Controls Engineer
POSITION SPECIFICATION Position Controls EngineerDepartment Performance GroupReporting Relationship Controls Design Manager, Performance GroupCompany BackgroundKFI 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 & ResponsibilitiesThe Controls Engineer plays a key role in the successful application of direct digital controls (DDC) to a mechanical HVAC design. Reporting to the Controls Design 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. The DDC Controls Engineer will also be capable of acting as a Master Systems Integrator (MSI) to design, program, develop graphics, and integrate entire DDC control systems from initial hardware design to final system tuning, and ideally have past experience. As required, the individual in this role will provide field assistance to support DDC controls system project delivery. Field assistance may include communicating design intent and details, answering technical questions, and participating in any portion of the DDC control system project as required, seeing it to completion. Regular collaboration is necessary within our controls and commissioning teams and with others in the industry to keep current. The successful incumbent will be constantly challenged to create 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. Act as Master Systems Integrator to design, program, develop graphics, and integrate entire DDC control systems. Stay current on control strategies and code changes. Participate in training, internal and external. Obtain and maintain technical certifications as needed. Stay current on Niagara and other DDC 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. Provide field assistance to support DDC 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. Create control hardware design and installation drawings including equipment selection to provide bill of materials. Master the use of Tridium, Niagara, wire sheet programming, PX graphic screen development, meta-data tagging, analytics and hierarchy navigation. Fine-tuning and troubleshooting of DDC control systems. Provide the control expertise as necessary to deliver high quality DDC 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 FollowingPerform 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.QualificationsRequired:8+ years of relevant experienceFull understanding of HVAC systems and control strategiesFull understanding of DDC control systems Proven experience managing small projectsExperience managing subcontractorsDesire to learn and build on their skill setsAbility to quickly learn software applications relating to control systemsDDC programming skills in Niagra or similar packageExperience programming HVAC systems including but not limited to AHUs, boilers, and chillersTravel: up to 25%PreferredBachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering is ideal. However, KFI is open to hiring the right candidate who may not have a formal Engineering degree but has done work that has required interaction with contractors on a frequent basis (i.e. someone who has worked in one of the construction trades or has experience designing building automation systems).CORE BEHAVIORSAccountableDemonstrates persistence in the achievement of goals.Acts with a sense of urgency.Takes responsibility for own actions.Business FocusDemonstrates agility, adapts well to changes.Works well under pressure.Meets commitments to internal/external customers.Project ExecutionPlans projects well, managing last-minute rushes and disruptions.Balances Speed and Quality.Looks for improvement in our delivery, tools and processes.Demonstrates Respect For OthersKeeps others adequately informed.Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views.Adapts communication style and method based on audience and situation.Team PlayerBalances team and individual responsibilities.Shares expertise with others.Inspires respect and trust.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.