Mechanical Engineer

Position Title

Mechanical Engineer

Alternate Titles

Hydropower mechanical engineer

Job Description

Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines. There are many different applications of a mechanical engineer’s skills in the hydropower industry, but they generally research, design, develop, and test tools, machines, and mechanical devices. Mechanical engineers can also oversee the installation, operations, maintenance, and repair of mechanical equipment at hydropower plants. Throughout the different sectors of the hydropower industry, mechanical engineers improve the performance and reduce the costs associated with machine and mechanical device manufacturing and operation. Mechanical engineers who work in the hydropower industry may use the job title hydropower mechanical engineer.

Education and Training Description

Mechanical engineers should have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Employers also value experience, so internships, involvement in collegiate competitions, internships, and/or cooperative-education engineering programs while at a university are a plus. To be hired into formal engineering roles, mechanical engineers generally need to acquire a fundamentals of engineering license by passing the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam.

With a fundamentals of engineering license and 4 or more years of work experience, mechanical engineers can take a test to acquire a professional engineering license. Mechanical engineers with a professional engineering license can be a technical specialist within the mechanical engineering discipline, oversee other engineers, develop designs and specifications, and oversee component assembly activities. An advanced degree, additional work experience, and a professional engineer license can lead to more job and career advancement opportunities in the research and development sector, project development, training or education field, and managerial roles.

Job Profile

There are many different applications of a mechanical engineer’s skills in the hydropower industry, but they generally research, design, develop, and test tools, machines, and mechanical devices. Their work contributes to performance optimization and cost reductions for hydropower project developers as well as manufacturing and operations companies. In the hydropower industry, mechanical engineers are needed across multiple sectors to provide technical expertise and support. They also ensure continuous improvements in the research, design, production, installation, operation, and maintenance of the mechanical products, equipment, systems, and processes of a hydropower plant or facilities. Mechanical engineers generally work at hydropower sites or manufacturing facilities to assemble, test, and install hydropower components.

During project development, mechanical engineers often consult with project developers and engineers, reviewing site characteristics, suggesting technology options, or helping find solutions to other project issues that arise. They may help project developers and engineers identify project performance requirements, estimate costs, or develop bids for potential projects.

In the component manufacturing sector, they may be employed as a mechanical engineer or in a specialized field of mechanical engineering, such as composites (researching and testing optimal materials for hydropower components) or reliability (analyzing and redesigning products to improve performance and durability). Their work may focus on hydropower plant components and structures, but they may also help develop tools and machines used in the manufacturing of hydropower plant components.

Prior to the construction of a hydropower site, mechanical engineers may work on hydropower resource assessments and design. Once construction begins, mechanical engineers oversee mechanical technicians and other people involved in the construction of hydropower plants to ensure components are assembled properly and functioning according to specifications prior to plant commissioning.

During component assembly, or in the case of component replacement, mechanical engineers design and implement lifting plans for cranes, conduct transportation studies for component delivery, perform verification of installation of hydropower plant components, and test installation equipment. During product manufacturing, they write and execute test plans for quality assurance. Similarly during installation, mechanical engineers create quality control procedures for hydropower components in coordination with the original component manufacturer.

During the operation and maintenance of a hydropower plant, mechanical engineers may work for the original component manufacturer or the hydropower plant operating company. During this phase, mechanical engineers ensure that individual hydropower components and the entire plant operate and perform according to specifications. They establish and coordinate maintenance and service schedules for plant components (such as generators, turbines, intake gates, and spill gates). Mechanical engineers also enforce safety procedures and coordinate the supply of materials required to maintain machines or equipment in the prescribed condition. When issues arise, mechanical engineers may be required to investigate the issue, troubleshoot and identify the root cause, and work with the manufacturer or customer to resolve the issue. Mechanical Engineers oversee technicians who work on repairs and maintenance.

Mechanical engineers (along with civil engineers) are employed to ensure dam safety with responsibility for the integrity of the water barrier, spillway, gates, cranes, and trash racks through periodic inspection of these systems and for the performance of projects to repair and maintain these systems.

Mechanical engineers typically:

• Conduct research that tests or analyzes the feasibility, design, operation, or performance of equipment, plant components, or the hydropower plant system
• Develop and test models of different mechanical designs and processing methods to assess how changes could improve system performance
• Design and validate mechanical components, through analytical methods (computational fluid dynamics, finite element analysis, and three-dimensional modeling)
• Create blueprints or drawings that lead to successful manufacturing and operation of hydropower equipment
• Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer-generated reports for mechanical components in hydropower turbines
• Plan, coordinate, or monitor the selection of manufacturing methods, fabrication, or operation and maintenance of hydropower plant components, ensuring  products conform to specifications and ensure optimal manufacturing or component performance
• Arrange transportation and installation of oversized plant components to the hydropower plant site
• Conduct root cause failure analysis and develop solutions to production or product malfunctions or issues
• Complete unit alignment, balancing, and commissioning of hydroelectric turbines and generators
• Supervise workers, technicians, and other engineers for quality control
• Estimate the time and cost required to complete projects
• Establish and maintain customer or vendor relationships.

Job Skills

Mechanical engineers typically need:

• Analytical skills. Mechanical engineers must be able to analyze testing results, operations data, and other relevant data streams to determine the root cause of the issue and recommend solutions, ensuring equipment availability and reliability.
• Communication skills. Mechanical engineers must communicate issues concerning hydropower component production and operations to management, clarify field issues with operations personnel as well as write reports and procedure manuals. They should also be able to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Creativity. Mechanical engineers design and build complex pieces of equipment and machinery, often developing innovative approaches and solutions to projects and issues.
• Interpersonal skills. Mechanical engineers work across departments within their organization as well as establish and maintain relationships with customers and suppliers.
• Math skills. Mechanical engineers understand the principles of calculus, trigonometry, and other advanced topics in mathematics for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work.
• Mechanical skills. Mechanical skills allow engineers to apply basic engineering concepts and mechanical processes to the design of new devices. Such a background allows engineers to visualize basic engineering concepts and mechanical processes more easily.
• Problem-solving skills. Mechanical engineers must have the ability to identify issues, analyze data and other relevant information, and develop solutions to problems. They should minimize the impact of solutions on project budgets, timelines, and production or operational capabilities.

More Information

For more information on mechanical engineering jobs, see:

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook: Mechanical Engineers
• My Majors: Mechanical Engineer Career.

Resources

• U.S. Department of Energy Wind Energy Technologies Office Career Map: Mechanical Engineer