outages

About You

• Mechanical Engineering degree from a recognized post‑secondary institution and registered as a Professional Engineer in good standing with APEGA, or other provincial Engineering Regulatory Association, and qualifies for inter‑provincial mobility
• Minimum 7 years of experience in maintenance and design in Hydro Plants or equivalent power industry experience
• Strong commitment to safety
• Self‑motivated and works with minimal supervision while consistently taking initiative
• Strives for continuous improvement to deliver outcomes in the most efficient and effective manner
• Committed to upholding and operating within all applicable standards, rules and regulations
• Available to provide technical advice during non‑core hours to address operational hours

Other Requirements

• Ability to travel up to 30% of the time to facilities across Alberta, BC and Ontario

The Perks

• Competitive salary
• Annual incentive program
• Pension plan with company‑matching options
• Flexible benefits for you and your family
• Vacation and personal days
• Employee Rewards & Recognition Programs
• Annual Wellness Payment

Our Culture

At TransAlta, we’re driven by a Culture of Results, Learning, and Purpose. We prioritize psychological safety, wellbeing, inclusion, and belonging—creating a space where everyone can thrive. We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation and progress, and we’re committed to building a workplace where you can be your authentic self.

Ready to Power Up With Us?

Excited about this role but don’t meet every single requirement? We still encourage you. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely for a job unless they meet every single qualification. You might just be the candidate we are looking for.

What to Expect

The successful candidate may be required to complete background checks appropriate to the role and may include criminal record, education and employment verification or credit checks. Safety‑sensitive positions will be required to complete pre‑employment testing. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, only those progressing will be contacted.