What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, Engineering - Lithium position at Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company?
The Director of Engineering, Lithium, is a senior-level position that conducts projects to support the safe, reliable, efficient, and cost-effective for lithium and other mineral development through the implementation of human performance improvement tools and engineering practices and principles. This position will be supporting operations at the BHE Renewables direct lithium extraction (DLE) plant in Calipatria, CA. The position applies technical expertise to complex projects and develops process enhancements. The position is also responsible for developing and maintaining engineering standards and specifications. 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.
- 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.
- Organize project staff based on project requirements and skill levels of staff; assign project staff to specific phases of projects such as technical studies, product design, preparation of specifications and technical plans, construction, field implementation, testing and project turnover to operations.
- 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.
- Perform additional responsibilities, including special projects, as requested, or assigned.
- Bachelor’s degree in chemical or mechanical engineering is required.
- 10 years of engineering experience, preferably with some experience in direct lithium extraction. Some supervisory/management experience preferred. Must possess effective interpersonal skills, leadership abilities and relationship-building skills.
- Must be on site at the lithium recovery plant located in Calipatria, California, during peak construction or tests, or as requested. May work at the San Diego, CA location on other days.
- Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions.
- Must possess effective interpersonal skills, leadership abilities and relationship-building skills.
- Able to mentor and provide direction to process engineers, as needed.
- 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.
Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation. We celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we are 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, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law.
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Position descriptions are developed as guides for the employees of BHE Renewables. The management team of BHE Renewables reserves the right to modify job responsibilities and position requirements to meet the corporate business goals and needs.
