Utility Systems Repairer Operator

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.

What you will do

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

What you need

• Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision
• Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Includes Blueprint Reading)
• Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
• Dexterity and Safety
• Knowledge of Materials
• Technical Practices (Theoretical, Precise, Artistic)
• Use of Measuring Instruments

About the role

This is a full-time position. The salary is $34.71–$44.74 Per Hour.