Director of Engineering

Job Description

The director of engineering plans, conducts and directs engineering projects to support the safe, efficient and economical operations of the geothermal facilities through the implementation of engineering practices and principles and provides recommendations for maintenance of all plant equipment. The position is responsible for identifying and effecting development and expansion opportunities as well as appropriate standards and specifications for all operations, maintenance installations and capital projects. The position manages the engineering staff, applying technical expertise to complex projects, developing process enhancements and representing the organization in outside discussions and technical forums. Maintains a close relationship with the operations and maintenance department and technical departments at the Imperial Valley.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop and coordinate engineering projects based on project requirements; prepare preliminary and final plans, project specifications, feasibility studies on proposed projects, economic reports and cost estimates.
• Adhere to all inside and outside regulatory compliance requirements.
• Adhere to, support and enforce all safety and environmental rules, policies and procedures.
• Review project design for compliance with engineering principles, company standards, customer contract requirements and applicable codes and specifications.
• Coordinate activities concerned with technical developments, scheduling and resolving engineering design and test problems.
• Develop and implement detailed strategic and tactical plans and budgets, control expenditures within limitation of project budgets.
• Recommend and implement plant and equipment performance testing related to the reliability, operability and efficiency of the specific equipment and its relationship to plant operations.
• Perform administrative activities necessary for the effective management of the department, including employee safety, selection and development of employees, salary administration, budget administration, employee counseling and motivation, organization goals and objectives, and planning, organizing, integrating, measuring, and reporting the work performed within the department.
• Responds to operating needs. Provides direction for plants and equipment performance evaluation, optimizing resource use and maximizing reliable power generation and revenue from the regions.
• Directs the plant engineers in monitoring plant efficiencies and process adjustments and troubleshooting all process-related issues to maximize revenues and plan capacity.
• Direct and trains the plant engineers in maximizing the efficiencies of the processes for the plants for which they are responsible. Works closely with the operations site managers in assisting in identification of process issues and the correction of the processes to maximize efficiency of the plants.
• Provides services to operations and maintenance as required. Maintains close contact with these groups to evaluate plant equipment performance, recommend design/specification improvements, trend project performance, technology upgrades and keeps up to date with the technologies utilized in the processes and research those needed for special projects.
• Develop conceptual designs along with the plant engineers, project engineers and site managers for plant improvement projects. Works with engineering and/or resource and maintenance to implement improvements.
• Perform any additional responsibilities as requested or assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, technical or business- related field with emphasis on engineering.
• Professional certification or recognition, or advanced degree preferred.
• Ten years of engineering experience, preferably in the energy industry. Some supervisory/management experience preferred. Must possess effective interpersonal skills, leadership abilities and relationship-building skills.
• Must be proficient with the English language with the ability to communicate clearly and precisely. Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, the general public, and employees at all levels.
• Must have experience creating and managing budgets and experience successfully managing large projects. Facilities management helpful.
• Must have successfully completed engineering curriculum mathematical requirements.
• Must demonstrate effective analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills. Must be able to make clear and precise decisions in critical situations. Must have ability to prioritize and handle multiple projects and issues concurrently.
• Must have the ability to use technical skills to focus ideas onto substantial projects. Must show a willingness to learn, as well as to clearly communicate complex ideas and concepts to those with less technical background.
• The ability to define obscure and incomplete problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Must be able to conceptualize and develop creative alternative to problem resolution.
• During the course of performing assigned duties the employee may be required to work with or be exposed to hazardous substance and occupational hazards.
• A valid United States driver’s license is required.

About Us

BHE Renewables delivers sustainable energy solutions for customers and communities. We own, operate and develop wind, solar, geothermal, hydroelectric and natural gas projects in 11 U.S. states. The power generated is sold into energy markets or directly to customers through long-term purchase agreements.

Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, BHE Renewables is an innovative and growing company with new offices in Phoenix and San Diego. Our 50/50 joint venture with Occidental Petroleum has led to a demonstration project showing how TerraLithium technology is used to extract lithium from the brine presently flowing through our geothermal plants in Imperial Valley, CA.

Joy is Renewable! It’s not just a catchphrase; it describes our approach to people. Our teams are often found connecting, giving back and having fun doing it. We celebrate the unique backgrounds, talents and life experiences each person brings, making us stronger together. The BHE Renewables CARES program supports employee volunteerism and investments in our communities.

About the Team

BHE Renewables is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation.