Senior Power Systems Engineer

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for overseeing the physical facility in addition to critical manufacturing support systems and processes. The position looks for opportunities to eliminate waste and reduce the operating costs of the business. This position plans, directs, and coordinates major capital investment projects that support the corporate operational and strategic plans. Manages large projects in a Matrix Management environment utilizing key individuals from other departments such as Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Continuous Improvement, Maintenance, Design Engineering and Manufacturing Operations.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Direct and coordinate operation, maintenance and repair of equipment as needed for production & facility process systems
• Plan, write, test and troubleshoot PLC code using company standard methods and conventions.
• Program PLC''s operator interface units, and drives systems with PC based software
• Performs testing on control components and systems. Performs equipment tests as needed.
• Program all controls components such as PLC, safety devices, HMI, and drives from power-on to debug, and finally to process fine tuning and validation.
• Use Ladder logic PLCs and Safety PLCs
• Ethernet communications between machine PLCs and database systems
• Identify gaps in processes and work with all levels in establishing & executing improvement plans & strategies
• Continuously learn about existing products, equipment, processes, and new and evolving technologies and processes.
• State-of the-art developments in tools, processes, automation, and systems
• Review the performance of existing manufacturing equipment to determine its ability to meet present and future requirements. Make specific recommendations as required.
• Develop specifications for new equipment acquisitions and work closely with purchasing department in obtaining and evaluating proposals and selecting suppliers
• Work closely with maintenance and shop employees on engineering design modifications to existing equipment and facilities and coordinates implementation of these changes
• Develop alternate solutions to assigned projects or production issues
• Design new equipment and modify existing equipment in specific areas of responsibility to improve production efficiency.
• Identifies needs, coordinates the design of equipment & systems, obtains bids, generates capital appropriation requests including the economic justification with supporting documentation, manages project from conceptual idea through implementation & startup with operational documentation. Actively manages costs within approved budget levels
• Support company strategic goals by developing short and long-term equipment goals related to costs, savings, and support plans
• Individual will support major plant systems and manage major project resources on a per project basis and will direct and draw in individuals from various departments
• Upgrade facility and manufacturing support systems
• Capital equipment implementations and facilities expansion / consolidation projects
• Individual will direct and manage outside vendors and consultants.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• General substation knowledge
• Power System Operation
• Protection relay schemes and settings
• Understands protective device coordination, short circuit analysis, arc flash, load flows, coordination studies, power quality analysis and harmonic analysis.
• Ability to analyze utility bills, plant grounding, surge protection evaluations, reliability of power system and recommendations for improvement of overall safety
• Ability to complete tasks after being advised of the general nature, scope and objectives of work to be accomplished with a minimum of technical assistance
• Future impact cost analysis skills
• Strong presentation skills; technical communication skills
• Self-starter, high energy individuals
• Candidate should enjoy working in a heavy manufacturing environment with production employees
• Focused & self-motivated with a sense of urgency.
• Ability to motivate & lead project support people
• Efficient management of multiple projects and priorities
• Strong organizational and planning skills
• Resourcefulness in knowing where and how to get information needed
• Individual will need to challenge current procedures, processes, systems and methods company-wide in order to develop new systems that maximize production efficiencies and support strategic initiatives
• Individual is also responsible for the conception, development and application of long and short term project plans

• Effective performance requires specialized knowledge to evaluate and execute strategic initiatives by demonstrating the ability to develop new systems, techniques, and concepts.

• Requires a high degree of judgment, comprehension, originality, together with administration and managerial responsibilities

• An excellent team player with strong people skills; able to build relationships at all levels of the organization

• Performance management, coaching, feedback, encouraging and empathic communication skills

• Basic team-building and fundamental leadership skills

• Effective communication skills, including verbal (logical and organized), written, listening and presentation

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required Education / Experience

• Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, operations management or related degree

• Four or more years of functional experience

Preferred Education / Experience

• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering

• Experience with industrial automation (PLCs, programmable devices and related network and communication)

• Experience with medium power switchgear and protective relaying a plus

• SCADA experience

• Familiarity with utility industry communications protocols (e.g., Modbus, SCADA systems)

• Multi-disciplinary engineering background and interest, including controls, software, hardware, and mechanical systems

• Progressively responsible experience in a relevant engineered-product environment
  Basic computer skills / literate with Microsoft Office products.

SPX Transformer Solutions, Inc. (formerly Waukesha Electric Systems, Inc), is one of the largest U.S. manufacturers of power transformers and a valued supplier of complete transformer service solutions, components and replacement parts as well as a variety of substation-applicable training classes for all skill levels including a large number of comprehensive LTC maintenance courses. We employ approximately 1,200 people throughout the United States and operate manufacturing facilities at our headquarters location in Waukesha, WI as well as Goldsboro, NC and Dallas, TX.

Thank you for your interest in our company.