Cogeneration Plant Operator (Operating Engineer)

About the role

The Cogeneration Plant Operator is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and reliability of the campus central plant and utility systems. Key responsibilities include operating, monitoring, and maintaining central plant equipment, performing preventive and corrective maintenance, troubleshooting plant and HVAC systems, responding to service requests and utility disruptions, and coordinating with other trades and departments.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and maintain central plant equipment, including boilers, turbines, compressors, cooling towers, and utility distribution systems.
• Maintain records, reports, inventories, and work documentation.
• Respond to service requests and utility disruptions affecting campus operations.
• Perform preventive maintenance to reduce downtime and extend equipment life.
• Coordinate materials, equipment, and support activities with other trades and departments.

Requirements

• Equivalent to two years of hands-on experience in the operation, maintenance and repair of boiler and chiller systems, cogeneration systems, and/or related mechanical equipment.
• Completion of a certificate or other vocational training may be substituted for hands-on experience.
• Must be able to operate boilers and chillers safely and efficiently.
• Monitor energy consumption and adjust equipment and system features.
• Thorough knowledge of cogeneration plant equipment and systems, including gas and steam turbines, HRSGs, boilers, cooling towers, water treatment, and auxiliary systems.
• Working knowledge of system water testing and treatment procedures.
• Ability to lift more than 40 pounds with or without assistance.
• Five years of experience in the operation, maintenance and repair of boiler, chiller and cogeneration systems or related mechanical equipment preferred.
• Turbine Endorsement, City of Los Angeles preferred.
• Building Operator Certification, Level II preferred.

Qualifications

• Valid California Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.

Benefits

San Diego State University offers a comprehensive benefits package including generous time off, retirement benefits, health coverage, education support, and optional offerings such as flex cash, life and disability insurance, and legal and pet plans. The position is full-time, benefits eligible, and permanent/probationary with a starting salary range of $5,355-$7,801 per month (Step 1-Step 20).

Pay

$103,771.20 - $124,134.40 annual

Schedule

Full-time, rotating shift from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., with a training period from 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. transitioning to the regular watch rotation schedule after completing training.

Department Summary

The Division of Business and Financial Affairs oversees the campus environment and provides high-quality service in support of academic excellence through the wise stewardship of financial, technological, infrastructure, and human resources. SDSU Facilities Services is a customer-service based organization responsible for facility maintenance activities through a transparent and deliberate process, supporting the academic and research mission of the university.

Education and Experience

Equivalent to two years of hands-on experience in the operation, maintenance and repair of boiler and chiller systems, cogeneration systems, and/or related mechanical equipment. Completion of a certificate or other vocational training may be substituted for hands-on experience.

Licenses/Certifications

• Valid California Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.

Supplemental Information

Apply by June 23, 2026 to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled. The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position. SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Sophia Faulk at srfaulk@sdsu.edu.