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CSPE Online
The Official Newsletter of the California Society of Professional Engineers
March 2012
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Is It Time To Legalize Engineering in California?
By Diane Spencer, PE, Vice President California Society of Professional Engineers, Chair of American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) Career and Education Operating Council, AIChE Fellow
Mechanical engineers may be violating the law in California.
The California Professional Engineers Act (Chapter 7 commencing at Section 6700) defines civil engineering in such broad terms that it encompasses nearly the entire spectrum of engineering disciplines. This, coupled with a mandate that only civil engineers can do civil engineering in the State of California and no industrial exemption for civil engineering, there is little room for those in other engineering disciplines to legally work in their own professions. So not only are mechanical engineers impacted, electrical, chemical, and the other engineering disciplines are impacted as well.
Section 6731 of the Engineers Act states: "Civil engineering embraces the following studies or activities in connection with fixed works for ... waterpower, ... municipal improvements, ... purification of water, ... refuse disposal, foundations, framed and homogenous structures, buildings, or bridges:
- The economics of, the use and design of, materials of construction and the determination of their physical qualities.
- The investigation of the laws, phenomena and forces of nature.
- The preparation or submission of design, plans and specifications and engineering reports.
- The coordination of the work of professional, technical, or special consultants."
There are more bullets in the statute. When a reasonable person reviews this list of studies or activities, it becomes apparent that the list precludes even scientists from legally studying the phenomena and forces of nature. And in most jobs engineers are expected to produce engineering reports or to coordinate the work of other professionals.
For many years the conventional wisdom has been that "fixed works," as used in the statute, somehow limit the scope of civil engineering, leaving room for other engineers to practice their craft. In order to clarify where that boundary lies, Senator Mimi Walters asked the California Legislative Counsel Bureau for a legal opinion. Their findings are shocking. "Fixed works" not only include the structures, but also all the attachments to the structure. So if a mechanical engineer designs a pumping system and the pump is secured to a foundation, that mechanical engineer has crossed into the exclusive domain of the civil engineer. Electrical, chemical, and fire protection engineers and others are similarly impacted.
The perverse nature of the current Engineers Act in California is a result of good intentions gone awry.
In March 1928 the dam northeast of Castaic, CA, broke and flooded the valley below, wiping out the town of Santa Paula and flooding other towns downstream. Hundreds of people died and millions of dollars worth of property was damaged.
The Engineers Act was created to make sure that only qualified people (Civil Engineer PEs) could work on dams and other fixed works. The legislators made the law as inclusive as possible to make sure there were no loopholes. The legislature later patched mechanical and electrical engineering into the statute, but now we have learned that that patch was ineffective. The other engineering disciplines are listed in an appendix and have less stature in law.
This problem with the California Engineers Act has been known for many years. The difference now is the legal opinion that was issued July 2011 (www.CLCPE.org). Companies that rely on engineering services are on notice that the only engineering discipline that is allowed to conduct engineering work (not just supervise) in California is civil engineering. If a project requires a mechanical engineer, a dual-licensed engineer will be needed to meet the competency requirements of both a mechanical engineer and the legal requirements of a civil engineer. A dual-license is needed for the other engineering disciplines as well.
Is it time to legalize engineering in California? Most engineers think so.
The California Legislative Council of Professional Engineers (CLCPE), a consortium of engineering societies in the state, has been trying to change the Engineers Act for more than 30 years. The California Society of Professional Engineers (CSPE) is proud to be a member of CLCPE. The University of California, California State University, and University of Southern California are now engaged in the fray. A bill currently before the California legislature (SB 1061) would require all engineers to practice within their area of competence and would allow the inherent overlap among disciplines that is common in all other states.
So who wants to maintain status quo and what is their vested interest? The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Region 9 testified against the bill, as did the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), California. The Professional Engineers in California Government (PECG), a union, also opposes the bill. Members of these organizations are predominately civil engineers.
It's appalling that the goal of recognizing the other engineering disciplines is being eroded by an archaic document prepared with good intent nearly 85 years ago. The Professional Engineers Act must be revised and reflect the professionalism of competent and professional engineering practices of today.
Join the discussion at the following blog site: http://community.nspe.org/blogs/licensing/archive/2012/01/18/california-engineering-statute-needs-fixing.aspx.
