Watch Engineer: Steam & Chiller Plant Lead (Weekends & OT)

Columbia University in the City of New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 79,000 - 112,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia University in the City of the City of New York is seeking a Watch Engineer to ensure safe and reliable operation of high‑pressure steam and chiller systems. The role includes preventive maintenance, emergency repairs, and supervising assistant watch engineers across campuses as needed.

Responsibilities include monitoring electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic controls, logging procedures, and ensuring proper startup/shutdown practices per policy.

Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Minimum 1 year plant operations & maintenance experience.
• Current NYC Stationary Engineer license for high‑pressure steam.
• Current NYC Refrigeration System Operation's Certificate of qualification.
• All licenses and certifications required by city, state and governing agencies.
• Two years internal CU experience in plant operations & maintenance.
• Four years external operations with gas and oil fired high pressure steam boilers, absorption, mechanical, centrifugal chiller and/or BMS controls.
• Four years of maritime/navy experience in plant operations & maintenance.
• Holds a Marine Engineer certificate from the United States Coast Guard.
• Associates or higher degree in plant operations & maintenance or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Shall be proficient in employment of all tools, methods and materials pertaining to electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic controls and instruments for steam generators (boilers) chiller and associated system within the plant.
• Maintain, repair and operate system equipment, auxiliary system and utilize computer- monitoring systems while working independently or under limited supervision and direction in accordance with sound engineering practices.
• Works in collaboration with all plant related trades and management.
• Observes electrical switchboard and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and/or BMS system to inform decisions on system operations.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment.
• Must perform any duties assigned in an emergency within job classification.
• Oversight with direct and continuing supervision and development of individual’s progression assigned to the plant.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree or higher in plant operations & maintenance

Marine Engineer certificate from US Coast Guard

Bore

Tools

SCADA/BMS familiarity

Job description

Columbia University in the City of the City of New York is seeking a Watch Engineer to ensure safe and reliable operation of high‑pressure steam and chiller systems. The role includes preventive maintenance, emergency repairs, and supervising assistant watch engineers across campuses as needed.

Responsibilities include monitoring electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic controls, logging procedures, and ensuring proper startup/shutdown practices per policy.