Night-Shift Stationary Engineer — Central Plant Operator

Rice University; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Health insurance

Tuition discounts

Campus facilities access

Job summary

Rice University is seeking a Stationary Engineer, Plant Operator (Second Grade) to operate and monitor central utility plants and campus systems with a 12-hour night shift (8:00 p.m.–8:00 a.m.). The role requires hands-on operation, troubleshooting, and adherence to safety protocols to ensure reliable campus utilities.

Ideal candidates will have 3+ years in central plant operations, familiarity with BAS/SCADA, and the ability to obtain the Houston Second Grade license within 6 months if needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Three+ years of central plant/utility operations experience including high‑pressure boilers.
• City of Houston Second Grade Stationary Engineer license or ability to obtain within 6 months.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor central plant equipment including boilers, chillers, pumps, and auxiliary systems.
• Monitor BAS, alarms, trends, and operating data; respond to abnormal conditions.
• Perform preventive maintenance and minor repairs on mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and control systems.
• Maintain accurate operating logs and shift reports using CMMS.
• Adhere to safety policies and procedures (LOTO, PPE, confined-space, etc.).
• Support continuous plant operations and assist in incident investigations and root-cause analyses.

Skills

Central plant operations

Mechanical aptitude

Read blueprints & schematics

Troubleshooting

BAS/SCADA awareness

Tools

CMMS

BAS/SCADA

Job description

Rice University is seeking a Stationary Engineer, Plant Operator (Second Grade) to operate and monitor central utility plants and campus systems with a 12-hour night shift (8:00 p.m.–8:00 a.m.). The role requires hands-on operation, troubleshooting, and adherence to safety protocols to ensure reliable campus utilities.

Ideal candidates will have 3+ years in central plant operations, familiarity with BAS/SCADA, and the ability to obtain the Houston Second Grade license within 6 months if needed.