Power Plant Maintenance Mechanic

Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Massachusetts Institute of Technology seeks a Power Plant Maintenance Mechanic for the Central Utilities Plant. The role maintains mechanical systems, follows safety practices, and supports CUP operations to ensure reliable plant performance.

Responsibilities include repairs, fabrication coordination with the MIT shop, and supervising safe work on heavy equipment, with occasional call-ins and shift work as schedules demand.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of experience in power generation or central utility plant with large rotating equipment.
• EPA Freon certificate or ability to obtain within a year.
• Hoisting Licenses 1C and 3A required; Driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Repair, install and maintain mechanical components for CUP Facilities.
• Perform welding, drilling, machining and quality control per prints and procedures.
• Train others and coordinate with contractors on specific tasks.

Skills

Power plant maintenance

Troubleshooting large rotating gear

Safety compliance

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

EPA Freon Certificate (or ability to attain within a year)

Hoisting License 1C

Hoisting License 3A

Driver’s License

Job description

Posting Description

POWER PLANT MAINTENANCE MECHANIC, Central Utilities Plant (CUP) , has the primary responsibility for performing precision work with a wide variety of tools and equipment to repair, install and maintain mechanical components to support the reliable and continued operation of CUP Facilities. Will ensure that all CUP mechanical equipment is maintained within design parameters and in full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures; ensure that all work is done in a safe manner; work collaboratively with all MIT Departments in a team effort to support the CUP in attaining goals; perform repair and maintenance work following prints and procedures and involving tasks such as welding, drilling, aligning, tapping, surface grinding, cutting and quality control; identify mechanical design, troubleshoot and provide machinery improvements or identify problems and recommend modifications necessary for resolution; implement safe work practices and immediately identify hazards and recommend and/or implement repairs; perform plant rigging and operate lifting equipment in order to handle heavy machinery and materials safely; design and fabricate repair parts and/or work with MIT Machine Shop to accomplish repairs; train others to gain knowledge as needed; coordinate, communicate and monitor contractors on specific tasks as required; keep track of spare parts, tools and consumables as they are used and assist in tracking physical inventories; and maintain CUP Facilities, the workshop, and related worksites in a clean and safe condition.

Job Requirements

Required

• EPA Freon Certificate (or ability to attain within a year)
• Hoisting License 1C
• Hoisting License 3A
• Driver’s License
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• a minimum of five years of experience in power generation or central utility plant with large rotating equipment in an academic, hospital, marine or industrial environment
• and ability to move 50 pounds.

Preferred

• Scaffolding Certificate

Working Conditions

Must be able to move about the jobsite to work with equipment and tools and/or remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time. Work may be performed on ladders, scaffolds and other above ground locations.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn as required. PPE may include, but is not limited to: hard hats, safety shoes and glasses, dust masks, ear protection, protective suits and hot gloves.

Must wear CUP issued safety rated uniforms.

Work with hazardous materials may be required.

Availability

Position requires extended working hours which include shift work. This includes weekend, evening and holiday work, as required by schedules, workload and plant conditions.

May be required to perform call-in duty.

10/8/2026