Darren Li, P.Eng.

Senior Optimization Engineer at Ainsworth (Formerly ESC Automation)

Surrey, British Columbia, Canada

About

Experience

  • Ainsworth Inc (Hybrid)
    • Senior Optimization Engineer
      Jan 2025 - Present · 1 yr 6 mos

    • Optimization Engineer
      May 2022 - Jan 2025 · 2 yrs 9 mos

      • Conduct facility optimization reviews including facility walk-throughs, drawing and equipment manual reviews, existing BMS sequence reviews, and trend data analysis. • Summarize facility optimization findings, recommendations, and energy analysis results in optimization reports tailored for energy managers and facility operators. • Develop optimized BMS sequence of operations based on American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) guidelines to reduce energy consumption and ensure proper equipment operation without compromising occupant comfort. • Implement BMS re-programming of HVAC and hydronic equipment including but not limited to: chiller plants, air handler units, variable frequency drives, variable air volume boxes, control valves, and modulating dampers. • Set up advanced analytics rules, KPI’s, and insights using Kaizen, a data analytics software used to measure the efficiency of HVAC systems and identify equipment that require fine tuning or further investigation. • Set up energy metering and virtual metering using archived trend data. • Collect, analyze, and interpret trend data to verify if optimized changes or if additional system tuning is required.

  • Technical Services Engineer at Ainsworth (Formerly ESC Automation)
    Jan 2021 - May 2022 · 1 yr 5 mos

    • Identified problems and providing solutions regarding HVAC and BMS controls issues through client requested service orders or through preventative maintenance contracts • Assisted several departments (Small Projects, Construction, Graphics, Optimization, Sales) in numerous tasks such as programming control sequences, on-site commissioning, writing engineering sequence of operations, designing user graphics, optimizing HVAC controls, and assisting in creating sales quotes • Set up advanced analytics rules, virtual energy metering, and insights using Kaizen Analytics to measure the efficiency of HVAC systems in client buildings and identify equipment controls that require fine tuning • Designed building operator front-end graphics using the in-house HTML5 graphics palette. • Assisted with on-site preventative maintenance checks for building HVAC and hydronic equipment. • Evaluated active fault detection insights and determined low performing systems. Compiled the insights in an analytics maintenance report. • Discussed with BMS technicians and clients regarding the findings listed in analytics maintenance report.

  • Production Engineer - Co-op at Viking Air Limited
    Sep 2018 - May 2019 · 9 mos

    • Primarily worked on the development of the CL-415EAF waterbomber • Produced CAD data for quality control and manufacturing processes such as CNC programming and sheet metal processes • Developed manufacturing process instructions for parts to be built in house and by 3rd party suppliers • Drafted Engineering Orders (EO) for design changes and other production issues • Modeled various tooling fixtures for production • Assisted in documenting various design changes and updated obsolete technical documents

  • Mechanical Test Engineer - Co-op at Dometic (Formerly SeaStar Solutions)
    Jan 2018 - Aug 2018 · 8 mos

    • Ensured the highest quality of electromechanical steering actuators for a new flagship product of a large international company • Actuator features: direct drive, high torque and high efficiency brushless DC motor, and manufactured in-house • Secondary tasks included testing hydraulic steering actuators and steering helms • Set up, maintained and monitored various validation tests on electromechanical steering actuators • Tests include: durability testing, cycle testing, chemical compatibility, corrosive testing, material hardness testing, thermal testing, vibration testing, pressure testing, and performance testing • Designed and fabricated test fixtures • Recorded test results by writing technical report • Performed root cause analysis on failed test samples

  • Intern - Co-op at Giant Mercantile
    Aug 2016 - Nov 2016 · 4 mos

    • Responsible for repairing and refurbishing diesel generators and engine powered forklifts for customers in the Philippines • Assisted in the booth design and marketing for the Philconstruct expo, the largest construction expo in the Philippines. Over 70,000 visitors attended the expo, which resulted in a significant boost in sales