Plant Maintenance Engineer

University of Akron • Akron, OH

20h • Onsite

About The Position

Manage the daily operation of the central energy plant and its associated piping systems to provide heating (HTW) and cooling (CHW) water to buildings on campus. Essential Functions: 45% Oversee the daily operation of the plant including areas such as mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and pipefitting maintenance. Assist in the training, educating, and scheduling of employees. 15% Formulate solutions for problems related to system and equipment failures. Perform minor repairs and contact outside contractors as necessary for plant related repairs. 15% Provide technical assistance to other shops as requested. Manage the water treatment program and coordinate plant start-ups or shutdowns in the case of emergencies. 10% Maintain records and reports associated with the overall operation and maintenance of the plant. 10% Initiate the ordering of parts, supplies, and equipment for the plant as they are needed. 5% Assist in the preparation of plans to perform construction or remodeling at the plant. Review recommended alterations. Additional Position Information: ADDITIONAL JOB DESCRIPTION Education: Requires a High School diploma. Licenses/Certifications/Requirements: 3rd Class Stationary Engineers License, Valid Driver's License Universal Refrigeration Technician Certification Preferred Experience: Requires a minimum of 4 years’ experience working with building automation systems, water treatment systems, and boiler/chiller plants. Mechanical and electrical system troubleshooting skills required. The ability to think clearly and respond to emergency situations is a critical requirement of the job. Prior supervision and basic computer skills required. Leadership: Direct supervision and evaluation of work as a first-line supervisor over non-exempt staff including hiring, terminating, disciplining; or functional guidance and/or project leadership over exempt staff engaged in activities of a recurring basis. Physical Requirements: Moderate physical effort required involving long periods of standing, walking on rough surfaces, bending and/or stooping; periodic lifting of moderately heavy items (over 25 lbs. -- 50 lbs.). Working Conditions: Routine discomforts from exposure to moderate levels of heat, cold, moisture/wetness, noise and air pollution. May involve routine/occasional exposure to light chemical substances or hazards (radiation, chemicals, diseases, heights and moving parts). Shift Available: Monday through Friday; 7:00am- 3:30pm Compensation: The compensation for this position is commensurate with experience. Application Instructions: In order to be considered for this position, please complete the online application and attach your resume. Application Deadline: Review of applicants will begin March 12, 2026. FLSA Status (exempt/nonexempt): United States of America (Non-Exempt) Union Affiliation (if applicable): For assistance with your application or attachments, please contact the Human Resources representative listed: Cindy Harm Email: [email protected] ________________________________________________________________________ Background Check Statement The University of Akron is committed to providing a safe environment for all students and employees. The University endeavors to protect the health, welfare and safety of all students, employees and visitors on our campus. As such, all offers of employment with The University of Akron are contingent upon verification of credentials, and satisfactory completion of a criminal background check. Some positions may require additional credit investigation and a pre-employment driving record search. Non-Discrimination Statement The University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution. View our Non-Discrimination Statement for more information. Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. State of Residence Statement It is the expectation of the University of Akron that all work performed as an employee of the University will be performed in Ohio. The University of Akron empowers our people to flourish by delivering an applied and community-connected educational experience and cultivating research excellence. Leveraging our passion and expertise, we create innovative academic opportunities, support the well-being of our students and employees, and prioritize community embeddedness and engagement to impact lives through transformative experience. Through this focus, UA aspires to be the leader in community-focused higher education. The University of Akron is a lifelong learning partner, recognizing and valuing diverse learning experiences and combining traditional classroom experiences with innovative and robust approaches. As Zips, we prioritize the well-being of our students and employees, cultivate a culture and community where all can flourish, and act as responsible stewards of our resources and infrastructure by leveraging data to differentiate our processes and systems. We leverage our urban campus as a responsive and reliable partner to identify and meet the needs of the region. We intentionally contribute to economic and workforce development and civic life through research, innovation and engagement to provide community-embedded experiential learning opportunities that will enhance the UA experience for all students. We welcome candidates who are passionate about shaping and inspiring the next generation of thinkers, experts, artists and leaders. For more information about The University of Akron or the Akron community please visit our About UA page. The University of Akron offers a competitive total compensation package comprised of a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits for eligible employees including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, and paid leave of absences including time off for illness, vacation, and maternity or paternity leave. In addition, eligible employees and their dependents are provided tuition remission. All staff and eligible non-bargaining unit faculty have the option to request a Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA). The University of Akron participates in state retirement systems and offers alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions. Optional investment opportunities are available including deferred compensation programs (403(b) and 457(b)). Please visit our benefits home page for more information.

Requirements

• Requires a High School diploma.
• 3rd Class Stationary Engineers License
• Valid Driver's License
• Universal Refrigeration Technician Certification
• Requires a minimum of 4 years’ experience working with building automation systems, water treatment systems, and boiler/chiller plants.
• Mechanical and electrical system troubleshooting skills required.
• The ability to think clearly and respond to emergency situations is a critical requirement of the job.
• Prior supervision and basic computer skills required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operation of the plant including areas such as mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and pipefitting maintenance.
• Assist in the training, educating, and scheduling of employees.
• Formulate solutions for problems related to system and equipment failures.
• Perform minor repairs and contact outside contractors as necessary for plant related repairs.
• Provide technical assistance to other shops as requested.
• Manage the water treatment program and coordinate plant start-ups or shutdowns in the case of emergencies.
• Maintain records and reports associated with the overall operation and maintenance of the plant.
• Initiate the ordering of parts, supplies, and equipment for the plant as they are needed.
• Assist in the preparation of plans to perform construction or remodeling at the plant.
• Review recommended alterations.

Benefits

• competitive salary
• comprehensive benefits for eligible employees including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, and paid leave of absences including time off for illness, vacation, and maternity or paternity leave
• eligible employees and their dependents are provided tuition remission
• All staff and eligible non-bargaining unit faculty have the option to request a Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA)
• The University of Akron participates in state retirement systems and offers alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.
• Optional investment opportunities are available including deferred compensation programs (403(b) and 457(b)).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED