Operating Engineer I

Rutgers University; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Paid time off

Retirement benefits

Education benefits

Life insurance

Job summary

Rutgers University in Newark, NJ is seeking an Operating Engineer I to ensure safe operation and maintenance of cogeneration power and heating plants and auxiliary equipment.

You will operate turbines, boilers, and related equipment, perform repairs, conduct tests, manage inventory, and document all activities to support continuous plant operation and safety.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in operation, maintenance and repair of stationary steam boilers, generators, turbines, chillers, pumps and electrical distribution systems and auxiliary equipment of a high‑pressure Power Plant.
• New Jersey Gold Seal Engineer's License may substitute two years of required experience.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain turbine generators, stationary steam boilers and auxiliary equipment in the Newark Power Plants, including 65 Bergen Street, Plant, ICPH and RBL Facilities.
• Operate, maintain and perform minor and emergency repairs on generators, motors, pumps, turbines, vacuum units, blowers, refrigeration equipment, cooling towers, gas compressors, air compressors, chemical treatment systems, continuous emission monitoring systems and other auxiliary equipment.
• Periodically perform tests and readings of fuel consumption, pressure, draft, temperatures, steam flow and other parameters.
• Receive, store, safeguard and record the use of equipment, materials and supplies; maintain inventory and follow operational procedures.
• Add chemicals to treat steam, water and fuel as required by standards.
• Complete all paperwork in a timely manner; maintain logs, records and files for the Power Plants.
• Provide detailed exchange of information to the relieving operator.
• Continually inspect equipment and leverage knowledge of plant layout to maintain continuous operation.
• Analyze problems, determine causes and effects, take corrective action, and report conditions to the Manager of Engineering.

Education

New Jersey Red Seal License

Job description

Position Details

Position Title: Operating Engineer I

Department: Facilities Utilities UW

Posting Summary: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking an Operating Engineer I for the Division of Institutional Planning & Operations (IP&O). Under the direction of the Manager of Engineering, the role is responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of cogeneration power and heating plants and auxiliary equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain turbine generators, stationary steam boilers and auxiliary equipment in the Newark Power Plants, including 65 Bergen Street, Plant, ICPH and RBL Facilities.
• Operate, maintain and perform minor and emergency repairs on generators, motors, pumps, turbines, vacuum units, blowers, refrigeration equipment, cooling towers, gas compressors, air compressors, chemical treatment systems, continuous emission monitoring systems and other auxiliary equipment.
• Periodically perform tests and readings of fuel consumption, pressure, draft, temperatures, steam flow and other parameters.
• Receive, store, safeguard and record the use of equipment, materials and supplies; maintain inventory and follow operational procedures.
• Add chemicals to treat steam, water and fuel as required by standards.
• Complete all paperwork in a timely manner; maintain logs, records and files for the Power Plants.
• Provide detailed exchange of information to the relieving operator.
• Continually inspect equipment and leverage knowledge of plant layout to maintain continuous operation.
• Analyze problems, determine causes and effects, take corrective action, and report conditions to the Manager of Engineering.

Qualifications

• Minimum Education and Experience: A minimum of three (3) years of experience in the operation, maintenance and repair of stationary steam boilers, generators, turbines, chillers, pumps and electrical distribution systems and auxiliary equipment of a high‑pressure Power Plant. Applicants may substitute two (2) years of required experience with a New Jersey Gold Seal Engineer's License.
• Certifications/Licenses: Valid driver’s license; New Jersey Red Seal License. Credential: New Jersey Red Seal License. Primary Source Verification: The State of New Jersey, Department of Labor Workforce Development, Bureau of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Compliance.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Describe physical demands and work environment in general terms consistent with the role: standing, walking, climbing, lifting, exposure to heat, fumes, chemicals, and loud environments typical of power plant operation. The position may require work in extreme conditions and adherence to safety protocols. An annual physical exam and hearing test are provided for this position.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Posting Details

• Posting Number: 26ST1524
• Posting Open Date: 07/15/2026
• Regional Campus: Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)
• Home Location Campus: Newark (RBHS)
• City: Newark
• State: NJ
• Special Instructions to Applicants: Applicant Documents: With the submission of your application, please upload an updated resume showing month/year for each position and indicate whether each role was full-time, part-time, or per-diem.

Pre-employment and EEO

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment screenings. Rutgers University is an equal opportunity employer. See the Non-Discrimination Statement for details.