Operating Engineer

DTE Energy•Dearborn, MI

35d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

Responsibilities

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