Senior Mechanical Engineer, Hydropower

McMillen, Inc.; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 106,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer specializing in hydropower. This role requires over 12 years of experience in the design and maintenance of power generation facilities, with a focus on hydropower systems. You will oversee projects, ensuring quality and effective communication among multidisciplinary teams. The ideal candidate will be adept in turbomachinery, feasibility studies, and design specifications. This innovative firm champions problem-solving and continuous learning, offering a collaborative environment where your contributions will shape the future of water resources. Join a team that values expertise and strives for excellence!

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) with Match

Generous PTO

Paid Holidays

Wellness Reimbursement

Stock Ownership Opportunities

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in hydropower design and operation.
• Experience with feasibility studies and concept development.

Responsibilities

• Provide oversight and quality assurance during hydro-related projects.
• On-site coordination and communication during construction activities.

Skills

Hydropower Design

Turbomachinery Projects

Feasibility Studies

Communication Skills

Team Leadership

Education

Master's Degree

PE License

Tools

Programmable Logic Controllers

Hydraulic Turbines

Induction Motors

Job description

Design a career and build your future... Because it matters!

Senior Mechanical Engineer, Hydropower

McMillen, Inc. is looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer, Hydropower with 12+ years of experience in design, operation and maintenance of power generation facilities, with significant experience in hydropower design preferred. Experience in design for turbomachinery projects, including feasibility studies and concept development, hydraulic turbines, large pumps, valves, and controls design, testing and commissioning is desired. Must have experience in preparing reports, final design drawings, specifications and engineers cost estimates for a wide range of equipment.

The ideal candidate will have familiarity with greenfield and/or brownfield hydropower or pump stations or similar systems including working or specialized technical knowledge of penstocks, centrifugal and mixed flow pumps; Francis, Pelton and Kaplan type hydraulic turbines; pumping systems, programmable logic controllers and associated control/instrumentation systems. Additional experience and understanding of induction motors; synchronous and induction generators; automatic voltage regulation and excitation equipment for synchronous generators; and AC / DC station service systems is preferred.

Other systems including large gates, valves, fish facilities, and water conveyance projects is a plus.

Must have experience with feasibility studies, concept development and design in water supply and treatment systems. Design experience with surface water intakes, pump stations, and yard piping and/or transmission pipelines preferred. Experience with hydropower facilities, controls design, and/or fish passage facilities is also beneficial. Must have experience in preparing final design drawings and specifications and engineers cost estimates for a wide range of project conditions.

Responsibilities:

• Provide oversight and quality assurance support during the execution of hydro-related projects
• On-site coordination, communication and observation of construction and commissioning activities
• Daily reporting, quantity and cost tracking, and progress assessments
• Interact with multidiscipline team members
• Project travel is typically 10% – 20%
• Attend project meetings

Qualifications:

• Minimum Experience of 12+ years
• PE License
• Master's degree (preferred)
• Candidates must have excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in a team environment, effectively lead project teams, work independently, and demonstrate strong self-motivation.

Compensation Package:

• Pay Range: $106,000 – $150,000 (DOE)
• Benefits: McMillen provides a full Benefits Program comprising medical, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA, EAP, 401(k) and match, 9 paid holidays, generous PTO, opportunity for stock ownership, and wellness reimbursement.

Who we are: McMillen, Inc. designs and builds solutions that shape the future of water resources. As an employee-owned firm, we take pride in every project because we know our work truly matters. Our people thrive on solving complex challenges, pushing boundaries, and refining their craft. We don’t look for the complacent or the comfortable. We seek problem solvers, innovators, and experts who are always striving to be better. We support continuous learning, cutting-edge technology, and a balanced work-life environment so our employees can build careers they’re proud of.

We are focused in the dams, energy, fisheries, natural resources, and infrastructure markets. With staff across the United States, Canada, Europe, and beyond, we bring global best practices to our clients. Our people integrate engineering, environmental, and construction expertise to deliver practical, results-driven outcomes. From concept to completion, projects are guided through feasibility studies, permitting, design, construction, and commissioning, ensuring technical precision and real-world functionality.

EEO: McMillen, Inc. is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and will make all employment related decisions without race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Visa sponsorship, including renewal during employment, will not be provided for this position.

No recruiters, please.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.