Operating Engineer

About the role

The Metropolitan Airports Commission is seeking talented Operating Engineers to join our team at Terminal 1 of MSP International Airport. This dynamic role alternates weekly between field operator and control room operator, involving hands-on work with building automation systems, high-pressure boilers, steam turbines, chillers, air handlers, cooling towers, pumps, fans, and more.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain high and low-pressure steam and hot water boilers, including routine inspections, preventative maintenance, and emergency repairs.
• Prepare boilers for inspections, switch fuels (oil, jet fuel, natural gas), and control/adjust water softeners, feed water systems, and fuel pumps.
• Perform chemical analysis of boiler water, test/treat condensate return, and document reports.
• Operate high-pressure steam turbines, conduct inspections, and perform preventative/corrective maintenance, including start-up, synchronization, and shutdown.
• Operate chiller compressors (reciprocating and centrifugal), cooling towers, and related equipment; perform chemical analysis and maintenance on chiller loop and condenser water.
• Troubleshoot electronic and pneumatic control centers, adjust climate controls, and respond to alarms or malfunctions in building automation systems.
• Maintain and repair HVAC units, heating/cooling systems, and provide emergency assistance during equipment failures.
• Perform preventative maintenance using computerized systems, maintain daily logs, and document equipment performance.
• Interact with airport tenants, the public, and coworkers in a friendly, courteous, and collaborative manner.
• Provide on-the-job training and work instruction to other Energy Management Center personnel.
• Complete miscellaneous duties such as maintaining safe/clean facilities, reading gauges, and operating computerized maintenance programs.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Current State of Minnesota First Class A Engineers License or ability to obtain within 30 days of contingent offer.
• Valid state-issued driver’s license.
• Good mathematical aptitude and experience with chemical treatment systems.
• Experience in the operation and maintenance of steam turbines.
• Basic proficiency in word processing and email.
• Willingness to respond to emergency calls 24/7.
• Ability to communicate, understand, and write in English clearly.
• Ability to lift, position, and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in confined spaces, on ladders/lifts at varying heights.
• Willingness to obtain and maintain MAC-required licenses and certifications.

Qualifications

• Experience with large heating/cooling facilities, including boiler and chiller plants and steam turbines.
• Valid State of Minnesota Chief Engineer "A" License.
• Valid Universal Refrigeration Certificate.
• Knowledge of building automation systems (HVAC).
• Mechanical aptitude for dismantling, repairing, and assembling boilers, chillers, and related equipment.
• Proficiency in computer systems for CMMS and facilities maintenance.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, electrical schematics, and work orders.

Skills

• Customer Focus: Building strong relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
• Decision Quality: Making timely, effective decisions to keep operations moving.
• Action Oriented: Taking on challenges with urgency and high energy.
• Optimizes Work Processes: Improving efficiency and effectiveness in workflows.
• Ensures Accountability: Holding self and others to commitments.
• Collaborates: Building partnerships and working effectively with others.
• Values Differences: Recognizing the value of diverse perspectives.
• Communicates Effectively: Delivering clear, multi-mode communications.
• Courage: Addressing difficult issues directly.
• Instills Trust: Gaining confidence through honesty and integrity.
• Self-Development: Actively seeking growth opportunities.
• Situational Adaptability: Adjusting to shifting demands in real time.

Pay

Hourly base rates and differentials for 2026–2028:

Year MN 1st Class A Engineer (Base Rate) MN Chief Engineer A (Base Rate + Differential) 2026 $53.349 $54.849 2027 $54.950 $56.450 2028 $56.873 $58.373

Additional differentials (in addition to base pay):

• Control Room Operator: $1.80/hour (increases to $2.00/hour in 2027).
• Second Shift: $1.25/hour.
• Third Shift: $2.25/hour.
• MN Chief A License: $1.50/hour.

Schedule

Shifts are bid annually by seniority. The position anticipates filling a third shift role (11:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.), with second and third shifts receiving differential pay.

Operating Engineers rotate between roles:

• Field Operator: 7 days on, 2 days off.
• Control Room Operator: 8 days on (with differential pay), 4 days off.

Benefits

This position is covered by the collective bargaining unit agreement between the MAC and the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 70, offering an excellent benefits package.

Other Information

• This is a safety-sensitive position requiring a pre-employment drug screen.
• Successful candidates must pass a background check and obtain/maintain an airport badge (includes fingerprinting, ID verification, and criminal history review).