Utility Systems Repairer Operator

National Institute of Standards and Technology; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

National Institute of Standards and Technology in Gaithersburg is seeking Utility Systems Repairer Operators to operate, monitor, and maintain central utility plant systems (steam boilers, large chillers, HRSG, and cogeneration) on rotating shifts.

Positions span WG-10 to WG-12 levels, with increasing independence in troubleshooting, chemical testing, and complex repairs. Open to skilled operators supporting critical research facilities under the Dept. of Commerce.

Qualifications

• Experience operating centralized facility systems.
• Ability to perform routine checks, tests, and adjustments on utility systems.
• Skill in chemical testing of boilers, chillers, and cooling systems.

Responsibilities

• Operate, regulate, and monitor centralized plant equipment.
• Perform repairs and troubleshooting following blueprints and manuals.
• Plan and execute work with safety around high‑pressure machinery.
• Provide technical leadership to junior operators and support shift operations.

Skills

Plant operation

Troubleshooting

Chemical testing

Blueprints/reading

Safety/compliance

Team leadership

Tools

Blueprints

Maintenance manuals

Job description

• Hiring Agency: National Institute of Standards and Technology

NIST is seeking Utility Systems Repairer Operators to operate, monitor, and maintain central utility plant systems on a rotating shift, including high-pressure steam boilers, large-capacity centrifugal chillers, industrial air compressors, and an 8 MW cogeneration turbine system to ensure reliable campus utility services.

Key Responsibilities

The mission of NIST's Office of Facilities and Property Management (OFPM) is to advance NIST's mission success by planning, building, operating, maintaining, and servicing facilities that provide a safe, secure, and sustainable environment for world-class scientific research.

This position is in the Gaithersburg Facilities Maintenance Division, which manages and operates facilities for the NIST Gaithersburg site to ensure maximum responsiveness to NIST programs through reimbursable engineering design and renovation, as well as building systems operation and maintenance.

As a Utility Systems Repairer Operator for this division, duties vary by grade level: At the WG-10 level, you will: Operate, regulate, and monitor centralized plant equipment, including 150 psi steam boilers and 3,500-ton chillers, to support utility demands across federal campus facilities.

Perform routine checks, tests, adjustments, and operational troubleshooting on utility systems such as heating, air conditioning, and water distribution using trade tools and standard operating procedures. Conduct chemical testing on boilers, chillers, and cooling systems to maintain proper operational thresholds and efficiency.

Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and perform mechanical repairs using blueprints, sketches, and shop mathematics, referring complex or unusual problems to the supervisor. Plan and lay out assigned work independently, selecting proper tools, equipment, materials, and safety precautions required for working around high-pressure and moving machinery.

At the WG-11 level, you will: Operate and maintain large-scale centralized plant systems with little to no instruction, including multiple 150 psi boilers (up to 88,000 lb/hr), campus service air compressors, seven 3,500-ton chillers, and related ancillary equipment supporting research laboratories.

Perform non-standard industrial troubleshooting and complex mechanical repairs on special-purpose utility equipment, independently interpreting blueprints, sketches, and operating/maintenance manuals. Conduct comprehensive chemical testing and water treatment across boilers, chillers, and cooling towers to ensure optimum efficiency and asset preservation.

Participate in training and operational support for the campus 8 MW Co-Generation unit, including its 14-stage gas turbine, heat recovery steam generator (HRSG), and high-pressure gas compressor. Make independent decisions during complex system issues, collaborating directly with factory technical representatives to troubleshoot and resolve critical mechanical problems.

At the WG-12 level, you will: Serve as a senior shift operator, independently monitoring and troubleshooting central utility plant alarms and directing operational adjustments to ensure continuous utility service to complex R&D laboratories. Apply expert knowledge to operate, maintain, and execute complex repairs on high-capacity plant infrastructure, including 88,000 lb/hr steam boilers, 3,500-ton chillers, service air compressors, and the 8 MW Co-Generation plant.

Provide technical leadership and guidance on shift, assisting junior operators with difficult troubleshooting, maintenance tasks, and problem-solving. Collaborate directly with factory representatives to resolve complex utility failures and assist the supervisor in reviewing completed repair work and unusual operational problems.

Perform advanced chemical testing programs, complex shop mathematics, and refrigerant handling under Universal CFC standards across centralized heating, cooling, and power generation systems.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with National Institute of Standards and Technology, Department of Commerce.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $34.71 – $44.74/hr.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-11-09.

How many openings are available?

There are 4 openings for this position.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.