Senior Controls Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SPECIFICATION

Position:  Controls Engineer IV

Department:  Performance Group (PG)

Reporting Relationship:  Director of Controls, PG

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 Senior Controls Engineer (Level IV) plays a key role in the successful application of controls to a mechanical HVAC design. This individual will review and understand how HVAC equipment operates at both the individual unit level and in concert with other equipment at the whole building level.   

The successful candidate will prepare the control documents portion of the overall mechanical design, which includes schematic drawings, point lists, sequences of operation, and specification sections. To provide high quality control documents, the Senior Controls Engineer will be capable of implementing entire control systems, from initial hardware design to final system tuning, and have past experience.  As required, the individual in this role will provide field assistance to support controls system project delivery. Field assistance may include communicating design intent and details, answering technical questions, and participating in any portion of the control system project as required, seeing it to completion. The Senior Controls Engineer will manage and/or act as the controls lead for larger projects from start to finish. Regular collaboration is necessary within our controls and commissioning teams, and with others in the industry to keep current and this individual will act as the controls subject matter expert, drive controls standards and mentor junior staff. The successful incumbent will be constantly challenged to create better, practical, and sustainable solutions.

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

• Lead junior members in the preparation of control documents portion of the overall mechanical design:  schematic drawings, point lists, sequences of operation, and specification sections.
• Stay current on control strategies and code changes.
• Participate in training, internal and external.
• Obtain and maintain technical certifications as needed.
• Stay current on control systems programming and implementation practices.
• Construction administration efforts such as running project planning meetings, performing control submittal reviews, and other support as required.
• Provide field assistance to support controls system project delivery.
• Communicate design intent and details, answer technical questions, participate in any portion of the DDC control system project construction as required, seeing it to completion.
• Regular collaboration within our controls and commissioning team, and with others in the industry to keep current.
• Constantly challenge traditional practices to imagine better, practical, and sustainable solutions.  Helps define control standards.
• Create control hardware design and installation drawings, including equipment selection to provide bill of materials.
• Mastery of PLC and/or DDC control system programming software.  
• Mastery of SCADA and/or DDC graphic screen development software. 
• Edit, write, and review specifications.
• Procure controls equipment for projects as required.
• Provide proposals and pricing to clients.
• Manage subcontractors.
• Fine-tuning and troubleshooting of control systems.
• Provide the control expertise as necessary to deliver high quality control projects.  
• Manage large projects from start to finish.
• Participate in all aspects of business development.
• Proposals.
• Meetings with clients.
• Interviews.
• Self-study as necessary.
• Teach and mentor others as called upon in capacity as a subject matter expert.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• 10+ years of relevant experience.
• Ability to manage a project from start to finish.
• Ability to meet with customers to establish scope requirements and define projects.
• Ability to actively contribute to marketing and business development.
• Experience mentoring others.
• Demonstrated consistency in successful combination of programming and/or large project management.
• Ability to independently execute all projects by KFI in area of expertise.
• Represent the company in a professional matter.
• Proficient in use of MS Office (Word, Outlook, Excel).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with others.
• Knowledge of computer technology and specific areas of application.
• Travel: May include up to 25% domestic travel.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Mechanical, Electrical or Computer Engineering is preferred. KFI will consider candidates who may not have a formal engineering degree but have worked in either the HVAC or electrician trade or have experience designing building automation systems.
• Experience programing boilers and chillers.
• Proficiency in one or more of the following software platforms:
  • Tridium Niagara
  • Allen-Bradley Studio 5000
  • Emerson Machine Edition
  • AVEVA Solutions
  • Inductive Automation Ignition

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.

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: $115,000- $145,000. 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.

KFI Engineers is an EOE including veterans and disability.