Who we are

Why Rensselaer?  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.

Job Summary

The Operating Mechanic performs maintenance and repairs on steam boilers and steam plant auxiliaries. Works in a shift rotation to operate two central steam plants, and provides maintenance and repair response coverage on evening, night and weekend shifts for all campus facilities.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School or equivalent
• One year experience maintaining commercial or industrial mechanical equipment preferred.
• Valid US driver’s license

Applicants must meet stated minimum education and experience requirements.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic understanding of Steam Cycle
• Basic working knowledge of plumbing and piping, mechanical repairs, electrical work, and construction
• Good communication skills and customer relations skills
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and documents
• Flexibility in dealing with emergency situations
• Basic computer skills and experience with Microsoft Windows
• Constant attention to safety issues for self, co-workers and others

Job Duties

1. Monitor steam plant operations for safe, reliable, and efficient operations as instructed. Start/stop boilers and auxiliary equipment when instructed.  Switch boiler fuels when instructed.  Maintain and update all logs and reports.  Receive oil deliveries in accordance with Institute policies and applicable state, local and federal laws.  Monitor operating trends and report any ambiguities or changes in trends to the Lead Operating Mechanic or supervisor and follow up on resolving problems. Recover the steam plant from any disruption with assistance from the supervisor.
2. Conduct water tests for steam plants and adjust feed rates on chemical pumps in response to water test results. Perform maintenance on chemical treatment systems.
3. Performs routine and emergency maintenance service on steam plant equipment and auxiliary equipment including but not limited to: mechanical, piping, electrical, and instrumentation components.  Perform general building construction services for steam plants.
4. Perform annual high pressure boiler shutdown and maintenance service for insurance inspection. 
5. Monitor chemical inventories to ensure sufficient inventory is available.  Move chemicals and salt to appropriate locations to maintain proper levels. 
6. Check operation of satellite steam boilers at designated campus locations.  Perform all required maintenance on satellite steam boilers and their auxiliary equipment.
7. Perform water testing on closed loop systems, add treatment chemicals to maintain proper residuals and change bag filters.

Shift

Non-Standard Shift: Works in a rotation to operate two central steam plants, and provides maintenance and repair response coverage on evening, night and weekend shifts for all campus facilities.

Travel

Driving

Driving a Rensselaer vehicle for non-passenger use

Starting Salary/Rate

Expected hiring range:

Operating Mechanic: $26.00 - $28.50 per hour

Sr. Operating Mechanic: $29.00 - 30.00 per hour

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information

Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).