AE Operations & Maintenance Specialist

City of Austin; United States; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Austin seeks a skilled maintenance technician to operate, test, and repair complex utility equipment including boilers, turbines, and chiller systems. You will calibrate sensors, read gauges, and log data to ensure reliable plant performance.

The role requires experience with large equipment maintenance, adherence to safety rules, and the ability to plan work with proper tools and labor. Shift work and outdoor conditions are expected in a high-stress environment.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus 4 years of related experience.
• Knowledge of safety rules and codes for energized steam systems and high-pressure water systems.
• Ability to read gauges, interpret manuals, and perform routine maintenance per specifications.

Responsibilities

• Install, test, repair, and calibrate complex utility equipment.
• Operate diesel generators and associated machinery; monitor and log data.
• Perform preventive maintenance on boilers, turbines, and auxiliary systems.
• Plan work, identify tools, parts, and labor requirements; maintain safety compliance.
• Disassemble/reassemble components and diagnose mechanical issues in critical infrastructure.

Skills

Electrical knowledge

Mechanical maintenance

Preventive maintenance

Calibration and sensors

Reading gauges

Strong communication

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

4+ years related field experience

Tools

Industrial PLCs

Diesel generator operation

Electrical testing tools

Job description

About This Position

Job Description: Purpose: Under general supervision, perform tasks related to operating equipment and performing mechanics in a power, steam or chiller operations.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Installs, tests, debugs, and repairs complex utility equipment.
• Calibrates sensors, controllers, and meters.
• Enters data into computerized and/or manual maintenance systems.
• Records data on appropriate forms, logs, etc.
• Starts up/shuts down diesel generator units.
• Operates mechanical screens.
• Monitors operation of equipment and machinery in work area.
• Reads gauges and meters.
• Checks, cleans, and services equipment pumps, power tools, etc.
• Checks equipment for proper operation, safety, and/or needed maintenance.
• Turns on/off valve with valve wrench.
• Operates centrifuge, generator, turbine, and/or auxiliary equipment.
• Sets up and operates sump and/or other pumps.
• Cleans tanks, feeds chemicals, etc.
• Repairs, services, and installs components of the boiler, turbine, generator, HVAC, electrical, uninterruptible power supply, or auxiliary systems of a utility facility, power, steam, or chiller operation.
• Performs preventive maintenance activities on utility equipment per specification(s).
• Plans work and identifies necessary resources (tools, equipment, parts, labor).
• Performs mechanical alignments for rotating equipment and their drivers.
• Troubleshoots mechanical systems and/or equipment, sometimes within critical infrastructure.
• Disassembles and reassembles complex mechanical components.
• Determines close tolerance fit of associated parts.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised

None.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
• Knowledge of basic methods, equipment, tools, and materials involved in the maintenance and repair of large equipment.
• Knowledge of safety rules, codes, and regulations applicable when working on or near energized electrical systems, steam systems, and high-pressure water systems.
• Knowledge of lock out/tag out procedures for removing equipment from service for maintenance.
• Knowledge of proper methods and procedures used in cleaning work area and equipment.
• Knowledge of operating procedures for firing and maintaining pressure on high-pressure steam boilers and of the operation and maintenance of auxiliary equipment.
• Knowledge of boiler feed water chemical treatment and control.
• Knowledge of pressure, temperature, water level, and other types of indicating instruments used in operation of high-pressure boilers.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining excellent communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.
• Skill in performing basic mathematical calculations.
• Skill in control procedures for operating auxiliary equipment.
• Ability to make accurate gauge readings.
• Ability to reference/interpret manual sufficient to perform job tasks.
• Ability to meet and maintain driver eligibility standards in the COA Driver Safety Program.
• Ability to drive, inspect, and maintain various electric utility vehicles.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus (4) years of experience in a field related to the installation, operation, and/or maintenance of a utility facility power, steam, or chiller operation.

Licenses and Certifications Required

• Valid Texas class C driver license or ability to obtain within ninety (90) days of employment.
• Ability to produce and maintain an acceptable driving record.

Physical Requirements

• Moderate bending, lifting, walking, carrying, climbing ladders, and using a force equal to lifting up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Must be able to work a varying shift work schedule.
• Must be able to work in confined areas.
• Must be able to work on elevated structures.
• Must be able to work under emergency and all weather conditions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Operations and maintenance of district energy & cooling plant.
• Experience in Operation and maintenance of industrial chillers.
• Experience in Operation and maintenance of industrial boilers.
• Experience in Operation and maintenance of gas turbines.
• Experience performing electrical / electronics maintenance.
• Experience in Operation and maintenance of industrial PLCs.
• Demonstrated completion of or participation in advanced, high rigor technical training (e.g., US Navy Nuclear Program) or comparable structured technical training or programs.

Notes to Candidate

This position operates and maintains electrical, steam, and chilled water equipment and systems. Due to the critical nature of our customers, the work environment is a high stress environment in extreme conditions (outdoors in hot/cold temperatures). The position requires operations and maintenance experience in multiple crafts/fields to be successful.

**This position is categorized as Essential Personnel which requires reporting to work during emergencies and bad weather. **

This posting is for a 3rd (NIGHT) shift position, or any shift as required by the business. Specific shift will be assigned at the completion of the hiring process. Work outside of the normal schedule (multiple shifts, weekends, holidays) will be required to support plant operations / projects.

1) This position requires the ability to work in extreme hot/cold, confined spaces, climb ladders, lift 50 pounds, noisy environments, and wear a respirator when required.

2) As required, this position may report to multiple locations including but not limited to:

• District Cooling