Sr. Performance Engineer *** $15,000 Signing Bonus + Relocation Assistance ***

Dairyland Power Cooperative; La Crosse (WI); On-site; USD 135,000 - 203,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & disability benefits

Life insurance

Generous 401(k) and Pension Plans

Paid Time Off

Wellness Program

Tuition Reimbursement

New Flexible Work Program

Job summary

Dairyland Power Cooperative in Wisconsin seeks a Sr. Performance Engineer to lead advanced analytical programs for plant performance monitoring, testing, and optimization. You will direct long‑term strategies to improve reliability and efficiency of generation facilities, coordinating with fuels, operations and management to drive significant performance gains.

Qualifications include a B.S. in Engineering or Physical Sciences with at least 10 years in power plant engineering, strong modeling and

Qualifications

• Knowledge of power plant operation and thermodynamic modeling.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in plant testing, reporting, and engineering analysis.
• Ability to coordinate with engineers, consultants, and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategies for improving power plant performance through monitoring and evaluation processes.
• Provide advanced analytical guidance to fuels decisions for plant combustion.
• Develop, validate and optimize computer-based performance models for generating units.
• Maintain a plant performance database and compile performance data for reports to internal and external agencies.
• Lead performance testing to establish baseline data and monitor heat rate and efficiency improvements.
• Serve as a technical resource on performance topics for plant staff and management.
• Oversee and enhance computer-based models to optimize power production efficiencies.
• Initiate and lead performance-related capital projects and engineering calculations.
• Provide oversight for testing activities of contractors and DPC staff.
• Prepare progress reports for executives and regulators with data, analysis, and calculations.
• Maintain engineering expertise through continuing education and professional interactions.
• Lead and mentor other Operations engineers and staff.

Skills

Power plant operation

Thermodynamic modeling

Analytical ability

Project management

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

B.S. Degree in Engineering

Job description

Are you ready to join an organization where we focus on People First, have fun at work and make a difference in what we do?

Dairyland is proud of our People First culture centered around appreciation, celebrating wins and collaboration. We’ve worked hard to ensure alignment between our culture and our processes and systems, learning and development and rewards and recognition programs.

As a team, we work together to leverage the team’s diverse perspectives, ideas and experiences to deliver nothing less than the best. We are collaborative, transparent and committed to our People and their work experience, growth and professional development.

Please note this position is open only to U.S. citizens.

• $15,000 Sign-On Bonus ***

We are pleased to offer a competitive sign-on bonus to new employees who join our team. This bonus is our way of welcoming you to Dairyland Power Cooperative and recognizing the unique skills and expertise you bring to our organization.

Hiring Salary:

$135,400 - $203,100

Compensation is determined by a combination of factors, including but not limited to education, work experience, and certifications. The actual offer may vary, reflecting the candidate's unique blend of experience, educational background, and skill level.

The Sr. Performance Engineer is responsible to provide advanced analytical and strategic leadership in the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of plant performance monitoring and testing programs, ensuring the optimal economic and reliable performance of power production equipment and systems. Lead the design and execution of programs that drive sustained plant performance improvements, including enterprise-wide heat rate training, awareness, and accountability initiatives. Direct and coordinate long-term optimization strategies for generation facilities, ensuring alignment with organizational performance, reliability, and efficiency objectives.

The Impact You'll Make In This Role:

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Lead and set direction for developing strategies for improving power plant performance through an effective monitoring program and performance evaluation process. Oversee and ensure continuous improvement of analytical computer software used to track, evaluate and report plant performance.
• Provide advanced analytical expertise and strategic guidance to the Fuels Department to help evaluate and select various fuels for power plant combustion.
• Lead the development, validation and optimization of computer-based performance models for each generating unit, which will guide the operations in adjusting process variables within their control to attain best possible power production efficiencies.
• Direct and confirm accuracy of activities to maintain a plant performance database and compile data used in reporting plant performance data for in-house and outside agencies (i.e., GADs, DOE (EIA), MISO, NERC, etc.).
• Lead and oversee 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.
• Serve as a primary technical resource and subject matter expert for power plant staff on performance related topics.
• Conduct and lead advanced thermodynamic analysis of power plant cycles/equipment using computer-modeling techniques where applicable. Identify and work to resolve deviations from standards or operating procedures. Develop and communicate test results providing information contributing to improved plant performance and efficiencies for plant operators and management.
• Oversee and enhance computer-based performance models, which guide and attain optimal power production efficiencies. Evaluate and direct the use of computer programs to model the impact of operational changes and/or unit modifications on plant operations under the direction of plant management.
• Initiate, plan, and lead performance related capital projects designed to improve and/or address plant performance issues. Provide technical leadership for engineering design calculations and sketches, independently or with technical assistance from staff engineers, consultants, and/or contractors.
• Provide technical oversight and direction for testing performance-related activities of contractors, vendors and assigned DPC staff.
• Develop, review and present progress reports for assigned projects. Lead discussions 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.
• Lead, mentor, and develop other Operations division engineers and staff.
• Provide leadership and influence as a team member on multi-department projects or committees.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Your Experience and Expertise:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience:

B.S. Degree in Engineering or Physical Sciences with a minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in project management, plant engineering, operations, or maintenance. Demonstrated expertise in power plant performance, including analysis, modeling, and advanced use of computer applications. Proven capability in project planning, engineering design, and budgeting. Strong track record of cross-functional collaboration within the cooperative and effective coordination with professional engineers, consultants, contractors, public agencies, and other external 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.

Dairyland 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.

If you are an individual with disabilities who needs accommodation or you are having difficulty using our website to apply for employment, contact our HR Department at 608-788-4000.