Senior Technical Specialist - Utilities and Central Energy

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SPECIFICATION

Position:  Senior Technical Specialist

Department:  Utilities & Central Energy (UCE)

Reporting Relationship:  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 

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

POSITION OVERVIEW & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Senior Technical Specialist is one of the most advanced engineering roles at KFI and plays a key role in delivery of technical services by providing industry-leading expertise in an engineering discipline or other area of specialization. This individual will typically have at least 15+ years of experience in their area of expertise and be recognized by both clients and peers as among the leading practitioners of it regionally or nationally. The objective of this position is to leverage the individual’s knowledge and experience across all KFI’s relevant business units and projects where applicable. Key responsibilities include leading complex technical projects, designing systems, supervising or mentoring less experienced engineers, preparing technical reports and presentations, and ensuring compliance with standards and regulations. 

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

Project Execution

• Plan, direct, and supervise complex engineering projects and teams.
• Support the lead discipline engineer in problem definition, design approach, and technology selection.
• Meet with clients and customers when requested to support major decisions and defining project goals.
• Provide technical consultation and guidance to the project team as requested or determined to be necessary.
• Periodically review the progress of project deliverables for quality, technical accuracy and compliance with KFI standards. 
• Execute or lead the execution of project tasks where appropriate due to degree of difficulty, client preference, or other considerations.
• Assist in investigation and root cause analysis of equipment and system failures and implementing preventative measures into KFI standards.
• Work autonomously, developing and implementing solutions to complex problems.

Business Development

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

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.

Staff Development

• Lead or mentor the technical development of peers and less experienced staff through regular interaction with project teams.
• Utilize project quality control 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. 

Other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Structural, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 15+ years of experience.
• Professional Engineering license (P.E.) required.
• Strong knowledge of industry standards, codes, and best practices.
• Proven ability to build strong client relationships and establish credibility with internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to present complex information to diverse audiences, synthesize ideas into actionable recommendations, and positively influence outcomes.
• Strong planning, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency with computer technology and business software, including Microsoft Office.
• Travel: May include up to 25% domestic travel

Preferred

• Master’s degree or higher in Engineering or a related discipline.
• Experience with advanced engineering design, analysis, and project management.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in managing large-scale engineering projects.
• Experience with advanced engineering software tools and simulation platforms.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies and innovation trends within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector.

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.

Benefits:

At KFI, our comprehensive benefit program provides our employees with the resources to support their health, wellness and financial well-being. Full-Time employees have access to:

• Health, dental and vision insurance coverage
• Virtual health services
• Health Savings Account (HSA) & Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) for HDHP enrollees with KFI contributions
• Flexible Spending Account
• 401(k) plan
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance, life and AD&D insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off to include Earned Sick and Safe Time in accordance with state laws
• Paid Volunteer Time Off
• Company Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Bereavement Leave
• Voluntary benefits offered include life, accident, critical illness coverage

Salary Range: $157,500 - $197,000 annually. The final agreed upon compensation is based on individual qualifications, experience, work location, and education. This position is eligible for an annual bonus.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover 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.

This position is not eligible for Visa sponsorship.

Equal Opportunity Employer – Veterans and Disabilities