Assistant Engineer (Steam Plant)

VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY; Pennsylvania; Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Villanova University is seeking an Assistant Engineer (Steam Plant) to join the facilities team in Villanova, PA. Under minimum supervision, you will oversee operation, maintenance and service of boilers and related high-pressure steam systems across campus.

The role requires at least 6 years of experience in high-pressure steam plant operations, reading blueprints, and ensuring safety and compliance. A valid driver's license and OSHA/ANSI training are required; you will coordinate repairs and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with training in high pressure steam systems.
• At least 6 years of work experience in high-pressure steam plant operations.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and schematics.
• Valid driver’s license with clean record.
• Experience with preventative maintenance and meter reading in utilities.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair high pressure steam systems and related equipment.
• Optimize energy use following manufacturer guidelines and design parameters.
• Read blueprints, diagrams, and schematics and interpret wiring.
• Coordinate repairs with other trades and perform maintenance on electrical and control circuits.
• Perform brazing, soldering, pipe fitting, welding as required.

Skills

High-pressure steam systems knowledge

Blueprint reading

Electrical controls knowledge

Safety-conscious

Education

High School diploma

Tools

OSHA training

Driver’s License

Job description

Assistant Engineer (Steam Plant)

Posting Number: 20254293S
Position Title: Assistant Engineer (Steam Plant)
Position Type: Staff
Location: Villanova, PA
Recruitment Type: Internal/External Applicants
Work Schedule: full-time/12-months
Avg Hours Week: 40
Department: 793-FS - Steam Plant

Position Summary:

• Join a mission-driven organization. Since Villanova University’s founding in 1842, we have been inspired by the values of truth, unity, and love, and are a community dedicated to service to others.
• Villanova has been included among the nation’s best colleges and universities. VU’s inclusion again in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 “Best Colleges” rankings is another indication of the University’s continued prominence and forward momentum.
• Villanova’s most precious asset is our people. As an employee, you will receive a holistic benefits package, generous paid time off, a competitive retirement savings plan, flexible work options, wellness programs including gym membership, professional development, tuition assistance, and more .

Under minimum supervision, oversees the operation, maintenance and service of boilers and all auxiliary equipment associated with the generation and supply of high pressure steam. Troubleshoots steam systems operational problems in order to provide a comfortable and safe environment in all University facilities including: classrooms, laboratories, offices, student residences, dining facilities, laboratories, athletic facilities, and any other property or facility owned or operated by the University in accordance with applicable standards of the trade and regulatory agencies.

Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Operates, maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs, as required, high pressure stream systems and all auxiliary equipment
• consistent with manufacturer’s guidelines, operating design parameters, and accepted practices to optimize energy use.
• Troubleshoots and repairs steam devices including electronic, electrical, and mechanical components and connections.
• Installs, maintains, and repairs computerized electronic, pneumatic, and direct digital control ( DDC ) devices related to steam control.
• Maintains and makes operating repairs on electrical and controls circuits in compliance with NEC and OSHA .
• Operates and keeps in good working order a variety of equipment including hand tools, mobile electronic devices, measuring/diagnostic/testing meters and instruments.
• Reads and interprets complex blueprints, sketches, schematics, and wiring diagrams.
• Performs brazing, silver and lead soldering, pipe fitting, welding and fabrication as required.
• Coordinates repairs with other trades affected by the steam operations.
• Performs other duties as assigned within the normal scope of the department’s responsibilities and the individual’s capabilities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent and current documentation indicating either current participation or successful passing of formal training classes or programs in high pressure steam systems and be able to exhibit acceptable life experience in high pressure steam systems operations or other high-pressure utilities operations, i.e. natural gas, water, etc.
• Requires at least 6 years work experience in a high-pressure steam plant operation or other high-pressure utilities operations, i.e. natural gas, water, etc.
• Able to provide specifications, estimates and bill of materials for all projects.
• Must have the ability to follow both verbal and written directions in English; the ability to interact with students, faculty, administration, and staff in a professional and positive manner, as well as the ability to read and understand OSHA guidelines such as Material Safety Data Sheets, equipment safety data plates, fuel/chemical flash points, etc.
• Must have the ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings/sketches, schematics and diagrams.
• Valid Driver’s License required with a good driving record and no traffic violations. Must be able to meet and maintain VU driving privileges as outlined by Villanova’s Risk Management’s Motor Vehicle Record Policy for Drivers of University Vehicles
• Experience in preventative maintenance procedures; in meter reading and lead testing; in the repair and shutoff of gas, water, electrical, life safety systems (i.e. fire alarm, sprinkler, etc.) and steam supplies.
• Knowledge of building and utilities construction, materials and inspection techniques, to include life safety systems (i.e. fire alarm, sprinkler, etc.) light and power, water systems and refrigeration, elevators, exhaust systems, and air handling units.
• Basic Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Outlook skills.
• Must possess current ANSI / OSHA compliant training card to operate aerial lift, bucket truck, fork lift or all.
• Ability to erect and work on scaffolding as per OSHA standards.
• Excellent safety record required.

Preferred Qualifications: Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours:

• Must have the physical ability to climb ladders, to bend, reach, crawl, and lift up to 60 lbs.
• The ability to work in enclosed spaces as per OSHA guidelines.

Special Message to Applicants:

Subject to rotating swing shift to fill in as relief boiler operator absenteeism as required.

Posting Date: 05/06/2026
Closing Date (11:59pm ET):
Salary Posting Information: $36.81 an hour Salary Grade: UNION Job Classification: union