Operating Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Location: Dearborn, MI

This position will assist with the safe, efficient operation and maintenance on all equipment located within the Central Energy Plant located at Ford's Research and Engineering Campus. Work is performed as directed by Plant Management or the Lead O&M Technician. Performance is reviewed against an established set of goals and Company policies and procedures.

Plant equipment includes the following: (2) 15 MW Solar Titan 130 gas turbine generators with associated Rentech 185 KPPH Heat Recovery Steam Generator's with Duct Burners and Fresh Air Firing capability (1) Siemens-Dresser Rand 5 MW steam turbine generator (3) 27,500 MBH, and (1) 10,000 MBH steam to hot water heat exchangers, economizers, deaerators, boiler feed water pumps, condensate pumps.  Also included are (4) 3,200-ton electric cooling only centrifugal chillers and (2) heating/cooling chillers (one 1,200-ton and one 1,800-ton) with an associated 5.3 MM gallon thermal storage tank and a 10 cell, 12,500-ton Tower Tech cooling tower. Balance of plant equipment includes, air compressors, water treatment systems, filters, instrumentation, PLC controls and 15/5 kV, 480 V and 125 Vdc electrical systems.

Work involves performing some difficult and complex functions requiring a high level of independent judgment, initiative and discretion. Work shifts rotate and the Operating Engineer frequently works alone.

    Ensure that equipment is operated in a safe, efficient and environmentally responsible manner while satisfying Customer's utility and energy requirements
    Comply with all site safety requirements and procedures
    Perform all shift operations and maintenance, including startup and shutdown of utility systems and ancillary equipment in single person operations
    Perform operations in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOP's) and prudent safety standards in single person operations
    Ability to respond to operational upset conditions in the plant
    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 perform corrective actions consistent with established operating procedures and prudent industry best practices
    Conduct multiple rounds per shift of the Central Energy Plant to inspect equipment, ensure systems are functional, collect/log performance data, and communicate operational problems as they arise
    Read and record gauges and meters and record all operating data using handheld electronic tablet
    Identify safety hazards and take corrective actions as necessary
    Ensure accuracy of shift operating logs, records, time sheets, work orders, and other administrative documents related to Central Energy Plant assets
    Perform routine water chemistry testing and makes necessary adjustments to optimize efficiency
    Check daily consumption rates of chemicals, gases, fuels, water and other consumables; monitor inventories and initiate action to replenish as needed
    Perform plant electrical switching and lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) of equipment in accordance with approved procedures and prudent operations and maintenance best practices
    Perform electrical and mechanical inspections, troubleshooting, and maintenance tasks as assigned
    Investigate plant problems, incidents, accidents and unusual events, and provide accurate information, analysis, recommendations, reports, and appropriate follow-up plans
    Perform routine operational tests and adjustments on all plant systems and components as required
    Develop, assist, and revise operations and maintenance related procedures to ensure optimal performance of systems
    Perform and maintain plant housekeeping duties
    Perform routine preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on all systems and equipment
    Update and maintain Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS)
    Communicate pertinent information to company personnel, customers and vendors
    Communicate shift activities with relief person during shift changes
    Assist other team members and works with all departments to support corporate and plant goals
    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
    Perform other duties as assigned
    Becomes Subject Matter Expert or system representative on assigned systems

    High school diploma or equivalent
    At least five (5) years of power plant experience in operations and maintenance with a City of Dearborn or City of Detroit First Class Stationary Engineer license and Universal Refrigerant license
    Must have knowledge of utility plant mechanical and electrical equipment, including gas turbines, HRSG's, motors, pumps, mechanical chillers, hot water generators, fluid systems, chemical handling, water treatment systems, pollution control equipment, AC/DC electrical distribution, control systems, and associated maintenance functions
    Experience with at least four (4) of the following systems: natural gas fired combustion turbines, natural gas fired engines, heat recovery steam generators (HRSG), electrical systems, chilled water systems, hot water systems, compressed air, reverse osmosis, 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 basic understanding of electrical test equipment 
    Ability to learn and become proficient in all site-specific systems and sub-systems
    Ability to complete site-specific qualification training and periodic testing
    Knowledge of 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 water 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 testing equipment
    Familiarity with Allen Bradley PLC interfaces
    Experience with CMMS
    Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook) and email
 

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 sit, 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 and occasionally lift or move objects of up to 50 pounds in weight
• Occasionally push or pull up to 70 pounds in weight
• Vision requirements for this position include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus

Occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions, including extreme heat/cold, wet and/or humid conditions. Occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles and vibration. Regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and/or machinery. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.