Lead Mechanical Engineer

Job Title: Lead Mechanical Engineer – Hydro Power Plant Overhaul - Ireland

Hours of Work: 08:30 – 16:45

Working Days: Monday to Friday

Position Description

A large pumped-storage hydroelectric facility is scheduled to undergo its periodic major maintenance overhaul, including machine inspections, reservoir and penstock dewatering, and associated repairs. In addition to standard periodic overhaul work, several significant maintenance and upgrade activities are planned, including but not limited to:

Generator rotor removal and runner extraction for repair (Unit 1)

Generator rotor removal for electrical testing (Unit 2)

Transformer refurbishment, including installation of new high-voltage components and cooling systems

Control & instrumentation upgrades (unit controllers, common PLC, and other plant-wide PLC systems)

Extensive balance-of-plant electrical and mechanical works

The organisation is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer to mobilise to the hydro plant and manage the responsibilities listed below. The successful candidate will work within a project team and support the project manager in delivering this major overhaul.

Key Responsibilities

Ensure all project work is completed in accordance with statutory safety, health, and environmental regulations and the organisation’s internal technical standards.

Manage the main EPC mechanical contract and additional mechanical work scopes as assigned.

Liaise with internal specialist teams to deliver the overhaul according to defined protocols and procedures.

Support the implementation of Inspection & Test Plans (ITPs) for mechanical equipment in conjunction with the appropriate competent persons.

Manage quality assurance tasks as defined in the Project Quality Plan.

Provide day-to-day supervision and act as the primary point of contact for contractors; review key ITP documentation.

Collaborate with station management and maintenance teams throughout the project.

Conduct regular safety, environmental, and quality audits.

Report on progress against schedule; attend relevant project meetings.

Support cost control for assigned contracts.

Manage special tooling requirements with the principal contractor.

Develop technical specifications for mechanical plant and equipment; participate in tendering and procurement processes.

Apply plant modification processes for all mechanical changes; ensure drawings and procedures are kept updated.

Use contractor management processes and tools to monitor contract progress and hold required project meetings.

Attend factory acceptance tests (FATs) and workshop visits, if required.

Produce the mechanical close-out report.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential

Experience planning major power-station overhauls, including logistics, procurement, specification development, and contractor management

Strong teamwork capabilities

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Flexibility in all aspects of the role

Strong report-writing ability

Proficient IT skills

Desirable

Experience in hydro-power-plant overhauls

Qualifications

Essential

Experience with mechanical power-plant systems (e.g., pumps, motors, valves)

Strong understanding of health, safety, and environmental standards

Minimum 5 years’ post-qualification experience in the power-generation industry

Desirable

Level 8 (or equivalent) qualification in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline

Base Location

Primary work location: Ireland

The successful candidate must attend the base location full-time. Travel or accommodation expenses for commuting to this primary location will not be reimbursed.

Business travel expenses outside the normal workplace will be reimbursed subject to pre-approval.

Anticipated Start Date

ASAP

Duration

12 months, up to end of 2027

Safety Requirements

Contractors must comply with all applicable Health & Safety regulations and follow directions from designated line management.

Required PPE includes:

Full standard PPE, including arc-resistant gear where applicable

Protective footwear compliant with S3 EN ISO 20345

Valid safety certification (e.g., general construction safety card, manual handling training)

An unbranded hard hat and ear defenders (provided)

Contractors must supply their own safety boots, gloves, and eye protection

Other Requirements

Additional PPE/certifications may be required depending on site needs

Contractors must have access to a personal phone, laptop/PC, and reliable internet and be able to engage professionally throughout the assignment