Operating Engineer

DTE Energy•Detroit, MI

111d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent
First Class Refrigeration License
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

Responsibilities

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 escalate issues requiring attention.