Thermal Distribution Mechanic III

Thermal Distribution Mechanic

Cordia is a comprehensive energy solutions provider delivering safe, reliable, resilient, and sustainable energy to communities across the United States. We partner with hospitals, universities, businesses, government organizations, and other critical institutions to design, develop, build, own, operate, and maintain energy systems that keep communities running. Our solutions include district energy, combined heat and power, microgrids, energy performance services, and other innovative approaches that help customers improve reliability, efficiency, and sustainability. Through long-term customer partnerships and deep energy expertise, Cordia helps organizations navigate complex energy challenges while supporting the transition toward a more resilient and sustainable energy future.

Job Summary

The Thermal Distribution Mechanic supports the safe, reliable, and efficient maintenance of Cordia's district steam distribution system in San Francisco, California. Cordia's San Francisco system includes two downtown steam plants at 460 Jessie Street and 1 Meacham Place and approximately 71,540 feet of steam distribution infrastructure serving buildings across a two-square-mile area of the central business district. The system delivers steam for space heating, domestic hot water, air conditioning, and industrial process use to approximately 175 customers representing more than 37 million square feet of space.

The position assists with maintaining uninterrupted customer service by inspecting, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing steam distribution vaults, customer premises equipment, valves, traps, piping systems, and related components. Welding is part of this role and is regularly used to maintain and repair distribution piping and related components. The Thermal Distribution Mechanic is expected to demonstrate Cordia Energy Center San Francisco's principles of safe work practices, environmental stewardship, teamwork, and ethics while applying sound mechanical judgment in field and shop assignments.

Essential Functions

• Maintain, inspect, and monitor the steam distribution system, including vaults, piping systems, valves, traps, and customer premises equipment, in a safe, reliable, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner.
• Perform system maintenance and repairs and troubleshoot distribution equipment to resolve operational problems and help maintain uninterrupted customer service.
• Perform welding using applicable processes to fabricate, maintain, and repair distribution piping, steam-system components, and related equipment in accordance with approved procedures and safety requirements.
• Inspect distribution assets, identify deficiencies, and assist with repairs or coordinated specialty work within the scope of the position and applicable work rules.
• Recognize safety hazards and follow established guidelines for personal protection, protection of coworkers, and protection of the public.
• Work collaboratively with operators, maintenance personnel, contractors, and other team members.
• Perform routine and preventive maintenance on distribution vault equipment, traps, valves, piping systems, and related components.
• Comply with all required safety procedures, including lockout/tagout (LOTO), confined-space entry, fall protection, and other procedures required by law or company policy.
• Perform routine cleaning and maintain orderly work areas, tools, vehicles, and equipment.
• Use corporate software systems, including SAP, to record daily time, code labor and materials for applicable work orders, order and receive materials, complete expense reports, and satisfy online training requirements.
• Maintain reliable transportation to and from the workplace and respond to assignments as required.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Three years of experience in mechanical maintenance, utility distribution, industrial facilities, or a similar position that provided equivalent experience and skills; three years of experience in a related technical trade; or three years of qualifying military experience.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude gained through work, education, military service, or personal experience.
• Hands-on welding experience using SMAW or GMAW processes, including experience performing welds or repairs on industrial piping or steam distribution components where permitted by applicable work rules.
• Valid driver's license and ability to operate company vehicles and equipment.
• Ability to communicate information clearly in English, both orally and in writing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience maintaining thermal distribution, steam distribution, district energy, utility, or comparable industrial mechanical systems.
• Current welding certification or documented welder performance qualification in accordance with applicable AWS or ASME standards, or the ability to obtain required site or procedure specific qualifications after hire.
• Oxy-acetylene cutting experience.
• Experience with industrial piping systems, steam distribution equipment, or confined-space work.

Preferred qualifications are additional skills or experience that may enhance success in this role but are not required for consideration. If you meet the required qualifications and are interested in joining Cordia, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every preferred qualification.

Knowledge & Skills

• Understanding of plumbing and industrial piping-system design and operation, including major components such as valves, vessels, heat exchangers, pumps, and turbines.
• Working knowledge of mechanical principles, including thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and the strength and properties of materials.
• Knowledge of maintenance tasks such as equipment isolation, disassembly, inspection, reassembly, and testing.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks or assignments at the same time.
• Ability to perform arithmetic calculations involving flow, pressure, meters, and related operating measurements.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematic diagrams, procedures, and technical manuals.
• Ability to communicate plant-system and equipment conditions clearly to others.
• Ability to perform preventive-maintenance checks on operating and idle equipment and conduct required safety and environmental inspections.
• Ability to discern and respond to verbal and auditory signals, distinguish assorted colors, and record and analyze readings from electrical and mechanical meters.
• Ability to work independently without direct supervision while carrying out assigned duties.
• Ability to operate company vehicles and equipment, including forklifts and plant vehicles.
• Ability to use a personal computer and associated software, including corporate maintenance and work-order systems.
• Ability to assist operators and maintenance personnel with performance testing.
• Ability to work successfully in a team environment.

Working Conditions

This position requires the ability to safely use, handle, and inspect equipment containing and perform maintenance in close proximity to sources of hazardous materials, hazardous chemicals, and hazardous waste, as those terms are defined under applicable safety and environmental regulations. Employees must use appropriate personal protective equipment for identifying hazards within their normal, immediate work area and remain routinely familiar with the proper response to those hazards. This includes, but is not limited to, repairing equipment containing chemicals, containing chemical leaks, responding to electrical interruptions, using appropriate personal protection techniques, and following all applicable safety and environmental procedures, including lockout/tagout procedures.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting Frequently
• Standing Frequently
• Walking Frequently
• Climbing/balancing Frequently
• Reaching with arms and hands Frequently
• Stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling Regularly
• Lifting 125 lbs. Regularly
• Lifting 2550 lbs. Occasionally
• Lifting 50+ lbs. Occasionally
• Talking Regularly
• Hearing Regularly
• Feeling/touching Regularly
• Vision, close, peripheral, depth, and ability to adjust focus Regularly

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation for this position is governed by and provided in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the International Union of Operating Engineers, Stationary Engineers Local 39, covering Energy Center San Francisco. Actual compensation may vary based on relevant experience, qualifications, skills, and other job-related factors. Cordia also offers annual bonus potential and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; a 401(k) plan with company match; company-paid life and disability insurance; paid parental leave; paid time off (as provided under the Local 39 CBA). Eligibility and plan terms apply.

Why Cordia / Culture

At Cordia, our people are the power behind what we do. We believe meaningful work starts with talented people who care about their customers, their communities, and each other. Our culture is built around eight Key Beliefs: Safety, Talent, Value, Collaboration, Accountability, Customers, Sustainability, and Serve. We don't just