Controls Specialist

POSITION SPECIFICATION

Position: Controls Specialist

Department: Performance Group (PG)

Reporting Relationship: Controls Manager

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 Specialist plays a key role in supporting successful development and execution of controls projects. This individual will provide leadership, management, and technical expertise to ensure that the performance of control systems and equipment conform to design specifications and industry best practices. The Controls Specialist will also engage in marketing activities that support business development efforts. Regular collaboration is necessary within our controls and commissioning teams, and with others in the industry to keep current. This individual will help drive controls standards and mentor junior staff. The successful candidate will be constantly challenged to create better, practical, and sustainable solutions.

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

Project Management

• Acts as a Project Manager, including developing project plans, schedules, requesting and securing resources, and keeping the project on track for on time delivery. 
• Ensure all project work is properly set-up, documented, and reported.
• Manages financial aspects of assigned projects, including managing budgets, invoicing, and forecasting projects. 
• Assigns and directs other staff in the technical execution of project tasks.
• Actively participates in construction meetings, supporting controls project interests.
• Procure controls equipment for projects as required.
• Manage subcontractors.

Reporting

• Works with Performance Group staff to develop technical report structure and outlines.
• Manages development of technical reports.
• Creates technical content for inclusion in reports.
• Provides QA/QC, including verification of technical work execution.

Technical Execution

• Prepare control documents portion of the overall mechanical design: schematic drawings, point lists, sequences of operation, and specification sections.
• Create control hardware design and installation drawings, including equipment selection to provide bill of materials.
• Edit, write, and review specifications.
• 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 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.
• Analyze system operational performance and develop recommendations to improve operations.
• Fine-tuning and troubleshooting of control systems.  

Staff Management and Mentorship

• Perform staff management, including managing Performance Group personnel working on their project(s).
• Develop skillsets of less experienced staff, including full-time and co-op/interns, in all aspects of the commissioning process and MEP systems fundamentals. May include classroom-style sessions as well as traditional on the job field testing training.
• Regular collaboration within our controls and commissioning team, and with others in the industry to keep current.

Business Development

• Contributes to all aspects of the business development process, including:
  1. Identifies new business strategies and customers.
  2. Communicates and builds internal and external relationships to ensure marketing strategy and input is aggressive, accurate, persuasive and timely.
  3. Supports new business development opportunities, including defining project scopes and fees. 
• Develop letter proposals, including compiling technical and non-technical data, editing, printing, assembly and submittal of proposal. 
• Assists in the preparation of proposals and interviews.  

Continued Growth

• 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.  
• Constantly challenge traditional practices to imagine better, practical, and sustainable solutions.

Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Associate’s degree, technical certification, or related degree/certification.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the US on a permanent basis without the need for work sponsorship now or in the future.
• 5+ years of experience in the field of controls systems, either within building or process controls, construction projects or building operations, or working at an engineering firm that designs controls systems.
• Understanding of HVAC systems and control strategies.
• Understanding of control systems.
• Proven experience managing small projects.
• Experience managing subcontractors.
• Desire to learn and build on their skill sets.
• Have the ability to quickly learn software applications relating to control systems.
• DDC or PLC programing experience.
• DDC or SCADA screen development experience.
• Represent the company in a professional matter.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with others.
• Knowledge of computer technology and specific areas of application, including MS Office.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the US on a permanent basis without the need for work sponsorship now or in the future.
• Travel: May include up to 25% domestic travel.

Preferred:

• Experience programing boilers and chillers.
• Proficiency in one or more of the following software platforms:
  1. Tridium Niagara
  2. Allen-Bradley Studio 5000
  3. Emerson Machine Edition
  4. AVEVA Solutions
  5. Inductive Automation Ignition

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.

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: $105,500 - $131,900. 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 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.

This position is not eligible for Visa sponsorship.

Equal Opportunity Employer – Veterans and Disabilities