Hydroelectric Dam Commissioning & Operations - Subject Matter Expert

Worley Canada Construction is a leader in industrial construction in Alberta and Western Canada. Our employees enjoy exciting careers in fabrication, modularization, field installation, and professional support services for some of world's most challenging heavy-oil facilities, gas plants, power-stations and other industrial projects. As part of the global Worley team, we enjoy shared resources and opportunities with more than 20 Canadian locations and 40 countries.

The Subject Matter Expert (SME) will provide specialized engineering and operational advisory support to a Front-End Loading (FEL‑3) development team preparing a major pumped‑storage hydroelectric facility proposal. The SME will contribute technical expertise, commissioning guidance, and regulatory insight to ensure the proposed design, execution strategy, and readiness plans align with Canadian hydroelectric industry standards, regulatory frameworks, and prudent engineering practice.

This is a senior consulting role intended for an engineer with 10+ years of leadership experience in the pre‑commissioning, commissioning, start‑up, and early operations of hydroelectric dams or pumped‑storage facilities in Canada.

The SME will support a consulting engineering firm’s FEL‑3 proposal development for a major pumped‑storage hydroelectric project in Ontario. All project details remain confidential and discretionary. The role focuses on expert advisory
, design validation
, and strategic commissioning guidance rather than day‑to‑day engineering execution.

• Commissioning & Operational Expertise
  • Provide expert review and input on commissioning philosophy, pre‑commissioning plans, start‑up strategies, and operational readiness elements for a large‑scale pumped‑storage hydro facility.
  • Assess constructability and operability considerations throughout FEL‑3 development, ensuring alignment with industry best practices and operational standards.
  • Advise on integration of mechanical, electrical, and control systems associated with turbines, generators, gate structures, headrace/tailrace systems, and reservoir operations.
• Technical Review & Design Input
  • Participate in technical workshops (e.g., HAZOP, HSE reviews, risk assessments, constructability reviews, value engineering, SIL analysis) to provide operational insight and identify commissioning risks and opportunities.
  • Evaluate FEL‑3 design deliverables, including project specifications, engineering studies, and functional design descriptions, with emphasis on commissioning logic, sequencing, and operability.
  • Recommend improvements to enhance reliability, maintainability, and long‑term operational performance of the facility’s systems.
• Schedule, Cost & Execution Planning Support
  • Review commissioning‑related elements of the Class 3 cost estimate and integrated project schedule, ensuring accuracy of labor, equipment, test plans, and start‑up duration assumptions.
  • Support development of the Implementation Plan regarding pre‑commissioning, commissioning, and start‑up activities, including resource strategies, testing protocols, and interface requirements with engineering and construction teams.
• Regulatory & Compliance Guidance
  • Provide expertise in Canadian hydroelectric permitting, safety, and operational regulations, including federal and provincial frameworks relevant to hydroelectric operation (e.g., water management, environmental compliance, operational safety standards).
  • Support the project team in identifying regulatory obligations related to commissioning and early operations, ensuring FEL‑3 planning accounts for necessary compliance pathways.
• Risk Identification & Mitigation
  • Review and advise on the project risk register, focusing on commissioning and operational risks such as system integration issues, hydromechanical equipment readiness, energization risk, and operational transition challenges.
  • Recommend mitigation strategies, contingency planning, and assurance measures to reduce commissioning risk and support smooth turnover to operations.
• Stakeholder & Interface Support
  • Provide expert advisory support during coordination between engineering, construction, environmental,…