Chilled Water Plant Operator — 14k-Ton System

DTE Energy; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

DTE Energy in Detroit, MI is seeking a Chilled Water Plant Operator to run a large-scale central cooling plant serving the Renaissance Center.

You will operate seven high‑pressure chillers, river-water systems, pumps, electrical substations, and related equipment, handling monitoring, maintenance, and compliance.

Requires a High School diploma and at least five years in utility-plant operations, with shift work and hands-on preventive maintenance.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• At least 5 years of experience in utility complex operations.
• Shift work required; perform both operation and routine maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Operate 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.
• 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 escape issues requiring attention.

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

DTE Energy in Detroit, MI is seeking a Chilled Water Plant Operator to run a large-scale central cooling plant serving the Renaissance Center.

You will operate seven high‑pressure chillers, river-water systems, pumps, electrical substations, and related equipment, handling monitoring, maintenance, and compliance.

Requires a High School diploma and at least five years in utility-plant operations, with shift work and hands-on preventive maintenance.