Who we are

Why Rensselaer?  Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world. 

With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth.

Job Summary

The Operating Mechanic performs maintenance and repairs on steam boilers and steam plant auxiliaries.  Works in a rotation to operate two central steam plants, and provides maintenance and repair response coverage on evening, night and weekend shifts for all campus facilities.

The Senior Operating Mechanic plans and performs maintenance and repairs on steam boilers and steam plant auxiliaries. Works in rotation to operate two central steam plants and provides maintenance and repair response coverage on the evening, night and weekend shifts for campus facilities.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimally, all candidates must have

• HS diploma or equivalent 
• Valid US driver license
• Good communication skills and customer relations skills
• Flexibility in dealing with emergency situations 
• Basic computer skills and experience with Microsoft Windows 
• Constant attention to safety issues for self, co-workers and others
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and documents

To be considered as an Operating Mechanic, candidates must also have

• At least three (3) years of experience in mechanical maintenance of a steam plant or other type of industrial facility
• Basic working knowledge of plumbing and piping, mechanical repairs, electrical work, and construction  
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and documents 

To be considered as a Sr. Operating Mechanic, candidates must also have

• Five (5) years of experience in maintenance of a steam plant or other type of industrial facility
• Thorough knowledge of steam plant operations, equipment and chemicals used in steam plant operations
• Ability to analyze situations and develop feasible alternatives
• Working knowledge of plumbing and piping, mechanical repairs, electrical work, and construction

Applicants must meet stated minimum education and experience requirements.

Shift

Non-Standard Shift: Works in a rotation to operate two central steam plants, and provides maintenance and repair response coverage on evening, night and weekend shifts for all campus facilities.

Travel

Driving

Driving a Rensselaer vehicle for non-passenger use

Starting Salary/Rate

Expected hiring range:

Operating Mechanic:  $26.00 - $28.00

Sr. Operating Mechanic: $29.00 - $30.00 

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information

Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Rensselaer is recognized locally and nationally for the depth and breadth of its compensation and benefits program. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).

We welcome candidates who will bring diverse cultural, ethnic, national and international perspectives to Rensselaer’s work and campus communities.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity, Race/Gender/Veterans/Disability Employer.