Grid Modernization Engineering Lead

Grid Modernization Engineering Lead

GAI Consultants, Inc. is seeking an experienced Grid Modernization Engineering Lead to lead our efforts in the growing GAI service offerings supporting microgrid, distributed energy resources (DERs), renewable + storage projects from feasibility (or road map development) through implementation. This position will report to the Business Sector Leader of the Power and Industry Business Sector, which is in GAI's Power Business Unit. The ideal candidate will possess firm understanding of various renewable or islanded technologies; lead technical delivery efforts; and support pursuit efforts, associated with such technologies.

Job duties include:

• Technical work, including but not limited to engineering design, drawing review and stamping, condition and building assessment evaluations and reports, and QA/QC. Implements effective engineering methods, provides technical guidance, and acts as a resource for engineers and designers
• Perform technical evaluations and provide recommendations for equipment selection based on circuit configuration/functionality
• Support development of business plan, from a technical perspective, by way of preparing white papers, attending technical committee groups, and acting as a technical liaison during client discussions.
• Project management responsibilities including delivering scope, schedule, budget, quality, safety and profitability of all projects managed. Plans and manages small to medium value projects and multiple projects at one time. Works closely with Project Accounting to monitor and control project cost and billings to meet budget profit, to analyze project performance data and to develop recovery plans as needed.
• Coordinates and develops all aspects of pre-contract work within the division including go/no-go, strategy, proposed scope, schedule, and fee for projects.
• Directly and indirectly, supervising the technical staff within the division.
• Effectively communicates with the Business Sector Leader to resolve issues and problems and to share personnel, workloads, marketing leads and ideas
• Work closely with other Business Sector managers/division leaders to support the delivery of profitable, safe and sustainable projects and services for our clients
• Travel to other offices/meet with clients/attend project-specific meetings
• Must be able to wear and work in Personal Protection Equipment to support field activities, as required
• Ability to work independently and direct/oversee engineering and design/drafting staff on a project basis.
• Possess strong communication skills that will allow for a collaborative environment with other engineering disciplines.
• Delivers scope, schedule, budget, quality, safety, and profitability of all projects managed.
• Plans and manages medium to high-value projects, with single or multi-discipline focus and medium to high-risk profile.
• Directly manages up to $1 million per year of total billings with no limit to the number or value of individual projects managed.
• Develops project schedules and cost budgets, understanding project goals and drivers.
• Works closely with Project Controls staff to monitor and control project cost and billings to meet budget profit, analyze project performance data on an ongoing basis, and develop recovery plans as needed.
• Actively wins new work from existing clients by building and maintaining customer relationships, monitoring future work opportunities, communicating regularly, and attending client events.
• Coordinates and develops proposed scope, schedule, and fee for the entire project and participates on the interview team.
• Supports senior management in contract negotiations with clients.

Physical requirements:

• Ability to work indoors in professional office settings.
• Ability to sit for extended periods while performing computer-based tasks.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling office equipment.
• Visual acuity to read printed materials, digital screens, detailed documents, and perform detailed work.
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, or reaching within the office environment. Ability to move between workstations and attend in-person meetings.
• Ability to lift and carry office materials or equipment weighing up to 10-20 pounds, with or without assistance.
• Adequate hearing to participate in conversations, phone calls, and virtual meetings.
• Ability to travel for meetings, training, or business purposes.

General characteristics:

• Applies thorough knowledge of current principles and practices of engineering related to the variety of aspects affecting their practice.
• Applies progressively acquired expertise to resolve crucial issues and/or unique conditions.
• Keeps informed of new methods and developments affecting their practice and recommends new practices or changes in emphasis of projects.
• Leads projects of moderate complexity and scope or leads a major project.
• Analyzes complex problems across specialty areas appropriate to the practice of engineering.
• Analyzes ethical dilemmas to determine appropriate courses of action.

Minimum years of experience:

• Twelve (12)+ years
• 12 or more years of direct technical experience with microgrids / DERs from feasibility to implementation, inclusive of executing/managing projects. If a candidate has less than 12 years of experience, project experience and years of experience will be considered
• Must possess demonstrated success in engineering or project management, and executing/directing the concurrent execution of multiple complex projects. Client development experience is a preferred, but not required.
• Demonstrated mastery of fundamental project management skills and use of PM advanced techniques and practices to increase productivity, efficiency, and accuracy.
• Serves as a subject matter expert in microgrids / DERs with an in-depth familiarity of engineering concepts and principles.
• Demonstrates in-depth understanding of software as needed to perform the duties described here, including Microsoft Office Suite applications and software, CAD programs, document management systems, database software, HR Systems, internet software, and reporting tools related to databases and client-specific software.

Preferred experience:

• Experience working within various software related to microgrid (e.g. Homer, AspenTech, etc)
• Experience with renewables, battery energy storage systems, fuel cells, and/or hydrogen
• Experience in the maintenance of system models and simulation for circuit optimization
• Client development experience

Education:

• B.S. or M.S. Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or related field

Certification/Licensure:

• Professional Engineer (P.E.) License, reciprocity in multiple states.
• Driver's License

Technical responsibilities:

• Frequently serves as the technical advisor for the practice in the application of advanced concepts and methods in an assigned area. Keeps informed of new developments and requirements affecting the practice for the purpose of recommending changes in projects or applications.
• Frequently develops new techniques and/or improved processes, materials, or products.
• Values and analyzes sustainable performance of complex engineering projects from a systems perspective.

Project and task management:

• Frequently plans, schedules, and coordinates the preparation of documents or activities for multiple major projects or is responsible for an entire project of a practice.
• Analyzes project management plans for complex engineering projects.
• Understands project delivery uncertainties and uses risk management principles to address them. Reviews operational procedures to ensure compliance with applicable policies and performance measures.
• May serve as the Project Manager for certain projects with prior approval from GAI's President up to $50,000 per year.

Management responsibility:

• Supervises a staff of engineers and technicians.
• Receives administrative supervision with assignments given in terms of broad general objectives and limits.
• Provides continued mentored experience to senior staff.
• Integrates professional attitudes relevant to the practice of engineering and fosters creativity, curiosity, flexibility, and dependability in staff.

Communication skills:

• Applies principles of formal strategic and persuasive communications.
• Represents their area of specialty within the practice and liaises with related individuals and practices.
• Routinely interacts with practice leaders, clients, officials, contractors, and others.
• Integrates concepts of effective teamwork and leadership.

Why GAI?