Operating Engineer

The hourly rate for this position is $44.90 Job Summary Location: Detroit, MI Under indirect and intermittent supervision of a Facility Manager operates a 750 hp heat pump system and up to 500 hp gas or oil‑fired low‑pressure package boilers and their auxiliaries to maintain comfortable temperatures in adjacent building. Takes and tests chemical and water samples; takes instrument reading; lubricates equipment and performs operating maintenance and annual lay‑up of boilers. Key Accountabilities Operates a 750 hp heat pump system to supply both chilled and heated water to air handling units in adjacent buildings Starts and stops refrigeration compressor up to and including 600 hp, cooling tower fans, central air handling and refrigerating purging unit brine and water circulating pumps. Adjusts dampers and motor speeds, selects compressor combination, and coordinates operating speeds. Switches water and brine flow, to maximize heat pump efficiency and maintain required temperature and lend out waters to accommodate various internal demands and external weather conditions Operates gas or oil‑fired low‑pressure package boilers up to and including 600 hp and auxiliaries to maintain proper water temperatures and steam pressures to heat adjacent building. Adjusts valves, starts and stops pumps, performs boiler blowdowns, checks room temperature of adjacent buildings and switches boilers between gas and oil as needed. Operates boilers and heating water systems according to a temperature chart. At times will deviate from chart as unusual weather conditions dictate. Takes water sample and tests for hardness, alkalinity, and acidity. (Test results determine the amount of chemicals to be added to water to make suitable for system use.) Water samples are sent to research periodically for analysis. Prepares boilers for annual inspection by city and insurance inspectors by: opening combustion chambers and removing soot, scale and other products of combustion. Removes and replaces hand hole and manhole cover. Opens blow‑down valves and flushes scale from tube interiors. Cleans, inspects, repairs and/or tests steam, water and sediment traps, valves, filters, pumps, speed control resistors and contactors, fans, etc. Operates 44OV breakers to cut specific boilers or heat pump equipment out of service. Reads and records data from various indicating and recording instruments. Performs routine lubrication and minor maintenance of equipment such as replacing fuses, tightening pecking glands, cleaning chiller tubes, removing and/or plugging leaking fire sprinkler heads, replacing broken pipe fittings, performing valving, reconnecting broken lead wires, etc. Provides emergency report to restore service or prevent building damage. Provides protective tagging of electrical (480V) and mechanical equipment per Facilities Management and Services' Red Tagging Procedure. Maintains a clean and orderly work area. Qualifications High School diploma or equivalent At least 5 years’ experience in utility complex operations Shift work is required, and employees will be required to perform both operation and routine maintenance of the utility complex equipment Additional Qualifications Frequently stand or walk and sit. Occasionally climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch or occasionally crawl. Talk & hear; use hands & fingers; handle & feel; and able to reach with hands and arms. Occasionally lift objects of up to 50 pounds in weight. Occasionally push or pull up to 70 pounds in weight. Possess the following vision requirements: close, color, distance, peripheral, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Occasionally be exposed to outside weather conditions, including wet and/or humid conditions, and may work near moving mechanical parts and/or machinery. Occasionally be exposed to fumes or airborne particles and vibration. Be in a work environment that is usually moderate but may become loud at the plant site. At DTE Energy, we are committed to providing an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome and a sense of belonging. We seek individuals with a heart for service, a passion to help our communities prosper, and ideas to help shape the future of energy. We are proud to be an equal opportunity, employer that considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, disability, national origin, citizenship, height, weight, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable federal and/or state laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr