-Adjusting to 24/7 work -Project case study -How do engineers get information today?

1. Michael Uttech
Project Manager,
Patrick Engineering

2. Engineering & Project
Management

3. Engineers
• Entering the work force today
• My experience (millivolts to megavolts)
• Having an engineering degree means you
are “trainable”
• Baseline knowledge insufficient for productive
and technically competent solutions
consistently
• We go into the opportunity with the mind set
that we must establish the culture first in
order for the individual to grow

4. Transition to Project Management
• Identify the path – technical vs. project/program
management
• At Patrick, we subscribe to early detection to attempt
to build and grow future project managers organically
• Using the mentor-protégé approach to new staff in the
role as project engineer or project manager
• The project manager needs a more broad
understanding of the technical components but more
detailed knowledge of the project approach, budget
and schedule
• Have to be willing to take some risks, use actual
project and client work to grade performance and
observe leadership ability

5. Adjusting to 24/7 work
• At Patrick, we encourage the use of
technology and transparency
– File sharing/development tools with clients
– Don’t wait till it’s due, be willing to partner
– Flexible work schedules, open access
– Results driven focus (anytime & anywhere)
– We seek proactive leaders that are self directed
and motivated, avoiding issues with the time
clock
– We have to be “open to new methods”

6. Project Profile – Patrick Engineering
• Confidential client located in Pacific Northwest
• Lead Program Manager, prime contractor
responsible for development of 43 unique design
projects using design-bid-build approach
(transmission, substation, distribution, P&C,
SCADA, standby generation and AF/SCC)
• Decision was made not to staff an office in the
Pacific Northwest
• Work was being executed out of offices in Illinois,
Michigan and Florida
• Just completed 8 week field survey of all existing
infrastructure and utilities; no personnel on site

7. Project Profile – Patrick Engineering
• Client experiences catastrophic failure of existing power
substation (40 MVA)
• Event occurs @ 1400 hours on 7.08.2010 with root cause
presumed to be contractor error in operation, at the time, and
no one is injured
• Phone call received @ 0700 hours from client on 7.09.2010
with request for help & forensic analysis (the story about
Rapid City, SD)
• Personnel dispatched from Midwest to Pacific Northwest by
1500 hours, same day, along with proposal for forensic
analysis and restoration of power support
• Upon arrival, portable generation was onsite providing power
• We provided recommendations on short term and long term
restoration of power along with forensic analysis on 7.21.2010

8. Project Profile – Patrick Engineering
• Lessons to be conveyed to other engineers
– Embodies the Eleven Distinguishing Traits
– Change the mind set, this is not maintenance
work but “exciting” work, opportunity to grow and
learn in the field
– Proactive approach to solving complex problem
– Encourage direct and tough debate over key
issues
– Safety Focused (especially for non-utility
personnel)
– Training and instruction to staff

9. How do we get information today?
• We encourage establishing strong relationships
with manufacturers either through direct contact
about products, lunch & learn sessions or industry
forums
• All Engineers and Project Managers are
encouraged to achieve licensing and certification
along with maintaining credentials though
continuing education
• Leaders subscribe to journals, magazines and
industry forum websites; imperative that leaders
communicate to protégé and other staff