Energy Systems Operator - 24/7 Plant & Controls

SLAC; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 79,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

18+ PTO days per year

Health benefits

Flexible work options

Tuition and training assistance

403(b) plan

Mental health and wellness programs

Commuter transportation benefits

Job summary

Stanford University seeks an experienced Energy Operations professional to safely operate and maintain its energy facilities and thermal systems in a 24/7 environment. You will monitor equipment via distributed control systems, perform routine maintenance, and optimize performance across multiple plant systems.

The role requires strong knowledge of process controls, safety compliance, and collaboration across internal teams.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED plus three years of energy facility or utility plant operations experience.
• Valid California driver’s license (for site access and operations).
• Knowledge of and ability to follow environmental and safety rules and plant operating procedures.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate and maintain Energy Operation facilities and thermal energy systems.
• Monitor plant equipment and indicators via distributed control system; report abnormalities.
• Perform routine maintenance and work within CMMS.
• Observe gauges and indicators to ensure proper operation of machines.
• Control plant equipment using control systems or semi-automatic equipment.
• Regulate equipment operations to optimize energy system performance.
• Take regulatory action based on chart, meter, and gauge readings.
• Start or stop chillers, boilers, and other power plant equipment as needed.
• Maintain auxiliary equipment such as pumps, fans, and condensers.
• Clean, lubricate, or maintain equipment to prevent failure.
• Inspect records or logbooks and communicate with plant personnel about status.
• Maintain plant chemistry within allowable parameters.
• Develop and update plant operating procedures; participate in Root Cause Analysis.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to troubleshoot and optimize operations.
• Order parts, supplies, or equipment; perform housekeeping duties as needed.

Skills

Distributed control system

Machinery maintenance

Analytical reasoning

Safety compliance

Effective communication

Water chemistry basics

Chiller systems experience

Mechanical & electrical maintenance

Plant historians & data systems

Office applications

Education

High school diploma or GED

3 years energy facility operations experience

Tools

CMMS software

Control systems software

SCADA (supervisory control)

Job description

Stanford University seeks an experienced Energy Operations professional to safely operate and maintain its energy facilities and thermal systems in a 24/7 environment. You will monitor equipment via distributed control systems, perform routine maintenance, and optimize performance across multiple plant systems.

The role requires strong knowledge of process controls, safety compliance, and collaboration across internal teams.