Controls Engineering Co-op - Performance

POSITION SPECIFICATION

Position: Controls Engineering Co-op

Department: Performance Group

Start Date: Fall Term 2025

WHO WE ARE

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. With KFI, we find a way to provide creative solutions to unique projects while providing the same care we would expect if we were the client. For more information about KFI Engineers and our culture, please visit www.kfi-eng.com.

THE OPPORTUNITY

At KFI, we see Co-ops as a valuable investment in our future. Our Co-op program offers you the opportunity to learn our business, gain exposure to various projects and industry sectors, and enhance your engineering skills.

Co-op Program Benefits

• Hands-on, real-world experience in the consulting engineering industry
• Work with impactful projects
• Learning opportunities through mentorship
• Network with leading experts in the industry.

RESPONSIBILITIES

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.

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

• Site visits to gather field information as required.
• Perform engineering calculations and develop Excel spreadsheets.
• Prepare design documents (system architecture diagrams, schematics, panel layouts, installation drawings, functional descriptions, equipment specifications).
• Write control sequence of operations.
• Analyze system operational performance and develop recommendations for improvement.
• Assist in writing and debugging control logic for programmable logic controllers (PLCs), Direct Digital Controls (DDC), and/or similar platforms.
• Develop applications using SCADA and HMI software.
• Utilize SQL for analytical data collection.
• Assist in startup, commissioning, and fine-tuning of control systems.
• Troubleshoot low voltage control and electrical circuits.
• Participate in company meetings, providing analysis, input, and recommendations.
• Assist in developing and maintaining project schedules.
• Manage workload across assigned activities to meet deadlines.
• Write reports and present research to the Performance Group team.
• Learn to use new tools as technology and company needs evolve.
• Support other Commissioning and Recommissioning activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

REQUIREMENTS

• Pursuing an Associate or Bachelor's Degree in an Engineering related discipline.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the US on a permanent basis without the need for work sponsorship now or in the future.
• Knowledge of computer technology and specific areas of application, including MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Ability to quickly learn software applications relating to control systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team and to adapt to changing work demands and priorities.
• Displays professional engineering ethics and complies with KFI policies and procedures.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Organized and able to manage time effectively.
• Ability and willingness to travel if needed.

Preferred

• Completion of one+ years of college coursework.
• Working knowledge of engineering design software (e.g. AutoCad, Revit, or similar).
• Possess 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.
• Experience specifying instrumentation for flow, pressure, temperature and be capable of selecting and sizing modulating valves for steam and water applications.
• Ability to conduct client meetings and project presentations and excellent problem solving and troubleshooting skills.

Working Conditions

• Occasionally, some work locations will feature the tough terrain typical of construction sites or require lifting or moving field testing equipment.

PREVIOUS STUDENT PROJECTS

• Performed in-depth analysis of actual heat loads in MCC rooms to understand cooling system design and efficiency and identify potential improvement areas.
• Designed and conducted a long-range Utility Study that included project planning, analysis and review of recommendations with customers.
• Conducted an extensive energy modeling study for a new high school, as well as a large shopping mall.
• Performed HVAC assessment and commissioning services for clients at diverse locations, including clinics, power plants, university buildings, and K-12 schools.
• 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.
• Prepared an analysis of a ground-source heat pump system.
• Developed engineering calculation tools that enhanced efficiency and accuracy of various calculations.

CORE BEHAVIORS

Accountable

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

Business Focus

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

Project Execution

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

Demonstrates Respect for Others

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

Team Player

• Balances team and individual responsibilities.
• Shares expertise with others.
• Inspires respect and trust.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover 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 EOE including veterans and disability.