Controls Engineering CO-OP - Performance Group (Spring 2025)

Position: Controls Engineering Co-Op

Department: Performance Group

Start Date: January 2025

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.

POSITION OVERVIEW AND KFI CULTURE

At KFI, we view Internships and co-ops as an investment in our future. Our interns are typically responsible for performing engineering tasks, providing input and technical expertise, and working closely with management, project team, and clients.

The Controls Engineering Co-Op solves problems by applying both industrial and commercial control technologies to a variety of fields, with an emphasis on energy systems. The position requires technical competence, creativity, attention to detail, self-direction, and a commitment to excellent customer service.

The successful candidate will contribute to all phases of the project lifecycle, including:

1. Conceptual design
2. Control panel and network design
3. Equipment specification and procurement
4. Programmable Logic Controller programming
5. HMI/SCADA development
6. Construction support and startup
7. Commissioning
8. Training
9. Ongoing maintenance and support

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

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

1. Prepare design documents: system architecture diagrams, schematic and panel layout drawings, installation drawings, functional descriptions, and equipment specifications.
2. Assist in writing and debugging control logic for programmable logic controllers or similar platforms.
3. Assist in writing and debugging control logic for Direct Digital Controls (DDC) or similar platforms.
4. Develop applications using a variety of SCADA and HMI software.
5. Utilize SQL for analytical data collection.
6. Assist in startup and troubleshooting new systems in the field, including controllers, networks, instrumentation, and control devices.
7. Troubleshoot low voltage control and electrical circuits.
8. Write control sequence of operations.
9. Assist with commissioning and fine-tuning control systems.
10. Learn to use new tools as technology and company needs evolve.
11. Research topics and present to the Performance Group team.

Additionally, this position will likely work to assist in the delivery of other Performance Group or other departmental projects. This work will require, but not be limited to, the following:

1. Perform site visits to collect equipment information and assess system operations.
2. Analyze system operational performance and develop recommendations to improve operations and energy efficiency.
3. Support other Commissioning and Recommissioning activities.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

1. Pursuing an Associate or Bachelor's Degree in an Engineering related discipline.
2. Understanding of control system architecture and sequence of operation development, control panel layout/design, control logic development in PLC (Allen Bradley/Emerson) or DCS environments and HMI (Wonderware) system application development.
3. Experience specifying instrumentation for flow, pressure, temperature and be capable of selecting and sizing modulating valves for steam and water applications.
4. Proficiency in written and verbal communications.
5. Ability to conduct client meetings and project presentations and excellent problem solving and troubleshooting skills.
6. Self-directed, but thrive in an environment where consultation and collaboration lead to superior outcomes.
7. Ability to quickly learn software applications relating to control systems.

CORE BEHAVIORS

Accountable

1. Demonstrates persistence in the achievement of goals.
2. Acts with a sense of urgency.
3. Takes responsibility for own actions.

Business Focus

1. Demonstrates agility, adapts well to changes.
2. Works well under pressure.
3. Meets commitments to internal/external customers.

Project Execution

1. Plans projects well, managing last-minute rushes and disruptions.
2. Balances Speed and Quality.
3. Looks for improvement in our delivery, tools and processes.

Demonstrates Respect for Others

1. Keeps others adequately informed.
2. Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views.
3. Adapts communication style and method based on audience and situation.

Team Player

1. Balances team and individual responsibilities.
2. Shares expertise with others.
3. Inspires respect and trust.

WORK PROJECTS BY PAST INTERNS/CO-OP

1. Performed in-depth analysis of actual heat loads in MCC rooms to understand cooling system design and efficiency and identify potential improvement areas.
2. Designed and conducted a long-range Utility Study that included project planning, analysis and review of recommendations with customers.
3. Conducted an extensive energy modeling study for a new high school, as well as the Mall of America.
4. Performed HVAC assessment and commissioning services for clients at diverse locations, including clinics, power plants, university buildings, and K-12 schools.
5. Identified energy-wasting HVAC system deficiencies for clients by analyzing past utility usage and current equipment performance, and made recommissioning recommendations based on calculated projected energy savings and payback periods.
6. Prepared an analysis of a ground-source heat pump system.
7. Developed engineering calculation tools that enhanced efficiency and accuracy of various calculations.

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.

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.