Operating Mechanic

About the role

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world. With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is seeking qualified candidates for Operating Mechanic and / or Senior Operating Mechanic positions within our steam plant operations. These positions perform maintenance and repairs on steam boilers and steam plant auxiliaries, working in a rotation to operate two central steam plants. Both levels provide maintenance and repair response coverage on evening, night, and weekend shifts for all campus facilities.

Requirements

Applicants must meet the stated minimum education and experience requirements for the level they wish to be considered.

Operating Mechanic
• High school diploma or equivalent
• One (1) year of experience maintaining commercial or industrial mechanical equipment preferred
• Valid U.S. driver’s license

Senior Operating Mechanic
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Five (5) years of experience maintaining and operating a steam plant or comparable industrial facility
• Valid U.S. driver’s license

Skills

• Working knowledge of stem cycle, plumbing, piping, mechanical repairs, electrical work, and general construction
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and documentation
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Flexibility in dealing with emergency situations
• Basic computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft Windows
• Constant attention to safety for self, co-workers, and others

In addition, Senior Operating Mechanic candidates must demonstrate:
• Thorough knowledge of steam plant operations, boiler systems, and associated chemicals
• Ability to independently operate, troubleshoot, and maintain complex plant systems
• Experience planning and scheduling maintenance activities
• Ability to assume lead responsibilities in the absence of a supervisor or lead mechanic

Responsibilities

Operating Mechanic:
• Monitor steam plant operations for safe, reliable, and efficient performance as instructed
• Start/stop boilers and auxiliary equipment and switch boiler fuels when instructed
• Maintain and update operational logs and reports
• Receive oil deliveries in accordance with Institute policies and applicable regulations
• Conduct water tests and adjust chemical feed rates as directed
• Perform routine and emergency maintenance on mechanical, piping, electrical, and instrumentation components