Exploring Career Paths in Power Engineering: Consulting Opportunities and Project Insights Across Infrastructure, Generation, and Renewables
Join us for an insightful presentation on career paths in the power sector of electrical engineering, with a focus on opportunities in the consulting field. Industry experts Mike Sigman and Daren Beckloff will dive into key projects that shape the future of power engineering, including those in buildings, infrastructure, power generation, distribution, and renewable energy.
This session will provide valuable insights into the diverse roles available in consulting, highlight real-world projects, and explore how electrical engineers contribute to sustainable energy solutions and modern infrastructure development. Whether you're an aspiring electrical engineer or looking to broaden your career horizons, this presentation will offer a clear view of the exciting opportunities ahead.
Date and Time
Location
Hosts
Registration
- Date: 08 Nov 2024
- Time: 09:00 AM to 10:00 AM
- All times are (UTC-07:00) Mountain Time (US & Canada)
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- South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
- Rapid City, South Dakota
- United States 57701
- Building: EEP
- Room Number: 254
Speakers
Daren Beckloff of West Plains Engineering
Biography:
Daren Beckloff, P.E. is the Principal Electrical Engineer and Engineering & Operations Director at West Plains Engineering. He leads the Power Division, specializing in transmission and distribution system design, substations, SCADA, and load management. With over 33 years of experience in consulting engineering, Daren is an expert in relay protection, programming, and integration, and has designed various SCADA systems for utility and water industries. He uses planning software such as ETAP, SKM, and PLS-CADD.
Daren's project management includes construction observation and interdisciplinary project coordination. As of 2024, his role expanded to overseeing business operations and client relationships across four regional offices. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering from Kansas State University (1991) and is a registered Professional Electrical Engineer in multiple states, including AZ, CO, MT, ND, NE, SD, and WY.
Mike Sigman of West Plains Engineering
Biography:
Mike Sigman, P.E. is the Office Manager and Electrical Engineer at the Rapid City office of West Plains Engineering. His role involves general office management and overseeing engineers and technicians. Mike is responsible for all aspects of project electrical design, including the preparation of plans and specifications for building projects, as well as construction observation and coordination.
Mike has been a consulting engineer for 35 years, with 26 of those years at West Plains Engineering. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (1989). Mike has supported over 20 projects on the SD Mines campus and played a key role in the campus master plans of 2011 and 2019. He is currently supporting major renovations to the Surbeck Center and other building upgrades.
He is a registered Professional Electrical Engineer in South Dakota and Wyoming and is a member of the South Dakota Electrical Council (Black Hills Chapter)