Steamfitter/Pipefitter

Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Massachusetts Institute of Technology seeks a Steamfitter, Repair & Maintenance to service steam, processed water, chilled water, and compressed air systems across the Institute. Responsibilities include installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and responding to emergencies, aligned with OHSA 10 and local requirements.

Qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent, a five-year apprenticeship, and five years of pipefitting experience.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Five-year apprenticeship required.
• Five years of pipefitting experience required.
• Willingness to obtain ASME welding certification for steel pipe.
• Valid Driver’s License required.
• Ability to read blueprints, specifications, verbal instructions or sketches.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and diagnose defects on pipe systems.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to work from blueprints and receiving work orders.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, repair, and troubleshoot steam, processed water, chilled water, and compressed air systems across the Institute.
• Install, maintain, and service HVAC process systems and related piping.
• Respond to emergency mechanical system calls.
• Perform installation, maintenance, inspection and testing per OHSA 10 and local requirements.
• Work from ladders, scaffolds, and in confined spaces; adhere to safety protocols.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Welding (arc)

Manual/hand tools

Blueprints and schematics

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Five-year apprenticeship

Tools

ASME welding certification

Job description

Posting Description

STEAMFITTER, Repair & Maintenance , to perform work in all areas of pressure steam systems across the Institute, including installing, repairing, maintaining and troubleshooting a full range of steam, processed water, chilled water and compressed air systems. Responsible for maintenance of high- and low-pressure steam systems consisting of pressure reducing valves, traps, expansion joints, heating units, steam tables and boilers; removing and reinstalling pumps; installing, maintaining and servicing new and existing commercial and industrial HVAC process systems, processed water, chilled water and compressed air systems; and responding to emergency mechanical system calls; and performing all installation, maintenance, inspection and testing in accordance with applicable standards and requirements of OHSA 10 and/or established compliance requirements of the authority having jurisdiction.

Job Requirements

REQUIRED : High School diploma or equivalent and five-year apprenticeship; five years of experience pipefitting; willingness to obtain A.S.M.E. welding certification for steel pipe; valid Driver’s License; ability to work from blueprints, specifications, verbal instruction, or sketches; ability to work effectively and productively with minimal supervision and to locate, diagnose and correct defects and malfunctions on a variety of pipe systems, including the ability to electric arc weld all piping systems; ability to lift up to 50 lbs; and ability to work from blueprints, verbal instructions, sketches and receive work order assignments and order materials and complete tasks accurately; and ability to provide updates on the work order status and written comments provided on work orders upon completion. PREFERRED : Pipefitter’s License.

Working Conditions

Working conditions include ascending/descending stairs; traversing the campus; moving about the jobsite and machinery to access equipment; remaining stationary for extended periods of time; work from ladders, scaffolds and other aboveground locations such as roofs; and using scissor lifts, articulating lifts and bucket trucks. Personal Protective Equipment must be worn as required by the specific assignment. Environment contains dust, odors, fumes, high levels of noise and temperature extremes. Work performed near steam and moving machinery and in tight areas and confined spaces such as manholes and crawl spaces. Works with and around chemicals and solvents. Some work performed in research labs and animal facilities. Some work performed outdoors in inclement weather.

Employees who are assigned to an irregular shift are considered essential personnel in accordance with the MIT Policy on Emergency Closing or Early Release. During emergencies, these employees are excused from their regularly scheduled work only with the specific authorization of their supervisor, regardless of any public announcement that the Institute is closed. Other employees, who work a regular established work schedule, are not considered essential personnel but may be required to work other shifts on an as needed basis.

10/2/2026