Plant Manager

DTE Energy; Dearborn (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

DTE Energy in Dearborn, MI is seeking a seasoned operations leader to oversee the Central Energy Plant and backup generation assets. The role directs engineers and an hourly workforce to ensure reliable steam, hot water, and electrical distribution for Ford's campus.

The ideal candidate has extensive powerhouse experience, strong budget and contract management, and a focus on safety and compliance in a 24/7 high-demand environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a high school diploma or GED.
• 8+ years in operation, maintenance, and administration of powerhouse/utility systems preferred.
• Must have valid driver's license and ability to maintain it.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operation and maintenance of CEP assets and backup generation.
• Lead a team of field service engineers and an hourly operations staff.
• Ensure safety, reliability, and environmental compliance of assets.
• Manage budgets and contract obligations; coordinate with Ford, DTE Electric, and others.
• Direct vendor/contractor activities and maintain customer relationships.

Skills

Staff leadership

Power plant operations

Gas turbines/HRSGs

Budget management

Contract management

CMMS

Microsoft Office

Safety & compliance

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical school degree preferred

Tools

CMMS

Microsoft Office

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.

Job Summary

Location: Dearborn, MI

This position is responsible for overseeing, managing, and directing the day-to-day operation and maintenance activities for utility and energy-related assets located within the Central Energy Plant (CEP) located at Ford’s Research and Engineering campus. These assets are needed to supply Steam, Hot Water, Chilled Water, and Electrical Distribution to the campus, and supply electricity to the DTE Electric grid. The position will also lead a small group of field service engineers who are responsible for operating and maintaining ~90 MW of backup generation assets including diesel generators, a combustion turbine, and site switchgear at 8 locations Metro Detroit area.

Plant equipment includes the following: (2) 15 MW Solar Titan 130 gas turbine generators with associated Rentech 185 KPPH Heat Recovery Steam Generator’s with Duct Burners and Fresh Air Firing capability (1) Siemens-Dresser Rand 5 MW steam turbine generator (3) 27,500 MBH, and (1) 10,000 MBH steam to hot water heat exchangers, economizers, deaerators, boiler feed water pumps, condensate pumps. Also included will be (4) 3,200-ton electric cooling only centrifugal chillers, and (2) heating/cooling chillers (one 1,200 ton, one 1,800 ton) with an associated 5.3 MM gallon thermal storage tank and a 10 cell, 12,500-ton Tower Tech cooling tower. Balance of plant equipment includes, air compressors, water treatment systems, filters, instrumentation, PLC controls and 15/5 kV, 480 V and 125 Vdc electrical systems.

The successful candidate will be eligible for a $10,000 signing bonus.

Key Accountabilities

• Manages the hiring, onboarding, and training of the DTE Dearborn hourly operations staffInterviews and hires the CEP and Backup Generation personnel
• Provides oversight on the quality of the CEP and Backup Generation with an emphasis on the long‑term operation of the facility
• Ensure that the utility assets are operated in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner while ensuring all contract deliverables are met
• Supervise and direct the daily activities of an hourly workforce consisting of (5) Operating Engineers, (1) Lead Operating Engineer, and (1) IC&E Technician at the CEP, as well as (1) Lead Field Service Engineer and (2) Field Service Engineers in support of Backup Generation
• Directly manages 3rd party vendors and contractors as required
• Understands and adheres to all commercial and contractual obligations at the various sites
• Develops and maintain a close working relationship with and key customer personnel (Ford, DTE Electric, Wayne County Airport Authority)
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements

• A minimum of a high school diploma or GED
• A minimum of eight years of relevant experience in the operation, maintenance and admnistration of powerhouse, utility systems or similar plant assets is preferred. Expereince with gas turbines, HRSG's, boilers, chillers, steam distribution, medium/high voltage switchgear, pumping systems and ancillary equipment will be given priority consideration.
• A valid driver's license and the ability to maintain it is required.

Other Qualifications

• Experience supervising unionized labor is preferred
• Must demonstrate an ability to understand and administer complex commercial agreements related to delivering reliable energy services to a customer on a 24 hour per day, 7 day per week basis
• An understanding of the operation and maintenance of plant equipment, including the importance of ensuring high availability, reliability, and efficiency
• Working knowledge of powerhouse equipment and systems, including but not limited to chillers, electrical distribution, heat exchangers, steam distribution, chemical treatment equipment, transformers, motors, pumps, piping/valves, instrumentation, control systems, etc.
• An understanding of energy efficiency practices and energy conservation techniques
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, etc.)
• Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills with an ability to communicate effectively at all levels
• Ability to develop and manage operating & maintenance budgets
• Experience with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS)Capable of working alone or as part of a team without a significant level of supervisionAbility to balance time and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Capable of promoting and maintaining strong, positive relationships with coworkers, suppliers, contractors, vendors, and customers
• Willingness to share expertise and knowledge with other team members for the benefit of the entire Onsite Energy business unit
• A technical school degree is preferred

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

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:

• Occasionally reach with hands or arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, taste and smell
• Frequently, the employee is required to stand, walk, and sit
• Use hands and fingers and handle and talk and hear
• Occasionally lift objects of up to 40 pounds in weight
• Vision requirements for this position include close, distance and peripheral vision, along with depth perception

The employee performs job duties in a field office or manufacturing site, with a loud noise level.

Additional Information

Incumbents may engage in all or some combination of the activities and accountabilities, and utilize a variety of the competencies cited in this description depending upon the organization and role to which they are assigned. This description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents in this job. It is not intended as an all-inclusive list of accountabilities or responsibilities, nor is it intended to limit the rights of supervisors or management representatives to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.

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.