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.

In Canada, FirstLight operates through its subsidiaries H2O Power and the recently acquired Hydroméga which is headquartered in Montréal. We operate 18 hydroelectric generating stations located in Ontario and Quebec and we are one of the largest providers of hydroelectric power in these provinces. 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.

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 for this hybrid role based in either Oshawa, ON or Montreal, QC.

Reporting to the Senior Engineering 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 at FirstLight’s assets located throughout Canada.

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.

Salary range: $110k-135k

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 facility equipment;
• Periodically review and update Standard Operating Procedures for the facility equipment;
• Perform periodic inspections, evaluate the condition of facility equipment and support major maintenance activities;
• Ensure assignments meet quality standards, regulatory requirements and are completed on time and within budget;
• Prepare mechanical designs on limited scope projects;
• Complies with all Corporate policies and IT procedures;
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Job Qualifications / Skills

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution in mechanical engineering required;
• 5+ years of experience in power generation or a related industry;
• Experience in power plant systems, component design, project management and dam safety, highly preferred;
• Registered Professional Engineer designation, preferred;
• High standard of technical competence;
• Working knowledge of 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;
• Strong written and verbal 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;
• Valid driver’s license;
• Ability to travel within Canada.

Physical Requirements

• 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);
• 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 and the like) 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, half and full face respirators, fall protection equipment, hardhat, safety shoes, safety glasses etc.

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 ever better both professionally and personally.

Joining the FirstLight Team is an opportunity to experience a unique and exciting culture. We offer a competitive benefits package.

FirstLight is an Equal Opportunity Employer; promoting accessibility and inclusivity at work and offering accommodation for applicants as required and requested.

FirstLight’s values are:

Respect – Integrity – Safety – Excellence – Innovation - Team