Project and Field Services Lead - Industrial

POSITION SPECIFICATION

Position: Project & Field Services Lead

Department: Industrial, Process & Agribusiness (IPA)

Reporting Relationship: Senior Project Manager, IPA

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

POSITION OVERVIEW & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Project & Field Services Lead bridges the gap between design and physical execution of projects with the Industrial, Process and Agribusiness group throughout the full lifecycle. This role is responsible for ensuring projects maintain structural and MEP integrity, comply with safety regulations, remain on schedule and within budget, and meet design requirements and applicable building codes. The Project & Field Services Lead will also review project drawings & specifications, manage site logistics, and oversee subcontractors.

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

Engineering & Design Coordination

• Review piping drawings, 3D models, piping isometrics, P&IDs, and related design documents to ensure alignment with project requirements.
• Review piping drawings, 3D models, piping isometrics, P&IDs, and related design documents to ensure alignment with project requirements.
• Generate and drive project deliverable registers, including equipment, line, valve, instrument, tie-point, and piping specialty lists.
• Attend design reviews, model reviews, and project coordination meetings.
• Drive preliminary and detail engineering efforts (design and calculations).
• Ensure development of project specifications, requirements, and scope of work.
• Manage KFI field activities during the engineering phase of projects.
• Manage and drive project progress and support milestone tracking and reporting.
• Assessment, development, and implementation of enhanced electronic tools to improve project documents.

Procurement & Cost Management

• Ensure procurement of owner-furnished contractor-installed (OFCI) equipment and instrumentation.
• Lead and assist project estimating and contractor bidding activities, including scope development, cost estimating, bid package preparation, bid reviews, contractor evaluations, and selection recommendations. Review contractor proposals and pricing submissions.
• Develop and support project cost estimates, including costing database.

Construction Administration

• Champion project managers and project teams during construction execution.
• Review contractor change order requests and provide recommendations.
• Participate in construction meetings and site visits.
• Drive contractor submittal and Request for Information (RFI) processes.
• Review construction schedules and assist with schedule development and tracking.
• Review contractor monthly pay applications for accuracy and progress verification.
• Develop and/or support the creation of project construction schedules.

Field Execution & Commissioning

• Lead project field representatives.
• Conduct field inspections, observations, and witness testing activities.
• Prepare and distribute field observation reports.
• Develop and manage punch lists and verify completion of corrective actions.
• Support project checkout, commissioning, startup, and turnover activities including:
  • P&ID verifications
  • Vendor support coordination and issue resolution
  • Readiness checks for checkout and startup

Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in the design, installation, operation, or commissioning of MEP systems.
• Knowledge of the heavy industrial field including but not limited to agribusiness, biofuels, ethanol, and/or chemical manufacturing.
• Strong working knowledge of one or more of the following:
  • Mechanical/process piping systems
  • HVAC systems (chillers, boilers, AHUs, VAVs, hydronic systems)
  • Electrical distribution systems (normal and emergency power)
  • Plumbing and specialty plumbing systems
  • MEP commissioning
  • Civil & structural construction
  • Project and staff scheduling
• Experience supporting engineering projects through procurement, construction, commissioning, and startup phases.
• Working knowledge of construction administration processes, including RFIs, submittals, change orders, contractor coordination, scheduling, and progress reporting.
• Experience reviewing and coordinating piping design documents including P&IDs, piping layouts, isometrics, equipment arrangements, and process utility systems.
• Ability to conduct field inspections, site observations, and periodic travel to active construction sites.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams and influence project outcomes without direct supervisory authority.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory or people-management experience.
• Proven ability to build strong client relationships and establish credibility with internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.
• Ability to effectively present complex information to diverse audiences, synthesize ideas into actionable recommendations, and positively influence outcomes.
• Expert knowledge of technology and the application of technology in business.
• Strong planning, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Travel: May include 5-20% domestic travel.

Preferred

• Professional Engineer (P.E.) certification or willingness to pursue this designation.
• Knowledge and familiarity with unionized environments and union labor practices.
• Experience managing direct reports.

Working Conditions

• Some work locations will feature the tough terrain typical of construction sites or require lifting or moving field testing equipment.
• May require extended periods of time sitting at a desk or computer workstation.
  
  

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.

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.

Managing People

• Develops employees’ skills and encourages growth.
• Consistently provides timely feedback to employees.
• Delegates effectively, providing clear direction and authority to act.

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: $118,500 - $148,500 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