Controls Engineer III

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS

Position: Controls Engineer III

Department: Performance Group (PG)

Reporting Relationship: Controls Manager, 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 www.kfi-eng.com.

POSITION OVERVIEW & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Controls Engineer III plays a key role in the successful application of controls to a mechanical HVAC design. Reporting to the Controls Manager, 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 Level 3 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 Level 3 controls engineer will act as project manager for smaller projects and assist in managing larger projects. Regular collaboration is necessary within our controls and commissioning teams, and with others in the industry to keep current and this individual will help 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:

• Prepare 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 internal participation with other KFI groups.
• Project planning meetings, control submittal reviews, and other support as required.
• Project management. Since most any effort can be made more efficient with a good plan, KFI expects good planning and execution practices. Tools, training and metrics are made available to ensure the success of our teams.
• Provide field assistance to support controls system project delivery.
• Communicate design intent and details, answer technical questions, participate in any portion of the 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.
• 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.
• Act as project manager for smaller projects and can assist in project management for larger projects.
• Procure controls equipment for projects as required.
• Provide proposals and pricing to clients.
• Manage subcontractors.
• Mentor junior staff/interns.
• Fine-tuning and troubleshooting of control systems.
• Provide the control expertise as necessary to deliver high quality control projects.

Additionally, this position will likely work to assist in the delivery of other Performance Group projects. This work will require, but not be limited to, the following:

• Perform site visits to collect equipment information and assess system operations.
• Assist in performance of Test & Balance services.
• Analyze system operational performance and develop recommendations to improve operations and energy efficiency.
• Assist in utility analysis.
• Support other Commissioning and Recommissioning activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Understanding of HVAC systems and control strategies.
• DDC or PLC programing experience.
• DDC or SCADA screen development experience.
• Understanding of control systems.
• Possess a valid driver's license and reliable personal vehicle for work-related travel.
• Proven experience managing small projects.
• Experience managing subcontractors.
• Desire to learn and build on their skill sets.
• Self-directed but thrive in an environment where consultation and collaboration leads to superior outcomes.
• Have the ability to quickly learn software applications relating to control systems10+ years of relevant experience.
• 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.

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.