Operating Engineer Northwind

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.

The hourly rate for this position is
$44.90

Location:

Detroit, MI

The Chilled Water Plant Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of a large‑scale central chilled water plant supplying comfort cooling to the Renaissance Center complex. This role involves operating and maintaining high‑pressure centrifugal chillers, river‑water cooling systems, heat exchangers, pumping equipment, electrical substations, and steam‑related auxiliary systems. The operator performs routine monitoring, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and documentation to ensure optimal plant performance and regulatory compliance.

• Operate and monitor seven high pressure York YK centrifugal chillers with a combined capacity of 14,000 tons.
• Operate two shell and tube free cooling heat exchangers providing 2,000 tons of cooling capacity.
• Maintain proper chilled water production, temperature control, and system efficiency.

• Utilize river water for condenser water supply through six centrifugal split case pumps, each rated at 5,000 GPM @ 95 ft head.
• Operate and maintain river water pumps with a total capacity of 30,000 GPM.
• Inspect, clean, and maintain traveling water screens and associated auxiliary equipment to ensure uninterrupted water flow and debris removal.

• Monitor steam equipment and associated billing meters for accuracy and operational integrity.
• Maintain and monitor substation equipment located in both the chilled water plant and pump house.
• Report abnormalities and coordinate with electrical and steam system specialists as needed.

• Complete assigned preventative maintenance tasks on mechanical, electrical, and water side equipment.
• Track and update work orders, parts usage, and inventory within the maintenance management system.
• Assist in troubleshooting equipment failures and support corrective maintenance activities.

• Perform daily operational rounds including:
• Chiller operating data
• System flows and temperatures
• kW usage and energy performance
• Cumulative water usage
• Equipment efficiency readings
• Safety and operational checks
• Water chemistry sampling and adjustments
• Document findings and escape issues requiring attention.

• High School diploma or equivalent
• At least 5 years’ experience in utility complex operations
• Shift work is required, and employees will be required to perform both operation and routine maintenance of the utility complex equipment

The physical demands characterized here epitomize those that must be met by an employee to properly perform the integral functions of…