Lead Engineer

The Donohoe Companies, Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 59,849 - 85,239; Full time

Job summary

The Donohoe Companies, Inc. is seeking a Lead Watch Engineer in Washington, D.C. to oversee and operate the boiler and chiller plants on a 24/7 basis. This role includes monitoring facility operating systems, performing quality control inspections, and responding to emergencies.

Applicants should have at least seven years of experience in a high-pressure steam plant and a 3rd class District of Columbia Steam Engineer's license. The position offers a pay of $52.66 per hour and requires strong managerial skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum of seven years experience in a high-pressure steam plant.
• Five years experience with centrifugal chillers of 750 tons or greater.
• Formal apprenticeship or equivalent training and experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and operate the boiler and chiller plants efficiently.
• Conduct scheduled tours and report deficiencies to management.
• Respond to emergencies and take appropriate corrective actions.

Skills

High-pressure steam plant operation

Centrifugal chillers operation

DDC control systems knowledge

Managerial skills

Computer proficiency

Education

3rd class District of Columbia Steam Engineer's license

High school diploma or equivalent

300 hours of post-high-school education

Job description

Overview

The Lead Watch Engineer is a working supervisor that oversees as well as operates, monitors, and maintains the JFRC boiler plant, chiller plant and lab utility equipment on a 24x7x365 basis according to CBS/JFRC Tour and Watch Plan. The Lead Watch Engineer provides continuous support and oversight of monitoring the facility operating systems using available building automation systems (Siemens EMCS and power monitoring systems, Lutron lighting system, etc.). He/she conducts scheduled tours of boiler plant, chiller plant, and lab utility equipment and has the ultimate say for all actions during watch duties.

Responsibilities

The Lead Watch Engineer completes Tour and Watch according to the CBS/JFRC Tour and Watch Plan following the frequencies stated in the Watch Engineer position description. Reports deficiencies found and corrective action taken during building tour to Assistant Chief Engineer and Follow‑on Watch Engineer. The Lead Watch Engineer is the senior technical representative during his/her respective after‑hour shift. During after‑hours shifts, respond to emergency calls and takes appropriate action to identify problem and take corrective action without compromising Watch responsibilities – calls on‑duty mechanic for support when needed. Other responsibilities include operating and monitoring emergency generators (3 2000 KW Generators), monitoring voltage of main switchgear room and four substations throughout the building, maintaining Mechanical/Electrical rooms and associated equipment in a clean/orderly condition. The Lead Watch Engineer is also responsible for the quality of their work, and performs Quality Control inspections of all systems. He/she performs Preventive Maintenance and service as required during shift and is responsible for monitoring, testing, and assuring appropriate Water Treatment levels according to predetermined set points prescribed by Water Treatment vendor. Cross‑trained to provide guidance, operate and maintain one or more systems, which provide JFRC heat, air‑conditioning (cool, humidify, dehumidify, filter, and circulate air), refrigeration, steam or high‑temperature water and electricity. Regular tour duties involve observing and interpreting readings on gauges, meters and charts which register various aspects of the system’s operation, adjusting controls to insure safe and efficient operation of the system and to meet demands for the service provided, recording in logs various aspects of the system’s operation. Watch Engineers are responsible for proper, accurate and timely completion of Tour and Watch logs.

All Shifts

8 am - 4 pm, 3 pm - 11 pm, 11 pm - 7 am (Monday - Friday).

Salary

$52.66 per hour.

EOE

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.

Qualifications

The Lead Watch Engineer must have a minimum of seven (7) years experience working in a high‑pressure steam plant, with a minimum of 500 boiler horsepower, and five (5) years experience working with centrifugal chillers of 750 tons or greater. Education requirements include a 3rd class District of Columbia Steam Engineer's license or equivalent experience, high school diploma or equivalent required, and 300 hours of post‑high‑school (trade school) education. In addition to education the Lead Watch Engineer must have managerial experience, be computer proficient and have advanced knowledge of DDC control systems. Rounded training and experience are usually acquired through a formal apprenticeship or equivalent training and experience.