Refrigeration Control Engineer I – Chillers & Controls

Columbia University Facilities & Operations; New York (NY); On-site; USD 58,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia University Facilities & Operations is seeking a Refrigeration Control Engineer (RCE) to manage and optimize the District Energy System and campus chilled water operations on the Manhattanville campus. You will perform routine and emergency tasks, maintain safety, and ensure reliability of chillers, pumps, BrM/SCADA controls, and related equipment.

The role requires extensive HVAC&R experience, strong diagnostic and communication skills, and the ability to supervise and mentor junior

Qualifications

• Five (5) years of experience as an HVAC&R mechanic.
• Knowledge of chiller maintenance, repair, and operation with required licenses and certifications.
• Two (2) years of experience with automated systems controls; open loop and closed loop controls systems.

Responsibilities

• The RCE will perform daily refrigeration & controls engineering assignments required by maintenance and/or job orders, by sketch, blueprint illustration, and supervisor’s oral directions in operations.
• Maintain, repair and operate system controls and refrigeration equipment, auxiliary systems and computer monitoring systems while working independently or under limited supervision and direction and in accordance with sound engineering practices.
• Conduct start up, shutdown, and stabilization as necessary to maintain units in efficient service.
• Conduct regular inspections of MERs, chiller system, and auxiliary equipment to ensure proper operation and maintenance.
• Sampling of all campus water loops and maintain/adjust proper chemical levels within design limits.
• Monitor, document, and control refrigerant on campus to comply with USEPA, NYSDEC and NYCDEP standards and permits.
• Understand fundamentals of electrical motors, controls, switches, fusing and wiring, including basic electrical controls troubleshooting.
• Operate electric chillers, steam turbine chillers, condensate pumps, air compressors, booster pumps, auto steam reducing stations, plate and frame HX, shell and tube HX, DDC and pneumatic control systems.
• Operate, service, and maintain associated equipment such as air compressors, scroll compressors, softeners, polishers, air conditioning and ventilating equipment; direct the servicing of chillers, water pumps, vacuum and oil pumps, valves and other associated equipment.
• Enter and review log book entries for chillers and operating records, indicator, meter, gauge, use and other instrument readings as required for log entries and for monitoring system performances.
• Make daily operating decisions and takes appropriate action in emergencies.
• Perform preventive and proactive maintenance on equipment and systems, such as seasonal maintenance of chillers and towers, tube cleaning and flushing on chillers, various types of heat exchangers and all auxiliary equipment.
• Inspect, maintain, and service all types of refrigerant systems and equipment including MRI chillers and associated secondary systems (i.e. Chilled beams).
• Follow and perform chiller system operations and equipment rounds in accordance with good engineering practices.
• Remain current on all changes in operating procedures, new equipment, and related systems.
• Perform (assist with) troubleshooting and initial root cause analysis on equipment failures and operational upsets and recommend proper corrective actions.
• Assist and/or direct mechanics and technicians as required to troubleshoot issues, and properly repair, maintain, test, or inspect equipment and/or systems.
• Diagnose operational problems, control, and equipment malfunctions, and initiate corrective action. Notify supervisor for major repairs, or events.
• Conduct job-site inspections to determine compliance to standards and codes.
• Respond to various calls throughout the CUMVC relating to HVAC, refrigeration, and other related maintenance issues.
• Work alongside and assist other personnel, including licensed personnel, in completing assigned maintenance and service of controls and refrigeration systems and their associated equipment.
• Provide guidance, direction, and on the job training to all junior personnel in the proper procedures of operations, repair, and maintenance.
• Assist the POE and the DES Engineer in the operation and performance of the chilled water system of the District Energy System and all Auxiliary Equipment. Assume watch as needed.
• Monitor and respond to the building management system (BMS) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) as needed or directed.
• Fully utilize the BMS to operate and maintain systems efficiently and effectively; may include adjusting PID control loops, setpoints, and schedules.
• Use, install, and inspect fire stopping materials.
• Requisitioning of parts and supplies as necessary to maintain equipment and systems.
• Process hot work permits and perform necessary fire watch procedures and inspections.
• Process paperwork including but not limited to work orders, inventory, and preventive maintenance forms.
• Perform work tasks, report deficiencies, and maintain and complete daily records of labor and materials used during work tasks via the CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System).
• Maintain completeness, timeliness, and accuracy of the work and work orders.
• Continually and urgently communicate with supervisor regarding any apparent operational deficiencies or system malfunctions.
• Work with other disciplines and management to proactively solve complex, multi-discipline problems.
• Must perform any duties assigned in an emergency as determined by management.
• Attend and participate in all departmental trainings and meetings.
• Attend and complete relevant on‑the‑job training as required.
• Ability to perform all tasks and duties related to the Service Mechanic Level 3 position if required.
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work herein.

Job description

Columbia University Facilities & Operations is seeking a Refrigeration Control Engineer (RCE) to manage and optimize the District Energy System and campus chilled water operations on the Manhattanville campus. You will perform routine and emergency tasks, maintain safety, and ensure reliability of chillers, pumps, BrM/SCADA controls, and related equipment.

The role requires extensive HVAC&R experience, strong diagnostic and communication skills, and the ability to supervise and mentor junior