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State MATHCOUNTS Competition a Success!Teams of sixth through eighth grade student mathletes competed on Saturday, March 17th at UC Irvine and Stanford University in the State MATHCOUNTS Competition. Students were competing for a spot on the four person California team that will advance to the Raytheon MATHCOUNTS National Competition to be held May 10-13, 2012 in Orlando, FL.
The day's events began with individual competitions consisting of the Sprint and Target rounds. The morning session wrapped up with a Team round where groups of four students representing local middle and junior high schools competed amongst each other. The top sixteen individuals then competed in a head-to-head Countdown Round in the afternoon.
The California State Team includes: - Jonathan Huang, Rancho San Joaquin Middle School
- Celine Liang, Redwood Middle School
- Sean Shi, Redwood Middle School
- Mihir Singhal, David Starr Jordan
- Coach: PJ Yim, Redwood Middle School
The CSPE Education Foundation would like to thank each and every volunteer and supporter of the MATHCOUNTS program in California. CSPE had many talented and dedicated volunteers help make the state meet a huge success. Thank you to each and every one of you - this could not be done without your help! We would especially like to recognize the following sponsors and volunteers for their help and support of the 2012 State MATHCOUNTS Competition:
Costco
Ike's Place at Jen-Hsun Huang Engineering at Stanford
Ishii Engineering
Iwin.com
Kramer Management Group
Lucky's Supermarket Noah's Bagel (Foster City)
School of Engineering, Stanford University Sigona's Farmer's Market at Stanford Shopping Center Starbucks (Palo Alto) University of California, Irvine Department of Mathematics
Julia Gee, PE
Lanette Hum
Norman Hum, PE
Jeff Ide, PE
Becky Ishii
Cliff Ishii, PE, F. NSPE, DM, CSPE
Tim McCarthy, PE Terri Oppelt (T.O.) Preising, Stanford University Assoc Dean - Professor Brad Osgood, Stanford University Dean - Jim Plummer, Stanford University Prof. Sherri Sheppard, Stanford University
George Toye, PE
Kathleen Wong
David Woo
CSPEEF would not be able to present such a terrific and important program without the financial support of our generous sponsors and donors. If you would like to donate to the MATHCOUNTS program, please mail your donation to: CSPEEF 777 Campus Commons Road, Suite 200 Sacramento, CA 95825 CSPEEF is a 501c(3) organization and your donations are tax deductible.
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Get Ready for Nano Days!
At the end of the month, hundreds of museums, science centers, and university research centers across the United States will be hosting events to help children and adults explore the tiny world of atoms, molecules, and nanoscale forces. These events are part of NanoDays, a week long, nationwide festival of educational programs about nanoscale science, engineering, and technology. NanoDays, organized by the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISE Net), will take place nationally from March 24 to April 1, 2012. These community-based events collectively make up the largest public outreach effort in nanoscale informal science education. Over 300 science museums, research centers, and universities across the United States are involved, from Puerto Rico to Alaska. For more information about NISE Net, NanoDays, and how to get involved, please visit: http://www.nisenet.org/nanodays .
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Global Marathon Connects With Women From Over 50 Countries The Global Marathon For, By and About Women in Engineering and Technology was a huge success, engaging women and girls across six continents over six days (March 5-10). The Global Marathon was chaired by Cindy Kou (Yu Xin), IBM China. Presentations are available for replay until March 10, 2013. Simply log in or register. (Registration required). Select Programming, then OnDemand. Please note: a "Systems check" page will ensure that your computer can view all the formats. Be sure to check out the inspiring closing webcast, "Creating the Voices for the Future", with panelists from some of the world's leading WIE organizations who share their visions and encourage viewers to "keep the conversation going." Panelists: - Melissa Tata, President, Society of Women Engineers.
- Victoria Rockwell, President, American Society of Mechanical Engineers and Chair, EWEEK 2012.
- Bashayer AL Awwad, Chair, Women in Engineering Standing Committee, World Federation of Engineering Organizations.
- Teresa Schofield, Chair, IEEE UK/Ireland.
- Gayle J. Gibson, Director, Corporate Operations, DuPont.
