Sr Renewable Controls Specialist

The Sr Renewable Controls Specialist at Berkshire Hathaway Energy in Urbandale, IA, is responsible for technical work in planning, designing, and maintaining renewable control systems. Key responsibilities include troubleshooting, programming SCADA systems, and providing technical direction for projects. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in engineering or relevant experience, with at least 8 years in PLC programming, strong problem-solving skills, and effective communication abilities.
Job Description

The Sr Renewable Controls Specialist provides technical work and directs others in technical work in the planning, designing, procurement and construction of additions, changes or maintenance to BHE Renewable's renewable units plant logic, SCADA and control systems. The Sr Renewable Controls Specialist will participate in the direction of work for the engineer I and II, technical specialists, contractors. The technical specialist will also provide assistance to engineer I and II, senior engineers, managers and principal engineers on higher level projects.

Responsibilities
• Provide technical support for control system administrative functions including patches, upgrades, and troubleshooting of the renewable control systems, PLC control systems, SCADA systems and electronic control instruments
• Perform/assist in programming and upgrades in the SCADA system(s)
• Improve current process by auditing current programs and other renewable performance parameters and positively affect availability or reliability
• Provide technical direction for troubleshooting, calibrating and maintaining plant control systems, communication equipment and software
• Diagnose OPC communication, and control system issues and implement enhancements or solutions
• Provide technical support for the planning, design and construction of project additions or maintenance of the renewable control systems
• Provide technical support for remote equipment monitoring and data collection including maintaining an accurate alarm management system and data history
• Assist in control equipment maintenance, calibration and control logic diagnosis
• Assist in troubleshooting of electrical, mechanical and operational issues
• Perform additional responsibilities as requested or assigned

Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, power plant appropriate science discipline or business (6 years of related, progressive work experience would be needed for candidates applying for this position who do not possess a bachelor's degree)
• 8 or more years of experience in PLC programming with hands-on practical experience needed to fully understand the plant processes and ability to make modifications as needed to reduce equipment downtime and minimize costs
• High level of technical knowledge, judgment and capability in controls and instrumentation
• Effective communicator with technical and managerial personnel within and external to BHE Renewables
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Advanced analytical skills
• Advanced project management skills
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently
• Ability to use Microsoft Office tools, Excel, Access, and Word

Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

About Us

BHE Renewables owns interests in several independent power projects in the U.S. BHE Renewables owns solar, wind, geothermal, hydro and natural gas projects that largely sell their output to regulated utilities. The company's portfolio includes projects and assets in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York and Texas. BHE Renewables is building a first-of-its-kind solar-powered microgrid that will be the start of an aerospace manufacturing hub in West Virginia.

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.