Hydroelectric Mechanical Engineer (Chico)

Insight Global; Chico (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Insight Global is seeking a Hydroelectric Mechanical Engineer to support a large portfolio of hydro generation assets. This role will focus on scoping, prioritizing, and advancing a high-volume backlog of mechanical projects across multiple hydroelectric facilities.

The ideal candidate has hands-on hydropower experience and can independently evaluate project needs, define scope, and drive early-stage engineering efforts for capital and maintenance initiatives, with collaboration across O&M and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in hydroelectric or hydropower engineering.
• Experience working with powerhouse mechanical equipment (e.g., turbines, valves, gates, pumps, generators support systems).
• Proven ability to review drawings, assess field conditions, and define project scope independently.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems within power generation environments.

Responsibilities

• Backlog Scoping: Support a backlog of 2,400+ hydro generation project line items; evaluate and scope mechanical-focused projects; review drawings and asset data to develop clear definitions; collaborate with O&M teams to validate scope and identify risks.
• Engineering Analysis: Translate high-level needs into fully developed SOWs; prepare technical documentation and engineering recommendations; identify challenges and required design considerations early in project lifecycle; support risk identification and scoring.
• Portfolio & Workload Management: Manage 3–4 projects concurrently, completing approximately 3–10 scoped line items per month; prioritize across 700–800 projects across 5 geographic/functional areas; contribute to backlog refinement and sequencing based on risk and impact.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Work closely with electrical engineers, project managers, and hydro operations teams; align mechanical scope with broader project execution plans; interface with stakeholders to ensure feasibility for design and construction phases.

Skills

Hydroelectric engineering

Mechanical systems

Scope definition

Drawing review

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Job Description

Insight Global is seeking a Hydroelectric Mechanical Engineer to support a large portfolio of hydro generation assets. This role will focus on scoping, prioritizing, and advancing a high-volume backlog of mechanical projects across multiple hydroelectric facilities.

The ideal candidate has hands-on hydropower experience and can independently evaluate project needs, define scope, and drive early-stage engineering efforts for capital and maintenance initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Backlog Project Scoping & Execution

• Support a backlog of 2,400+ hydro generation project line items across a fleet of assets
• Evaluate and scope mechanical-focused projects (e.g., turbine replacements, equipment upgrades, system repairs)
• Review engineering drawings, historical documentation, and asset data to develop clear project definitions
• Collaborate with Operations & Maintenance (O&M) teams to validate scope and identify risks

Engineering Analysis & Documentation

• Translate high-level needs (e.g., “replace turbine”) into fully developed scopes of work (SOWs)
• Prepare technical documentation, scope write-ups, and engineering recommendations
• Identify engineering challenges, constraints, and required design considerations early in project lifecycle
• Support risk identification and scoring efforts to prioritize project execution

Portfolio & Workload Management

• Manage and progress 3–4 projects concurrently, completing approximately 3–10 scoped line items per month
• Support project prioritization across 700–800 projects distributed across 5 geographic/functional areas
• Contribute to backlog refinement and sequencing based on risk, asset criticality, and operational impact

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work closely with electrical engineers, project managers, and hydro operations teams
• Align mechanical scope with broader project execution plans across disciplines
• Interface with stakeholders to ensure engineering feasibility and readiness for design and construction phases

We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to [e-mail] learn more about how we collect, keep, and process your private information, please review Insight Global's Workforce Privacy Policy: https://insightglobal.com/workforce-privacy-policy/.

Skills and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 3+ years of experience in hydroelectric or hydropower engineering
• Experience working with powerhouse mechanical equipment (e.g., turbines, valves, gates, pumps, generators support systems)
• Proven ability to review drawings, assess field conditions, and define project scope independently
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems within power generation environments