Operating Engineer

Job Summary

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 (SOPs) and prudent safety standards in single person operations
• Ability to respond to operational upset conditions in the plant
• Participate 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 work with all departments to support corporate and plant goals
• Work…