Thermal Plant & Lab Infrastructure Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Power the lab that powers the product

Imagine a wind-tunnel calibration scheduled in an hour. A chiller alarm flashes. You step in—trace the electrical distribution, verify VFD parameters, check condenser performance, and bring the system back online. The test proceeds. Vehicle insights are captured. That’s the impact you’ll have as a Thermal Plant & Lab Infrastructure Technician at General Motors.

Based at the Milford Proving Grounds Energy & Emissions Laboratories, you will report to the Group Leader for Engineering Maintenance & Technical Support (EMT). EMT specifies, sources, engineers, integrates, safely commissions, and sustains lab test equipment through a rigorous maintenance model. Your contributions directly influence the quality, durability, and performance of GM vehicles, accelerating our vision of a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions, and Zero Congestion.

Your impact

• Own large-tonnage chiller operation, deep-dive diagnostics, troubleshooting, and maintenance (Universal Refrigerant Handlers License applicable).
• Support low-pressure/low-temperature applications for DX, flooded, and absorption systems.
• Manage reciprocating, screw, scroll, and centrifugal compressor technologies.
• Optimize air- and water-cooled condensing systems.
• Interpret wiring schematics; troubleshoot complex circuits with redundant feeds/mixed voltages up to 480V.
• Diagnose building electrical distribution issues end to end.
• Apply test instrumentation: multimeter, megger, and signal generator.
• Ensure shut trip operation and gas-detection integration; resolve multi-feed system faults.
• Perform solar array panel and UPS diagnostics.
• Work confidently with high voltage up to and including 4160V.
• Read one-line mechanical drawings; command pump circuit theory with bypass control and multiple loads.
• Support pneumatic control/actuated system performance.
• Execute comprehensive preventive maintenance across building and process assets.
• Enable wind tunnel availability through design understanding, operation, and troubleshooting.
• Apply comprehensive steam system knowledge for heating, humidity, and building systems, including generation.
• Troubleshoot traps, condensate systems, and steam-to-product heat exchangers.
• Manage chemistry and pH control for facility product systems.
• Tune and troubleshoot Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs).
• Safely rig equipment and control unstable loads.
• Operate forklifts, powered man lifts, and related service equipment.
• Execute precision alignments using dial indicators and laser-guided tools.
• Deploy vibration data collection, ultrasonic testing, and thermal imaging for predictive maintenance.
• Meet physical requirements: heavy lifting, working at heights, and in varying temperatures.
• Communicate clearly, organize effectively, drive to timelines, and lead with safety.
• Serve as a primary interface to internal/external stakeholders for EMT operations and future planning.
• Report progress routinely; anticipate and escalate obstacles proactively.
• Provide technical guidance to internal teams and supplier partners across EMT domains.
• Design, launch, and run a preventive maintenance system supporting key test infrastructure.

Experience profile

• 5+ years in large-tonnage chiller service.
• Maximo experience for PM setup, planning, and execution.
• High autonomy in complex settings; prioritize and execute multiple maintenance events with minimal oversight.
• Background with equipment used in Emissions Development and Certification testing (building and process).
• Building management systems used for operational diagnostics and troubleshooting.
• Collaboration with equipment suppliers and installation contractors.
• Effective contributor in multi-disciplinary teams resolving complex issues.
• Ability to interpret P&IDs, one-lines, and electrical/control diagrams.

Preferred background

• 10+ years in chiller service roles.
• Wind tunnel design, operations, and troubleshooting familiarity.
• Knowledge of pump circuits, steam, humidity control, Reverse Osmosis, and CAP DI systems supporting process operations.
• Use of vibration data collection, ultrasonic testing, and thermal imaging for predictive maintenance programs.
• Advanced Maximo capability for PM planning and execution.
• Industrial equipment maintenance process experience.
• Experience in ISO 17025 or ISO 9001 accredited environments.

Work model & mobility

This role is categorized as onsite. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location on a full-time basis.

This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

Compliance statements

GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc).

GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc.)

This position requires the ability to legally operate a motor vehicle on a regular basis and successfully complete a Motor Vehicle Report review.