Senior Mechanical Engineer – Temporary (6-Month)

WHO WE ARE

Our Power, Your Possibilities

At TransAlta, we don’t just generate electricity-we generate opportunity.  As one of Canada’s largest publicly traded power generators, we’ve been powering communities for over 100 years across Canada, the U.S., and Australia.  Our diverse energy portfolio and passionate team are driving the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future. 

We believe in the power of purpose, the strength of collaboration, and the value of continuous learning.  If you’re ready to make a real impact in a dynamic industry, you bring the energy and we’ll provide the platform.

For more information about TransAlta, visit our website at, www.transalta.com.

ABOUT THE ROLE

TransAlta is seeking a talented and experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our engineering team on a temporary basis.

This position provides technical expertise to support the safe and efficient operation of our generating stations. Key responsibilities include maintenance planning, outage scope development, evaluation of equipment operation and inspection planning, technical research, evaluation of equipment options, cost estimating, condition monitoring, maintenance and troubleshooting. Management of plant projects required for plant upgrades, repairs and retrofits. Development of technical specifications, review, and evaluation of bid proposals, performing design reviews and providing technical oversight. This position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on reliability and performance across our operations.

This is a temporary (6-month), safety sensitive position based at our Head Office in downtown Calgary, AB, with up to 30% travel to field-based sites.

This is a safety-sensitive position. The successful candidate will be required to complete pre-employment testing.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

• Develop effective maintenance plans and forecasts based on inspection results and condition monitoring for gas turbines and plant equipment.
• Prepare long-term maintenance strategies, budgets, and lifecycle plans, including capital expenditure planning for major and minor outages.
• Investigate and troubleshoot mechanical equipment issues, providing timely technical recommendations to ensure reliability.
• Lead mechanical or multi-discipline projects, including research, cost analysis, and technical solution development.
• Write technical procurement specifications, obtain competitive bids, and participate in contractor and equipment selection.
• Supervise contractors to ensure scope, quality, cost, and schedule compliance.
• Apply industry standards and best practices to maintain code compliance while balancing cost and reliability objectives.
• Perform and interpret condition monitoring analyses such as oil and vibration analysis.
• Plan and support major maintenance activities, including turnarounds and unplanned outages, with detailed work scopes and inspection plans.
• Promote Health, Safety, Security, and Environment policies and mentor Engineers and Engineers-in-Training.
• Provide support to other business areas as required.

ABOUT YOU

• Mechanical Engineering degree from a recognized institution and registered as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) with APEGA, or another provincial association with inter-provincial mobility.
• Minimum 4 to 6 years of relevant experience in thermal/gas-fired power generation or a comparable industry (additional experience considered an asset).
• Experience with troubleshooting equipment, power station operations, construction, and commissioning.
• Experience with management of change, maintenance planning, work scope development, and supporting outages, turnarounds, and inspections.
• Experience with preparing redlines, review and verification of engineering design documents, including P&ID’s, piping isometrics, design drawings and specifications.
• Experience preparing engineering work scope documents for plant modifications, including pressure equipment and piping modifications.
• Experience investigating equipment failures and preparing Root Cause Analysis studies.
• Experience with the interpretation of condition monitoring and recommending corrective action.
• Strong working knowledge of large rotating equipment (gas turbines, steam turbines, pumps, and compressors), boilers/HRSGs, pressure equipment, piping systems, and thermodynamics are assets.
• Self-starter who can work independently, is coachable, and is motivated to learn and develop.
• Critical thinker with strong problem-solving skills.
• Effective team player with strong interpersonal skills who leads by example.
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of assigned work.
• Seeks feedback from other team members and clients to improve quality of deliverables; committed to building on existing and developing new expertise.
• Comfortable with field work including extended durations as required to support outages.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills; ability to work independently and lead by example.
• Familiar with pressure industry standards (ASME, CSA, etc.)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and cloud-based software.
• Project management training and experience is an asset.
• Vibration analysis training and experience is an asset.
• SAP experience is an asset.
• Valid Class 5 driver’s license.

OTHER DETAILS

• This position will require frequent travel to remote site locations for field work up to 30% of the time.

OUR CULTURE

At TransAlta, we’re driven by a Culture of Results, Learning, and Purpose. We prioritize psychological safety, wellbeing, inclusion, and belonging - creating a space where everyone can thrive. We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation and progress, and we’re committed to building a workplace where you can be your authentic self.

Ready to Power Up With Us? Excited about this role but don’t meet every single requirement? We still encourage you to apply.  Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for a job unless they meet every single qualification. You might just be the candidate we are looking for.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The successful candidate may be required to complete background checks appropriate to the role and may include criminal record, education and employment verification or credit checks.  ‘Safety sensitive positions’ will be required to complete pre-employment testing. 

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, only those progressing will be contacted.