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Keeping Employees SafeI'm from the government and I'm here to help......yeah right. But wait, this time it is true! The Cal OSHA Consultation Unit is there to help employers keep their workplace and thereby their employees safe. The Consultation Unit is a completely separate division from the enforcement unit of Cal OSHA. A simple call to the Consultation Unit can provide you a FREE review of your workplace to allow you to make corrections long before an accident occurs. They are NOT snitches. They do not report what they have found to the Enforcement unit. They can save you time, money and stress by allowing you to take preemptive action to come into compliance with recent changes and requirements.
Please download their brochure and take the time now to ensure a safe workplace for your business. This and other information about workplace safety can be found on the CSPE website at http://www.cspe.com/SafetyCenter/SafetyCenter.html.
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NSPE Cost Control Webinar March 29, 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m. (E.D.T.), 1PDH
$149.00/ $99.00 Member Price This presentation will review how cost control systems should be set up in support of other activities within a firm-including estimating and accounting (with a particular emphasis on construction firms). Also discussed will be the importance of measuring quantities as part of tracking job costs. The presentation will study sample report forms used throughout the project and review cost analysis through the use of examples with the goal of better forecasting probable final project cost. Click here for more information
Visit the NSPE Websitefor all other Web Seminar Listings.
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Job Opportunities
Wingate Dunross, Inc, an executive search firm based in Los Angeles, is pleased to announce a new retained search for Director of Quality Assurance. Wingate Dunross has been one of L.A.'s leading retained executive search firms since 1983, with over 90 years of combined executive search experience between its four principals.
Our client is the world leader in integrated power plants for the production of electricity and air quality control systems.They have solutions for all energy sources including coal, gas, nuclear, fuel-oil, hydropower and wind and are a leader in innovative technologies for the protection of the environment (reduction of CO2 emissions; elimination of pollutant emissions). They have a presence in nearly 100 countries throughout the world and currently have over 95,000 employees.
#1) Director of Quality Assurance (Chattanooga, TN)
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Developing and maintaining a complete Quality Management System that meets customer, contract, company and regulatory requirements.
- Maintaining a fully functioning quality Department including Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Quality Improvement, Quality Management
- Analyzing system data and Identifying necessary process and product improvements.
- Leading the process improvement teams to achieve implementation of those improvements.
- Guiding top management on Code and Regulatory requirements as well as the implementation of Corporate Directives.
- Driving Quality concepts through the enterprise, to all functions and all employees
- Providing strategic direction on Quality system implementation for all suppliers to ensure seamless execution.
- Managing Quality Certifications necessary to provide the products and services provided by the business
- Monitor, analyze, and control Cost of Poor Quality, On Time Performance, First Pass Yield, Zero defects to jobsite and business performance dashboards.
- Work with customers and suppliers to align product offerings and quality requirements to market needs.
- Develop supplier quality evaluations and feedback systems to eliminate repeat quality issues
EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:
- BS in Engineering or Business discipline. MBA desirable.
- 8 to 10 years leadership position in QA/QC functions with experience with ASME Section I and or Section VIII
- Knowledge of Radiographic and ultrasonic Nondestructive testing processes desirable
- Broad knowledge of operational functions from bid stage through contract close out, with a minimum of 15 years of experience in a heavy-industry environment (preferably the power industry).
- Six Sigma Black Belt certification or competency to obtain within 12-month timeframe preferred.
- Ability to drive and influence process improvements within and across functions as an effective "change agent".
NOTE: Looking for a manager with strong "vision", strategy, planning skills, strong leadership, management, ability to understand unique needs of customers, someone who has successfully installed new quality systems, and led programs, who is skilled at "staying in front of problems".
Another client is a small VC-funded startup that develops grid-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) to satisfy an essential need of the rapidly emerging clean smart grid. A patented breakthrough design enables the client's systems to satisfy the combination of safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness required for widespread deployment of energy storage throughout the grid's transmission and distribution networks.
This redox-flow battery technology can be leveraged to lower the cost of electricity for large-scale industrial and commercial facilities, enhance grid stability, and provide clean, dependable backup for commercial facilities and utilities. While facilitating the worldwide use of clean renewable energies, this proprietary technology also makes the electric grid cleaner and more efficient.
