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Cooling Tower Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Actalent

Designer And Drafter

Kansas City, KS

$25 - $30/hr

Participate in cooling tower inspections as required, documenting findings and supporting follow-up engineering work. * Collaborate and communicate effectively with engineering, construction, and ...

SPX

Senior Civil/Structural Engineer I

Overland Park, KS · On-site

$99K - $134K/yr

As a Senior Engineer I, you will be providing structural engineering for complex cooling tower projects across various product lines and materials. Responsibilities include coordinating teams ...

Tower Engineering, Inc.

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Working Foreman

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$27 - $35/hr

Working Carpenter Foreman needed with experience in running field-erected cooling tower work crews of 3-5 men to accomplish construction projects with 1 week to 3 months duration. Some travel and ...

vicinityenergy

Stationary Engineer

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$49.94/hr

Summary The Stationary Engineer is responsible for safely, reliably, and efficiently operating ... Controls cooling tower, boiler and feedwater quality, taking steps to assure that prescribed water ...

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How much do cooling tower engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooling tower engineer in the United States is $52.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.38 and $62.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Cooling Tower Engineers in maintaining optimal system performance?

Cooling Tower Engineers often encounter challenges such as scaling, corrosion, and biological growth that can affect system efficiency and longevity. They must regularly monitor water quality, conduct inspections, and implement preventive maintenance to address these issues. Collaborating with facility managers and other engineers is crucial for troubleshooting operational problems and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Staying current with new technologies and best practices also helps in optimizing performance and minimizing downtime.

What is the difference between Cooling Tower Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectCooling Tower EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, specialized training in cooling systemsEngineering degree, broad mechanical systems knowledge
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, power stations, HVAC systemsVarious industries including manufacturing, automotive, HVAC
Industry UsageSpecific focus on cooling towers and thermal systemsDesign, analysis, and maintenance of mechanical systems

Cooling Tower Engineers specialize in designing, maintaining, and optimizing cooling tower systems within industrial and power plant environments. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, working on various mechanical systems across multiple industries. While both roles require engineering credentials, Cooling Tower Engineers focus more on thermal and fluid systems, making them more specialized for cooling tower projects.

Is a cooling tower considered HVAC?

A cooling tower is not considered part of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems, but it is often associated with HVAC in large industrial or commercial cooling applications. Cooling tower engineers focus on heat rejection and water treatment, which are related but distinct from typical HVAC functions. Knowledge of thermodynamics, water chemistry, and system design is essential for the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cooling Tower Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cooling Tower Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or chemical engineering, understanding of thermodynamics, and relevant industry experience, often supported by an engineering degree and professional certification (like PE). Familiarity with AutoCAD, 3D modeling software, and condition monitoring systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and teamwork set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These skills ensure cooling tower systems are designed, operated, and maintained efficiently, supporting safety and optimal performance in industrial environments.

What is a cooling engineer?

A cooling engineer specializes in designing, maintaining, and optimizing cooling systems such as cooling towers, HVAC systems, and refrigeration units. They often work in industries like power plants, manufacturing, and HVAC services, requiring knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and relevant safety standards. Certification and technical skills are important for this role.

How much does a 500 ton cooling tower cost?

A cooling tower engineer or contractor typically estimates that a 500-ton cooling tower costs between $150,000 and $300,000, depending on design, materials, and installation complexity. Costs can vary based on site requirements, specifications, and additional features such as drift eliminators or variable frequency drives.

How much do cooling tower workers make?

Cooling tower engineers and workers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Skilled workers with specialized knowledge of HVAC systems and water treatment may earn higher wages, especially with overtime or supervisory roles.

What are Cooling Tower Engineers?

Cooling Tower Engineers are professionals who design, install, operate, and maintain cooling towers, which are systems used to remove excess heat from buildings or industrial processes. They are responsible for ensuring that cooling towers function efficiently, remain safe, and comply with environmental and health regulations. Their duties often include troubleshooting mechanical issues, optimizing energy use, and overseeing water treatment processes to prevent scaling, corrosion, and biological growth.
More about Cooling Tower Engineer jobs
What states have the most Cooling Tower Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Cooling Tower Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cooling Tower Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cooling Tower Engineer jobs are:
Cooling Tower Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooling Tower Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 55% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 39% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,336 per year, or $52.6 per hour.

Control Engineer - UPMC Washington

UPMC Senior Communities

Washington, PA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

The Control Engineer assists the professional staff in operating, inspecting, maintaining, and conducting basic and/or running repairs on all hospital stationary equipment. This position will also install new equipment under the supervision of the Chief Operating Engineer. The Control Engineer is responsible for ensuring the continuous safe operation of all stationary equipment in Washington Health System and its properties.
Responsibilities:
  • Ensures the continuous safe operation of all stationary equipment in Washington Health System and its properties.
  • Inspects, maintains, diagnoses, and makes repairs to Stationary Equipment pertaining to heating, air conditioning, steam, refrigeration, and distribution systems in the varied Washington Health System buildings.
  • Verifies, corrects, and documents conditions pertaining to the above-mentioned equipment.
  • Maintains prescribed feed water control levels and controls house temperatures.
  • Maintains integrity of medical gases such as: Clinical Air, Vacuum, Oxygen, and Nitrous Oxide.
  • Observes on a regular basis meter and gauges and takes appropriate action for safe operation and documents discrepancies in readings.
  • Performs periodic inspection of mechanical rooms throughout the hospital to ensure proper operation of heating, air-conditioning, ventilation, chiller water, and medical support equipment (i.e., vacuum pumps, medical air compressors).
  • Records and documents temperatures and humidity readings.
  • Services and maintains filter assemblies.
  • Answers Maintenance phone calls in the absence of other maintenance personnel.
  • Operates cooling tower, checks refrigerants for proper levels, and cleans cooling tower when necessary.
  • Regenerates water softener and introduces chemicals to the cooling tower system as prescribed.
  • Performs various pipe, valve, and accessory repairs.
  • Maintains boiler, cooling tower, and closed loop water chemistry levels.
  • Performs preventive, urgent, corrective, routine, and requisitioned maintenance on plant equipment.
  • Maintains and records ventilation and humidity temperatures within environmental and infection control limits.
  • Visits and records temperatures in such critical areas as: Kitchen Refrigeration, Blood Bank and Morgue.
  • Repairs and maintains Pneumatic Tube System.
  • Notifies Department Manager or Vice President Information & Ancillary Services, immediately of any involvement in motor vehicle incidents that could impact the employee's ability to be included on Washington Health Systems automobile insurance policy. Such incidents are on the attached list and are known as Tier D Violations.

Schedule: Starting times include: 7AM, 3PM, and 11PM. Shift availability based on seniority, but can rotate as needed based on the hospitals needs.
Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or GED equivalent required.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
  • Valid driver's license required without any Tier D Violations during the most recent time period specified by Washington Health Systems automobile insurance carrier.
  • Copy of Pittsburgh Stationary Engineers License or NIULPE of PA, Inc. (National Institute of Uniform Licensing of Power Engineers of Pennsylvania, Inc.) License required.
  • Experience: Minimum work experience as dictated by City of Pittsburgh Stationary Engineers License.
  • Act 33, 34, 73

Internal Posting Dates: 4/20/22-4/27/22
UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran

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