Job

Position

Pump and Energy Efficiency Expert

Location

BOC - Indianapolis, IN

Job Description

Reporting to the VP of Operations Technical Support (OTS) within the Technical Direction Group (TDG), this position was created to provide support and expert assistance for pumping matters at VWNA facilities and optimize hydraulic systems. 

The individual in this position will assist with the development and implementation of:

- energy efficiency methodology and initiatives
- the deployment of equipment optimization programs

This person will also be responsible for documenting and reporting changes that yield significant cost savings.

This position will provide the technical expertise to assist Veolia Water projects solve chronic pumping problems and continually assess operating reports to determine areas for improvements.

This person will direct and coordinate serious pump failure investigations and troubleshoot problems to determine root cause, and then make recommendations to mitigate. 

The Pump Expert will take the lead with the development, implementation, and monitoring of continuous improvement action plans involving pumps, blowers and other hydraulic systems…

As a mechanical equipment expert, this individual will be required to travel throughout North America and may need to travel outside North America (i.e. Europe) periodically.

Being based at the VWNA BOC in Indianapolis, IN, would be a plus.

Primary Responsibilities/Job Duties

  • Plans, designs, implements and trains on energy efficiency methodology (including establishing proper documentation and on site testing). Does so in compliance with the VW worldwide TD policies and methodologies.
  • Plans, performs, and directs technical projects and related activities including the installation, commissioning, overhaul, and troubleshooting of centrifugal pumps.
  • Provide expertise in the applications, system analysis, and troubleshooting of centrifugal, axial and mixed flow pumps and drive systems including electric motors, gear drives, engines, clutches, drive shafts, and bearings.
  • Be involved in the engineering, purchasing, installation, and operation of the full range of centrifugal pumps to a wide spectrum of water & wastewater processes and systems.
  • Provide innovative conceptual ideas for fluid systems and their components to optimize performance.
  • Communicate ideas and scientific principles to the client, and business colleagues.
  • Use a personal computer to compile information in databases, spreadsheets, word processing software, and access information from the Internet.
  • Interface with pump and equipment vendors and serve as point contact for hydraulic issues.
  • Interface and work in close collaboration with VWNA process experts to derive “greener” options and/or more energy efficient ones.
  • Conduct an ongoing review of operating performance reports in order to make periodic recommendations regarding energy savings opportunities.
  • Perform periodic internal technical audits and external audits (i.e. to supplier’ facilities).
  • Lead internal, inquiry or investigative meetings on pumping problems and new technical initiatives.
  • Assist technically the Sourcing Department in identifying the best suppliers and technologies for negotiated pumping and hydraulics systems.
  • Develop and lead the execution of corrective action plans.
  • Review treatment facility records to ensure basic cost savings opportunities are being taken.
  • Maintain database of equipment performance for significant users for monitoring and reporting purposes.
  • Review operating activities reports and recommend corrective action, when necessary.
  • Track all deviations from baseline KPIs and recommend corrective actions.
  • Lead investigations of major equipment failures and submits appropriate reports
  • Direct studies of problems encountered in plant operation or hydraulic improvements in an effort to mitigate chronic problems
  • Respond to common inquiries from customers, clients or business colleagues.
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Education and Experience

Educational Background

Graduate of a recognized college of science or engineering, with a major in mechanical, civil or hydraulic, engineering or the equivalent.

Job Skills/Characteristics

  • Experience with Centrifugal pump systems and the application of pumping equipment.
  • Experience with blowers or other hydraulic systems a plus
  • Strong knowledge of rotating equipment, installation, maintenance and control of centrifugal pumps and their ancillary systems.
  • Centrifugal pump experience with a firm understanding of the water and wastewater industry that utilizes the equipment.
  • Knowledge of all aspects of pump, pump drive and pump seal technology.
  • Possess basic knowledge and experience in materials and their properties used in pump manufacture and coatings.
  • Strong mechanical and hydraulic aptitude.
  • Sufficient knowledge of electrical and digital systems (VFD included).
  • Ability to read and understand mechanical and electrical drawings and technical documentation.
  • Duties include pump system evaluation, application analysis, NPSH determinations, performance determination, and testing.
  • Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
  • Experience with providing diagnostic evaluations of deficient hardware.
  • Familiar with vibration monitoring tools and using vibration diagnostic data to complement other hydraulic and mechanical parameters for diagnostic and troubleshooting efforts.
  • Pump applications include potable water supply, municipal sewage conveyance and industrial applications.
  • Ability to research, read and interpret hydraulic technical data, make logical analyses, and prepare appropriate written and oral reports
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals.
  • Ability to effectively communicate ideas and scientific principles to others in the company
  • Ability to use a personal computer and be familiar with software for databases, spreadsheets, word processing, and accessing information from the Internet
  • Having obtained water or wastewater operator certifications to perform these duties is a plus
  • Ability to perform pump equipment assessment and on-site testing tasks including the ability to gain access by foot to remote locations
  • Ability to transfer his knowledge to operators through trainings and on-site missions
  • Experience in water and wastewater treatment and pumping requirements is highly preferred
  • Understanding of the economic and engineering principles involved in water and wastewater pumping operations and an appreciation of operating efficiency
  • Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of practical problems and to derive practical methodologies to be applied on site.
  • Ability to understand nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, etc.)
  • Sound judgment to properly weigh the relative importance of the various problems involved in the work
  • Assist technical managers with pumping and hydraulic questions when required
  • Must demonstrate ability to work in a team environment and willingness to assume additional or new responsibilities readily
  • Ability to complete a physical fit test to wear a respirator and any required safety equipment necessary to perform these duties
  • Demonstrate the appreciation of the confidential nature of company information and to treat it accordingly
  • Knowledge and experience with centrifugal compressors will be a plus
  • Requires a wide range of independent action and decision making
  • Ability to document job activities in written reports
  • Ensure all activities are conducted safely and in accordance with company Health & Safety policies
  • Valid driver’s license and good driving record

Experience/Knowledge

  • Over five (5) years of relevant experience in maintenance and troubleshooting work.
  • Experience in water resources, water or wastewater treatment is highly preferable.

Work Environment

  • The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Frequently sits, occasionally stands, walks, reaches with hands and arms, climbs or balances, stoops, kneels, crouches, or crawls, tastes or smells and lifts up to twenty five pounds.

Apply for this Job

Please send your resume via email to vwnahqjobs@veoliawaterna.com.  If this is an internal application, please forward your application along with your resume to this address as well.  For all, please list this positions job title in the subject heading.  No phone calls, please. 

Posting Date

2/17/2010

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