Operating Engineer Northwind

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 is one of the nation’s largest diversified energy companies. Our electric and gas companies have fueled our customer’s homes and Michigan’s progress for more than a century.And as Michigan’s largest source of renewable energy, we’re creating a cleaner, healthier environment to power our future. We’re also serving communities beyond Michigan, where our affiliated businesses offer renewable energy, emission control technologies, and energy services to industries in 19 states. But we’re more than a leading energy company... and working at DTE is more than just a job.At DTE, we take great care of each other and our customers, and we use our energy to be a force for growth and prosperity in our communities. When you join us, you’ll be part of a team that welcomes, recognizes, and celebrates differences, and values everyone’s health, safety, and wellbeing. Are you ready to make that kind of difference? Bring your energy to DTE.Together, we can achieve great things.

The hourly rate for this position is$44.90

Job Summary

Location: Detroit, MI

The Chilled Water Plant Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of a large‑scale central chilled water plant supplying comfort cooling to the Renaissance Center complex. This role involves operating and maintaining high‑pressure centrifugal chillers, river‑water cooling systems, heat exchangers, pumping equipment, electrical substations, and steam‑related auxiliary systems. The operator performs routine monitoring, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and documentation to ensure optimal plant performance and regulatory compliance.

Key Accountabilities

Chiller and Cooling Equipment Operation

• Operate and monitor 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 capacity.
• Maintain proper chilled water production, temperature control, and system efficiency.

River Water & Condenser Water Systems

• 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.

Electrical & Steam System Monitoring

• 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.

Preventative Maintenance & Work Management

• 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.

Daily Rounds & System Performance Tracking

• 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.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent
• At least 5 years’ experience in utility complex operations
• Shift work is required, and employees will be required to perform both operation and routine maintenance of the utility complex equipment

Additional Qualifications

The physical demands characterized here epitomize those that must be met by an employee to properly perform the integral functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.In order to properly perform the integral functions of this job, the employee is required to:

• Frequently stand or walk and sit.
• Occasionally climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch or occasionally crawl.
• Talk & hear; use hands & fingers; handle & feel; and able to reach with hands and arms.
• Occasionally lift objects of up to 50 pounds in weight.
• Occasionally push or pull up to 70 pounds in weight.
• Possess the following vision requirements: close, color, distance, peripheral, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
• Occasionally be exposed to outside weather conditions, including wet and/or humid conditions, and may work near moving mechanical parts and/or machinery.
• Occasionally be exposed to fumes or airborne particles and vibration.
• Be in a work environment that is usually moderate but may become loud at the plant site.

At DTE Energy, we are committed to providing an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome and a sense of belonging. We seek individuals with a heart for service, a passion to help our communities prosper, and ideas to help shape the future of energy. We are proud to be an equal opportunity, employer that considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, disability, national origin, citizenship, height, weight, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable federal and/or state laws.