O&M Technician

DTE is one of the nation’s largest diversified energy companies. Our electric and gas companies have fueled our customer’s homes and Michigan’s progress for more than a century. And as Michigan’s largest source of renewable energy, we’re creating a cleaner, healthier environment to power our future. We’re also serving communities beyond Michigan, where our affiliated businesses offer renewable energy, emission control technologies, and energy services to industries in 19 states. But we’re more than a leading energy company... and working at DTE is more than just a job. At DTE, we take great care of each other and our customers, and we use our energy to be a force for growth and prosperity in our communities. When you join us, you’ll be part of a team that welcomes, recognizes, and celebrates differences, and values everyone’s health, safety, and wellbeing. Are you ready to make that kind of difference? Bring your energy to DTE. Together, we can achieve great things.

Job Summary

Location: Marshall, MI

This position is responsible for operating, monitoring, and performing routine maintenance on utility and energy-related assets located within the newly constructed Central Utility Plant (CUP) and related auxiliary equipment around Ford’s BlueOval Battery Park Michigan complex located in Marshall, MI; along with the associated distribution infrastructure needed to supply utility services to BlueOval Battery Park Michigan. 
Plant equipment includes the following: (2) 7.8 MW Solar Taurus 70 Gas Turbine Generators with associated Rentech 160 KPPH Heat Recovery Steam Generator’s with Duct Burners and Fresh Air Firing capability, (2) 14,000 MBH Hot Oil Heaters, (4) 25,000 MBH, steam-to-hot water heat exchangers, economizers, deaerators, boiler feed water pumps, and condensate pumps. Also included is a 14,450 ton modular chilled water plant with an associated 15-cell, 48,000-gpm modular cooling tower. Balance of plant equipment includes air compressors, water treatment systems, pumps, filters, instrumentation, PLC controls, electrical systems (15/5 kV, 480 V and 125 VDC), and associated distribution infrastructure for the above. 

Key Accountabilities

• Assist with construction, startup, and commissioning as assigned by the site management
• Performs all shift operations and maintenance, including startup and shutdown of utility systems and ancillary equipment
• Perform operations in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOP’s) and prudent safety standards
• Participation in the basic safety processes as key member of the Site Safety committee, leading monthly safety meetings and having a shared responsibility for the site's overall safety performance
• Respond to abnormalities and take corrective actions consistent with established operating procedures and prudent industry best practices
• Conducts multiple rounds per shift of the Central Utility Plant and related auxiliary assets around the BlueOval Battery Park Complex to inspect equipment, ensure systems are functional, collect/log performance data, and communicate operational problems as they arise
• Complies with all site safety requirements and procedures
• Identifies safety hazards and takes corrective actions as necessary
• Ensures accuracy of shift operating logs, records, time sheets, work orders, and other administrative documents related to DTE Marshall, LLC assets
• Performs routine water chemistry testing and makes necessary adjustments to optimize efficiency
• Checks daily consumption rates of chemicals, gasses, fuels, water and other consumables; monitors inventories and initiates action to replenish as needed
• Performs plant electrical switching and lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) of equipment in accordance with approved procedures and prudent operations and maintenance best practices
• Performs electrical and mechanical inspections, troubleshooting, and maintenance tasks under direction of Management as assigned
• Investigates plant problems, incidents, accidents, and unusual events, and provides accurate information, analysis, recommendations, reports, and appropriate follow-up plans
• Reads and records gauges and meters. Performs routine operational tests and adjustments on all power plant systems and components as required
• Develops, assists, and revises standard operating procedures (SOP’s) and maintenance related procedures to ensure optimal performance of systems
• Performs and maintains plant housekeeping standards and duties
• Performs routine preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on all systems and equipment
• Becomes lead representative on tasks and projects as assigned
• Performs other duties necessary to fulfill plant requirements
• Communicates pertinent information to company personnel, customers and vendors
• Assist other team members and works with all departments to support corporate and plant goals
• Ability to work scheduled and unscheduled overtime and respond to off-hour call-ins as needed
• Leads, and participates in assigned continuous improvement efforts throughout the facility

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements

Must have a high school diploma or GED and at least 5 years of power plant experience in operations and maintenance. Must have knowledge of utility plant mechanical and electrical equipment, including gas turbines, HRSG’s, motors, pumps, cooling towers, chillers, fluid systems, chemical handling, water treatment systems, pollution control equipment, AC/DC electrical distribution, control systems, and associated maintenance functions. Work involves performing some difficult and complex functions requiring a high level of independent judgment, initiative, and discretion. Work shifts rotate and the O&M Technician frequently works alone.

Other Qualifications

• Experience with natural gas fired combustion turbines, heat recovery steam generators (HRSG), electrical, chillers, compressed air, water softeners, and emissions control systems 
• Knowledge of and experience with at least four (4) of the following skills: pipefitting, welding, machining, rigging, rotating machine repair, fabrication, machine alignment, basic vibration analysis, and basis understanding of electrical test equipment 
• Ability to learn and become proficient in all site-specific systems and sub-systems
• Complete site-specific qualification training and periodic testing
• Knowledge of power plant safety, policies, and procedures, especially in areas such as chemical handling, energy systems, confined spaces, fire suppression, and first aid
• Knowledge of and ability to understand fundamental principles related to physics, mathematics, AC/DC electrical theory, heat transfer, fluid flow, thermal dynamics and chemistry
• Knowledge of chemistry and power plant chemical applications
• Ability to operate valves, switches, controls, keyboards, and other devices associated with power plants
• Ability to use basic hand tools, portable electric, pneumatic tools, and basic rigging equipment such as winches, hoists, and slings
• Ability to locate, troubleshoot, and correct problems with mechanical and electrical system and ancillary equipment
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing
• Ability to operate and maintain and calibrate various test equipment
• Familiarity with Allen Bradley PLC interfaces.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Experience with Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS)
• Proficient with email

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

The physical demands characterized here epitomize those that must be met by an employee to properly perform the integral functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. In order to properly perform the integral functions of this job, the employee is required to:
• Frequently stand, walk, or climb and occasionally stoop, kneel or crawl.
• Talk and hear; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms extensively.
• Frequently lift objects of up to 35 pounds in weight. Occasionally lift or move objects up to 50 pounds in weight, and occasionally push or pull objects up to 70 pounds in weight.
• Possess the following vision requirements: close, color, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Occasionally be exposed to outside weather conditions, including extreme heat/cold, wet and/or humid conditions.
• Occasionally be exposed to fumes or airborne particles and vibration.
• Regularly be exposed to moving mechanical parts and/or machinery.
• Be in a work environment that is usually loud.

Additional Information

Incumbents may engage in all or some combination of the activities and accountabilities, and utilize a variety of the competencies cited in this description depending upon the organization and role to which they are assigned. This description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents in this job. It is not intended as an all-inclusive list of accountabilities or responsibilities, nor is it intended to limit the rights of supervisors or management representatives to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.

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.