Mechanical Engineer - Renewable Energy

FirstLight is a leading clean power producer, developer, and energy storage company serving North America. With a diversified portfolio that includes over 1.65 GW of operating renewable energy and energy storage technologies and a development pipeline with 4+ GW of solar, battery, hydro, onshore wind and offshore wind projects, FirstLight specializes in hybrid solutions that pair hydroelectric, pumped-hydro storage (including Northfield Mountain, the largest energy storage facility in New England), utility-scale solar, large-scale battery, and wind assets. The company's mission is to accelerate the decarbonization of the electric grid by supporting the development, operation, and integration of renewable energy and storage to meet the world's growing clean energy needs and deliver an electric system that is clean, reliable, affordable, and equitable. Based in Burlington, MA, with operating offices in Northfield, MA, New Milford, CT, Oshawa, ON, and Montréal, QC, FirstLight is a steward of more than 14,000 acres and hundreds of miles of shoreline along some of the most beautiful rivers and lakes in North America.

FirstLight is wholly owned by PSP Investments, one of Canada's largest pension investment managers and we have over 200 employees in Canada and the US with operations based in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Ontario and Quebec. In Canada, FirstLight operates through its subsidiaries H2O Power and Hydromega.

We proudly serve our host communities and beyond through our clean energy assets, the recreation spaces we steward, the jobs we produce, and the economic benefit we deliver through our operations and charitable actions.

We are a team of caring, passionate professionals who are driven to deliver positive climate impact and to have fun while doing it! We value diversity, equity and inclusion and encourage people with diverse perspectives, skills and experiences to apply.

Position Detail

We currently have an opening for an experienced Mechanical Engineer at our New Milford, CT location. This is a hybrid position.

Reporting to the Engineering and Construction Manager, the Mechanical Engineer is responsible for serving as the project manager and/or project lead to carry out assignments associated primarily in mechanical engineering in support of FirstLight's hydroelectric generating station equipment and facilities. Work assignments will include projects located throughout FirstLight's US operating sites.

Our ideal candidate possesses the experience, passion and energy to be a driving force in FirstLight's continued evolution to accelerate the decarbonization of the electric grid to meet the clean energy needs of tomorrow.

Pay rate: $115,000-120,000/annually PLUS competitive bonus

Key Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Provide leadership for assigned CAPEX and major maintenance projects;
• Perform engineering design and analysis work for modifications to existing plant equipment and for new plant equipment;
• Respond to requests for engineering/technical assistance from other departments;
• Recommend corrective actions and improvements based on review of operational, maintenance, and failure data;
• Prepare and/or review technical studies and reports;
• Prepare cost-benefit analyses in support of proposed engineering assignments;
• Prepare job specifications, RFPs and evaluate proposals for contractor and consultant services and/or equipment purchases;
• Coordinate personnel, develop schedules, and evaluate work plans required to support engineering assignments;
• Provide oversight of contractors and consultants working on assigned projects;
• Develop a thorough understanding of generating station principles of operation and maintenance as required to successfully inspect and maintain facility equipment;
• Perform inspections and refine inspection protocols to evaluate the condition of facility equipment to recommend repairs and maintenance schedules;
• Support FERC civil, environmental, public safety, and operational requirements;
• Ensure assignments meet quality standards, regulatory requirements and are completed on time and within budget;
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned;
• Complies and enforces all FirstLight policies and procedures.

Job Qualifications / Skills

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field is required;
• 3+ years' experience in the power generation or related industry;
• Experience in power plant systems, component design, project management and FERC Dam Safety is preferred;
• Registered Professional Engineer designation is preferred;
• High standard of technical competence;
• Working knowledge of federal and state regulatory criteria and industry codes, standards, and general engineering practices;
• Ability to analyze information, determine relevant facts, and make decisions in a timely and cost-effective manner;
• Strong initiative and the ability to work with minimum supervision;
• Proven ability to effectively manage and prioritize multiple ongoing projects;
• Effective clear and concise communication skills;
• Familiarity working with various levels of the organization and with counterparts in industry and government organizations;
• Prior experience providing guidance in relevant technical areas;
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office Suite of programs, AutoCAD and other discipline related software applications.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, balancing, sitting, climbing (ladders, stairs, ramps, catwalks, stacks and the like as required), stooping, squatting, crouching, crawling, kneeling, reaching, grasping, pushing, pulling, lifting (min. 50lbs);
• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate typical office equipment, and the ability to write and/or type;
• Visual acuity to accurately read and interpret items such as, but not limited to, instruments, gauges, manuals and drawings;
• Ability to work in a confined space (crawl spaces, shafts, small enclosed areas, pipes, etc) as required;
• Perform work at various heights and in adverse conditions during operations, shutdowns, and emergency activities;
• Must be physically capable of wearing protective equipment (PPE) including, but not limited to, fall protection equipment, hardhat, safety shoes, safety glasses etc.;
• Working Environment includes both indoor and outdoor environments for long periods.

Why Work for FirstLight?

We consider our employees to be our most valuable resource and we strive to provide a challenging, collegial, and rewarding workplace. FirstLight embraces a company-wide commitment to recruit, develop, and retain a dedicated, diverse, and engaged workforce that is motivated to be better both professionally and personally.

Joining FirstLight is an opportunity to experience a unique and exciting culture. Some of our benefits include:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Mental Health Care
• 401(k) with Employer Matching
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account
• Annual Performance Incentive Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Generous Paid Time Off Plan
• Paid Holidays
• Professional Development
• Employee Referral Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Charitable Matching Program & Employer Sponsored Volunteer Program

FirstLight provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetics, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state, federal and local laws. In addition to federal law requirements, FirstLight complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

FirstLight's values are:

Respect - Integrity - Safety - Excellence - Innovation - Team