Consulting Engineer (Turbine) - Oahu

hawaiianel•Pearl City, HI

About The Position

The P YE PS TECHNICAL SERVICES Department of the P POWER SUPPLY ENGINEERING Division at Hawaiian Electric Company has 1 Management vacancy available. (Role: Manager) JOB FUNCTION: Provides OEM-expert level field engineering and technical consulting services to the Hawaiian Electric Company’s generating plants’ older vintage steam turbines. Primary role and function includes identifying, troubleshooting, and resolving operational problems; optimizing maintenance and operational practices to enhance equipment performance, reliability, and remaining life; advising HECO maintenance crews and contractors on repair procedures; performing root cause analysis, specifying and evaluating NDT/NDE testing, maintaining QA/QC responsibilities; specifying and overseeing local resources for mechanical and machining work; and ensuring compliance with all applicable codes and regulations. The Senior Engineer Turbine will be solely responsible for all turbine operational and mechanical activities, including repair schedules, that support an island electrical grid system.

Requirements

Thorough knowledge of engineering fundamentals in the appropriate specialty areas (e.g., physics, chemistry, thermodynamics, power, analog and digital electronics, vector analysis, materials), normally acquired through advanced, college level courses or equivalent experience.
Thorough knowledge of specific equipment design, construction, operation and maintenance.
Working knowledge of appropriate federal, state, industry and company regulations codes and practices.
Working knowledge of personal computers and related software applications (e.g., spreadsheets, word-processing, project management, etc.).
Working knowledge of LEAN concepts and processes
Demonstrated leadership skills, decision making, and the ability to work with a variety of individuals.
Ability to perform, both as individual contributor and as a leader or member of self-directed work teams.
Keeping abreast of latest industry developments for maintenance and/or operational optimization, evaluating same, and applying those, which satisfy HECO’s strategic and tactical objectives.
General troubleshooting skills - ability to perform root-cause analyses.
In-depth analytical, computational, and organizing skills for technical writing, record keeping, statistical computations and economic analyses.
Ability to effectively communicate/negotiate with all customers and suppliers, both internal and external, through verbal and/or written interaction.
Demonstrated presentation/facilitation skills to conduct group meetings and train department personnel.
Must have or be able to qualify for a State of Hawaii driver’s license. Must meet the standards for driving positions stated in the Hiring Standards for Driving Positions policy. These standards may be adjusted periodically to meet business and safety objectives.
Extensive experience (12 or more years) in plant operation and maintenance, with particular emphasis in steam turbine/combustion turbine overhaul, troubleshooting, and maintenance planning.

Nice To Haves

Five or more years as Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Field Engineer highly preferable.
Five or more years with relevant utility experience highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Provides advanced engineering expertise and develops strategies in the performance of steam turbine overhauls and equipment repairs to address cost-effective maintenance. Provides engineering direction, develops, and conducts necessary testing and other strategies to resolve conditions of steam turbines and associated assigned equipment.
Leads, instructs, coordinates and directs assigned staff in the performance of steam turbine overhauls and equipment repairs to ensure appropriate cost-effective maintenance. Assesses equipment condition, evaluates repair alternatives, and makes timely and appropriate recommendations. Follows through to closure.
Plans and forecasts for critical steam turbine outage work, including maintenance recommendations, resource allocation, and vendor/consultant coordination, to ensure strategic goals and objectives. Recommendations are based on thorough review of maintenance and operational records and data, past and present, and latest industry and/or OEM standards and practices.
Researches, coordinates and directs complex technical assignments expected to result in new or improved steam turbine operational and/or maintenance practices and procedures. Serves as technical consultant to the station, MECO and HELCO.
Develops, monitors and refines steam turbine condition assessment programs, using state-of-the-art techniques where appropriate.
Investigates steam turbine equipment failures and enlists support of other departments and/or consultants as needed, to analyze and resolve the problem(s).
Maintains appropriate department records and statistics, and makes timely distribution of same.
Provides training for department personnel as the need arises.
Performs economic evaluations as necessary, including both theoretical and actual cost/benefit analyses. Recommends cost-effective equipment modifications and/or additions
Facilitates, coordinates, develops and supports various LEAN, reliability and continuous improvement initiatives/processes/programs. Programs include Root Cause Failure Analysis program, Near Miss program, LEAN program activities, and Lessons Learned program. Collaborates with Operations, Maintenance, Planning, and other Departments to implement work process improvements.
Promotes teamwork and self-directed workforce to support quality initiatives and Company values.
Supports two-way communications to ensure a focused and well-informed workforce.
Participates in Company emergency response activities as assigned, including any activities required to prepare for such emergency response.