#2) Director of Electrochemical Stack Development
Location: Sunnyvale, CA
Reports to: Chief Technology Officer
Roles & Responsibilities:
- Lead the Company's scale-up of stack prototypes to mass production. Contribute directly and build the team to design, develop, and optimize electrochemical cells and stacks; analyze and advance flow field designs, liquid flow distribution among cells, pressure balancing, cell/stack sealing and stack structural designs
- Set and manage cell and stack development milestones and budgets, drive the stack development team to achieve key milestones and performance targets on time and on budget. Be a leader in the execution of company plans and achievement of goals
- Collaborate with the rest of the team on the design and development of the electrochemical cells, selection of materials, and engineered cascade of cells to achieve goals for power density, efficiency, state of charge range, and product cost
- Collaborate with the systems engineering team to set system performance specifications; lead design of cells, stacks and engineered cascades to meet system specifications
- Lead design and development efforts to manage shunt currents in cells and stacks
- Advance the company's capability for fluid modeling as a tool for design development, performance analysis, and optimization
- Collaborate with manufacturing engineering and sourcing teams to design for manufacture and design/select materials for cost and performance optimization
- Creatively attack design and performance challenges, building the company's intellectual property portfolio of patents and trade secrets and stimulating creativity within the team
- Establish discipline and rigor in mechanical engineering, DFM, design processes, design reviews, and engineering documentation. Establish rigor in experimental planning, execution, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of results
- Contribute to the strategic planning of the technology road map and product development master plan
NOTE: Looking for a very hands-on person, who will be doing hands-on testing, engineering calculations, etc., in the lab every day.
#3) Title: Senior Chemical Engineer
Location: Sunnyvale, CA
Reports to: Director of Systems Engineering
Roles & Responsibilities:
- Front-end design engineering design including flow sheet, PFD and P&IDs for the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) product.
- Develop a deep understanding of the electrochemical reactions and interactions within the flow battery; make recommendations for system and equipment design improvements.
- Lead process simulation and develop models (steady-state and dynamic) of various flow battery systems. Use the model to optimize efficiency, cost and reliability.
- Complete trade studies to drive technology and product development. Creatively attack design and performance challenges, building the company's intellectual property portfolio of patents and trade secrets.
- Manage external contractors and partners to ensure rapid development and successful delivery of systems and subcomponents.
- Specify balance-of-plant components and systems from a chemical engineering perspective.
- Define tests and analyze resulting data to prove BESS performance and validate models. Work directly with flow battery systems to characterize them and contribute to hands-on problem-solving. Bring chemical engineering expertise to FMEA, design reviews and hazard and operability studies of the products.
Education: Advanced degree in chemical engineering or equivalent experience. Training in electrochemistry.
Experience:
- Minimum of 10 years of experience with process simulation and chemical plants, or equivalent combination of industrial and academic experience (including prior experience with industrial electrochemical processes - e.g. flow batteries, chlor-alkali, fuel cells, electrodialysis, electro-refining, electrosynthesis, etc.)
- Project and design experience with chemical plant equipment and instrumentation, including hands on experience in equipment design and assembly, piping, instrumentation, start-up, debugging and process experimentation.
- Experience with process simulation software (e.g. Aspen)
- Successful track record of delivering development goals on time and on budget.
- Thorough knowledge of the fundamentals of electrochemistry.
- Experience in the areas of chemical reactions in aqueous inorganic solutions, fluid dynamics, gas absorption, two-phase flow and related equipment design and scale-up is preferred.
Personal characteristics:
- Entrepreneurial with the ability to work in a fast-paced and changing environment.
- Proactive and driven innovator who will energize, motivate, and lead by example to execute the development plan and achieve targeted objectives
- Able to quickly gain a correct overview of complex systems, with the depth to understand them in detail over time.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills (written, verbal, interpersonal) and the ability to interact with all levels of management, peers, clients and vendors.
- Able to collaborate across functional and organizational lines
- Must be effective in teams, both as a leader and follower.
If you are interested in one of these positions, and consider yourself to be a good match, please forward a resume and cover letter discussing why you are a good fit, and for which position to Nicholas Meyler. Referrals, suggestions and recommendations are always welcomed.
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