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

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is seeking qualified candidates for Operating Mechanic and / or Senior Operating Mechanic positions within our steam plant operations.

These positions perform maintenance and repairs on steam boilers and steam plant auxiliaries, working in a rotation to operate two central steam plants. Both levels provide maintenance and repair response coverage on evening, night, and weekend shifts for all campus facilities.

Minimum Qualifications

Operating Mechanic

• High school diploma or equivalent

• One (1) year of experience maintaining commercial or industrial mechanical equipment preferred

• Valid U.S. driver’s license

Senior Operating Mechanic

• High school diploma or equivalent

• Five (5) years of experience maintaining and operating a steam plant or comparable industrial facility

• Valid U.S. driver’s license

Applicants must meet the stated minimum education and experience requirements for the level they wish to be considered.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

For Both Levels:

• Working knowledge of stem cycle, plumbing, piping, mechanical repairs, electrical work, and general construction

• Ability to interpret technical drawings and documentation

• Strong communication and customer service skills

• Flexibility in dealing with emergency situations

• Basic computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft Windows

• Constant attention to safety for self, co-workers, and others

In addition, Senior Operating Mechanic candidates must demonstrate:

• Thorough knowledge of steam plant operations, boiler systems, and associated chemicals

• Ability to independently operate, troubleshoot, and maintain complex plant systems

• Experience planning and scheduling maintenance activities

• Ability to assume lead responsibilities in the absence of a supervisor or lead mechanic

Job Duties

Operating Mechanic:

• Monitor steam plant operations for safe, reliable, and efficient performance as instructed

• Start/stop boilers and auxiliary equipment and switch boiler fuels when instructed

• Maintain and update operational logs and reports

• Receive oil deliveries in accordance with Institute policies and applicable regulations

• Conduct water tests and adjust chemical feed rates as directed

• Perform routine and emergency maintenance on mechanical, piping, electrical, and instrumentation components

• Assist with annual high-pressure boiler shutdowns and maintenance inspections

• Monitor and maintain chemical inventories, move chemicals and salt as needed

• Check and service satellite steam boilers and closed loop systems across campus

• Perform other duties as assigned

Senior Operating Mechanic (includes all duties above, plus):

• Independently start, stop, and troubleshoot boilers and auxiliary systems without supervision

• Identify maintenance needs and work with supervisor to plan and schedule repairs

• Conduct and interpret water tests, adjusting chemical systems proactively

• Provide quality control oversight during annual high-pressure boiler shutdowns

• Order supplies and materials for approval by the Lead Operating Mechanic or Supervisor

• Assume lead responsibilities when Supervisor or Lead Operating Mechanic is unavailable

Shift

Non-Standard Shift: This position involves scheduled shift assignments on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shifts.

The 3rd shift is typically scheduled only during the winter months, generally from December through late March, depending on weather conditions and the onset of freezing temperatures. The role supports the operation of two central steam plants and provides maintenance and repair response coverage for all campus facilities.

Travel

Driving

Driving a Rensselaer vehicle for non-passenger use

Starting Salary/Rate

Expected hiring range:

• Operating Mechanic: $26.00 - $28.50 per hour
• Sr. Operating Mechanic: $29.00 - 30.00 per hour

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. 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).