Senior Engineering Specialist, Power Systems

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SPECIFICATION

Position : Senior Engineering Specialist, Power Systems

Department : Utilities & Central Energy (UCE)

Reporting Relationship : Electrical Engineering Manager, UCE

COMPANY BACKGROUND

KFI Engineers is a recognized industry leader in facility infrastructure design and performance. Since 1996, our culture of collaboration and unique capabilities have allowed us to make a difference in the way infrastructure and processing projects are delivered.

Headquartered in St. Paul, MN, with numerous regional offices throughout the United States, and a team of hundreds of professionals, we offer opportunities to continue your career with mentorship programs, career growth support, and continued education.

With KFI, we find a way to provide creative solutions to unique projects while providing the same care we would expect if we were the client.

For more information about KFI Engineers and our culture, please visit www.kfi-eng.com.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW (UCE)

The Utilities & Central Energy (UCE) group specializes in large central plant work, particularly for district energy serving cities, universities, hospitals, and manufacturing campuses.

Our expertise covers both energy production and distribution. We have expertise in sustainable energy production, simple and combined cycle, combined heat and power, medium voltage power, and standby electrical power.

Our clients look for us to lead large complex projects from concept to completion, including startup, check-out, and commissioning.

The electrical engineer, UCE supports that process by leading the effort and development of project studies, drawings, and other deliverables.

POSITION OVERVIEW & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Senior Engineering Specialist plays a key role in UCE’s delivery of technical services by providing industry-leading expertise in the electrical power engineering discipline.

This individual will typically have at least 15 years of experience in power system design, analysis and protection and be recognized by both clients and peers as among the leading practitioners regionally or nationally.

An objective of this position is to also leverage this individual’s knowledge and experience across KFI’s other relevant business units and projects.

Specific responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following :

Project Execution

• Guide the lead discipline engineer in problem definition, design approach, and technology selection.
• Provide technical consultation and advice to the project team as requested or determined to be necessary.
• Execute or lead the execution of project tasks where appropriate due to degree of difficulty, client preference, or other consideration.
• Meet with clients when requested to support major decisions and defining project goals.
• Periodically review the progress of project deliverables for quality, technical accuracy and compliance with KFI standards.
• Assist in investigation and root cause analysis of equipment and system failures and implementing preventative measures into KFI standards.

Business Development

• Support project pursuits by participating in pre-proposal meetings and discussions, contributing to and / or reviewing proposals, and participating in selection interviews.
• Engage current and prospective clients through participation in conferences, trade associations, and technical society activities.
• Develop and deliver technical presentations or seminars for KFI’s clients on topics relevant to their business.
• Maintain an active role in a technical society or professional association.
• Regularly present and / or publish in forums that provide exposure for KFI.

Staff Development

• Mentor the technical development of peers and junior staff through regular interaction with project teams.
• Utilize project QC reviews and lessons-learned sessions as teaching opportunities to increase staff knowledge and eliminate repetitive errors.
• Recommend formal training and staff development necessary to maintain KFI’s technical expertise at an industry-leading level.
• Develop and deliver internal training for KFI staff as requested or determined to be necessary.

Standards Development

• Develop and maintain standard requirements for the quality and content of deliverables including drawings, specifications, and reports.
• Identify and guide the development of tools to improve productivity and quality of work including design standards, quality review guidelines, and standard details.
• Maintain the currency and technical quality of master specifications.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
• 15+ years of experience required.
• P.E. license required.
• Working knowledge of medium voltage generation, distribution and control equipment used in industrial and utility applications.
• Thorough understanding of power system and electric machines theory as applied to the design, analysis, and protection of industrial power systems.
• Expertise in power system analysis including load flow and voltage drop, short circuit, arc flash hazard analysis, cable ampacity, and harmonics.
• Experience developing complex protective relay settings for medium voltage circuits and equipment including generators, transformers, and communications-assisted protection schemes.
• Ability to interpret relay event reports and sequence of events reports to determine fault types and causes of trips.
• Represent the company in a professional matter.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to collaborate with others.
• Knowledge of computer technology and areas of application, including MS Office.
• Travel : May include up to 25% domestic travel

Preferred

• Field experience in startup and commissioning of power generation systems.
• M.S.E.E. is considered an asset.

Working Conditions

Some work locations will feature the tough terrain typical of construction sites or require lifting or moving field testing equipment.

CORE BEHAVIORS

Accountable

• Demonstrates persistence in the achievement of goals.
• Acts with a sense of urgency.
• Takes responsibility for own actions.

Business Focus

• Demonstrates agility, adapts well to changes.
• Works well under pressure.
• Meets commitments to internal / external customers.

Project Execution

• Plans projects well, managing last-minute rushes and disruptions.
• Balances Speed and Quality.
• Looks for improvement in our delivery, tools and processes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Demonstrates Respect for Others

• Keeps others adequately informed.
• Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views.
• Adapts communication style and method based on audience and situation.

Team Player

• Balances team and individual responsibilities.
• Shares expertise with others.
• Inspires respect and trust.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

KFI Engineers is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.