Technical Director – Turbines and Generators; Hydropower

Position: 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.

Your role  Technical Leadership & Subject Matter Expertise   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.
OEM Interface & Engineering Oversight   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.
Manufacturing, Testing & Commissioning Support   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.
Mentorship & Knowledge Transfer   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.
Business Development & Strategic Advisory   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.
About you  Essential Qualifications   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.
Technical Experience   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.
Professional Attributes  …