Raymond Alava, P.E., P.Eng.

Ray is a registered professional engineer with 24 years of mechanical engineering experience, both in Canada and internationally. He has extensive and varied experience in detailed design, engineering analysis, and layout of mechanical systems and components, primarily for hydroelectric projects. He currently manages KCB’s mechanical group.

During his nearly 20 years at KCB, Ray’s experience has included major hydroplant refurbishments and new builds, design and integration of operating gates, wire rope hoists, lifting beams and large cranes for water conveyances, balance of plant systems, pumping and piping, evaluation and refurbishment of aging penstocks, site inspections, condition assessments of mechanical equipment and dam safety reviews.

Key Projects

Ray’s key projects include the Site C Clean Energy Project, where he was the design manager for hydromechanical equipment; the Snoqualmie Falls Redevelopment Project, where he was the designer and professional of record for the gates and mechanical systems; and BC Hydro’s penstock recoating projects, where he was the project manager for a multi-facility program of work, involving penstock assessment and refurbishments.

Education

Ray has a B.A.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from Montana State University and a M.A.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of British Columbia. He is a Registered Professional Engineer with EGBC, APEGA, Engineers Yukon, and the State of Washington Professional Engineers.

Fun Fact

Before becoming an engineer, Ray went to Los Angeles to study graphic arts at the Otis College of Art and Design. This is one of the reasons that the whiteboard in his office usually has a sketch or freebody diagram on it.