Sr. Project Engineer

It’s your time, make it matter.

At Peterson, we partner with our customers to build the future. For over 85 years, our peoples’ work has shaped the communities where we live, where we raise our families, and where we thrive. Peterson’s legacy permeates every aspect of our communities. From roads and bridges, back-up power at hospitals, fire-fighting, concerts and moving goods; we are everywhere you look. At Peterson, you don’t just have a career, you have a purpose.

Our family-oriented environment is built on safety, winning, growth, and professional achievement. Hiring and developing exceptional people is critical to our continued success. We have high standards for a good reason: our people represent Peterson, our family, our brand, and our values.

You have high expectations too. You are exceptionally motivated, have outstanding skills, and want your work to matter.  Peterson offers competitive wages, generous benefits, and promotional opportunities at a family-owned and operated business. It’s time to use your skills and passion to do work that matters!

Job Description

Peterson Power Systems has a need for a Sr. Project Engineer who can be based at either our Hillsboro, OR or San Leandro, CA location.

SUMMARY

The Senior Project Engineer collaborates and liaises with User Customers and various internal teams to provide accurate project cost estimates on well-designed, high performance, high reliability/availability power systems that provide exceptional customer value. Primary responsibilities include providing engineering and experiment design, supporting troubleshooting, and preparing project cost estimates and project schedules. This position also provides essential documentation, technical support, and drawings for new equipment sales to our external and internal customers. Additionally, this role designs new enclosures, specifying all aspects of the enclosures, for use by original equipment manufacturer (OEM) packagers for construction and is involved with electric power plant design.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign the functions to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. Job functions include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Work with Project Managers on assigned projects, acting as a technical liaison between Sales staff, Project Managers, and Customers.

• Collaborate and liaise with User Customers, internal Sales Representatives, Project Management teams, Project Engineering teams, and other internal departments to provide accurate project cost estimates on well-designed, high performance, high reliability/availability power systems that provide exceptional customer value.

• Provide Engineering support to the Sales Representatives, both pre and post sales including:

  • Initial design with process flow diagrams, process & instrumentation drawings, controls sequence of operations, one-line diagrams, and various tables and schedules.   

  • System integration and engineering of balance of plant such as heat recovery, cooling systems, sound attenuation, vibration, and motor starting.

  • Application engineering to assure the right prime mover and balance of plant components are supplied to achieve the performance and availability expectations/requirements of the customer.

  • Respond to engineering questions from customers’ engineering representative(s).

  • Perform design reviews of the total power system to assure the total Power Plant and/or cogeneration system and balance of plant will meet the performance and availability expectations/requirements of the customer.

  • Work with other Engineering and Project Management professionals within Peterson to assure the total power plant system’s integration is successful.

• Prepare project cost estimates for Reciprocating Engine or turbine Electric Power Generation projects (Gas Projects), Diesel Standby Power Systems, industrial engine, and marine projects as requested .

• Prepare detailed project schedules.

• Work cooperatively with team members to ensure project cost estimates and project schedules meet the customer’s needs and requirements.

• Work with Peterson’s Project Managers in an Engineering Support role, including but not limited to preparing drawings and submittals for review and approval by the customer.

• Work with internal Project Managers and Service departments to assure system startup and commissioning are performed in accordance with the contract documents and proper engineering and design practices are used.

• Work with Caterpillar District Sales Representative and Application Support Center to prepare accurate pricing and scheduling estimates.

• Work with non-CAT vendors to ensure a competitive accurate cost estimate is provided that meets the project specifications and drawings and other instructions.

• Develop processes that reduce the time required to prepare project estimates and increase their accuracy.

• Gather and create equipment and site design drawings, including Process Flow Diagrams and Process and Instrumentation Diagrams.

• Perform a technical review of the project specifications, drawings, national and local standards (i.e.  OSHPD, NFPA, California Air Resources Board etc.) and other pertinent information to ensure compliance with customers’ needs and local state and federal law.

• Prepare the project cost estimate and schedule in a format that complies with customers’ required documentation format.

• Provide preliminary equipment and site design drawings from our Project Engineering staff, when needed.

• Prepare operation and maintenance manuals and other close-out documentation, as needed.

• Maintain and revise/update the Peterson Power and CAT drawing databases.

• Success will be measured by working in concert with Contractors, Outside Engineering Firms, End

• Travel up to 25% of the time including out-of-state and internationally to visit job sites, collaborate with internal and external customers, and perform other essential job functions.  

• Operate company or personal vehicle as needed.

• Maintain regular, punctual, and predicable attendance.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree from a fully accredited college in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or other closely related field; and a minimum of seven (7) years of design experience, preferably in power generation ; or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.

• The ideal candidate will have one or more of the following:

  • Seven (7) or more years’ experience in the design and application of Gas Engine Power Plants and Cogeneration systems including heat balance, pumps, piping, cooling towers, piping design, exhaust systems, emissions after treatment, fuel handling and treatment, and engine room design.

  • Knowledge of local gas and electric utility rates

  • Knowledge of local environmental law

  • Experience in manufacturing or packaging sectors.

  • Experience creating plans and collecting data for experiments in connection with troubleshooting operational issues.

  • Experience with electrical design, including protective relay programming, fault calculations, and load flows.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Professional Engineer (PE) preferred.

• Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator’s license, with a satisfactory driving record

The pay range for this position is: $115,000.00 - $135,000.00 (Starting wage will depend on experience and education. We also offer a total compensation package in addition to base salary.)  This job also participates in a bonus plan.

Peterson Power Systems, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity and affirmative action. Minorities, females, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. A drug screen and background check is required.