Performance Engineer III - JPM

Dairyland Power Cooperative; Alma (WI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & disability benefits

Generous 401(k) and Pension Plans

Paid Time Off

Robust Wellness Program

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Dairyland Power Cooperative in Alma, Wisconsin is seeking an experienced engineer to provide analytical and logistic support in optimizing plant performance. Responsibilities include developing performance monitoring programs and overseeing operational adjustments for efficiency.

The ideal candidate will possess a B.S. in Engineering with a minimum of five years of experience. This position provides an opportunity to lead significant performance improvement projects in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in project management, plant engineering, operations, or maintenance.
• Expertise in power plant performance activities, including analysis and modeling.
• Proven involvement in project planning, engineering design, and budgeting.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategies for improving power plant performance.
• Provide analytical support to the Fuels Department.
• Maintain a plant performance database and compile data.

Skills

Power plant performance activities

Thermodynamic modeling

Written and oral communication skills

Project management

Computer literacy

Education

B.S. Degree in Engineering or Physical Sciences

Job description

Provide analytical and logistic support to develop and maintain plant performance monitoring and testing programs, optimizing the economical and reliable performance of power production equipment and systems. Develop programs that track improved plant performance and initiate actions focused on heat rate efficiencies and awareness. Also, direct activities relating to continuing plant optimization of the Alma Site.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Lead in developing strategies for improving power plant performance through an effective monitoring program and performance evaluation process.
• Develop, implement and maintain analytical computer software used to track, evaluate and report plant performance.
• Provide analytical support to the Fuels Department to help evaluate and select various fuels for power plant combustion.
• Develop, maintain, or support a computer based performance model for JPM, which will guide the operations in adjusting process variables within their control to attain best possible power production efficiencies.
• Maintain a plant performance database and compile Alma Site data used in reporting plant performance for in‑house and outside agencies (i.e., GADs, DOE (EIA), MISO, NERC, etc.).
• Lead in the development and implementation of generation station performance testing, supporting plant performance improvement goals and objectives.
• Coordinate and oversee periodic power plant testing to develop and update baseline data for tracking of component heat balance and net station heat rate.
• Be a resource for power plant staff on performance related topics.
• Assist in day to day Operations oversight and troubleshooting as identified through the work process.
• Conduct thermodynamic analysis of power plant cycles/equipment using computer‑modeling techniques where applicable.
• Identify and work to resolve deviations from standards or operating procedures.
• Create and publish test results providing information contributing to improved plant performance and efficiencies for plant operators and management.
• Develop and maintain computer‑based performance models, which will guide and attain best possible power production efficiencies.
• Use and evaluate computer programs to model the impact of operational changes and/or unit modifications on plant operations under the direction of plant management.
• Initiate, plan, develop and implement performance related capital projects designed to improve and/or address plant performance issues.
• Perform engineering design calculations and sketches, independently or with technical assistance from engineering, consultants, and/or contractors.
• Supervise testing of performance-related activities of contractors, vendors and assigned DPC staff.
• Submit and present progress reports for assigned projects.
• Occasionally discuss with Executive Management, the Board of Directors, or regulatory agencies project summary report data, analysis, and calculations in order to ensure efficiency and expediency of project completion.
• Maintain engineering expertise through continuing education, conference attendance, and cultivation of professional contacts in the power industry.
• Participate as a team member for Alma Site projects or committees.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education & Experience: B.S. Degree in Engineering or Physical Sciences with a minimum of five (5) years of experience in project management, plant engineering, operations, or maintenance, demonstrating progressively increasing responsibility and complexity.
• Expertise in power plant performance activities, including analysis, modeling, and the use of computer applications.
• Proven involvement in project planning, engineering design, and budgeting, with a strong track record of collaborating across diverse departments and divisions within the cooperative, as well as with professional engineers, consultants, contractors, public agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Skills: Knowledge of power plant operation and thermodynamic modeling and applications; well‑developed written and oral communication skills; management oversight and coordination of plant resources and personnel; experience in plant testing and reporting, computer science, engineering economic analysis and power station engineering design, operation and maintenance; computer literacy; ability to work cooperatively with people at all levels.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Possess or be qualified to attain Professional Engineering Registration.
• Valid Driver’s License.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

Work indoors and outdoors, frequently in extreme heat, cold, noise, and mechanical hazards. Occasionally work at heights, and around explosive, electrical, fume/odor, dust, radiation, radioactive contamination, and chemical hazards. Work alongside or near heavy construction equipment, high speed rotating machinery, high voltage, high amperage electrical equipment, and high pressure/temperature equipment systems and components.

BENEFITS

• Health & disability benefits (medical, dental, vision, short & long-term disability)
• Life insurance
• Generous 401(k) and Pension Plans
• Paid Time Off
• Robust Wellness Program
• New Flexible Work Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• So much more!

Dairyland Power Cooperative is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.