Operating Engineer

Position Overview

DTE is one of the nation’s largest diversified energy companies. Our electric and gas companies have fueled our customers’ homes and Michigan’s progress for more than a century. As Michigan’s largest source of renewable energy, we’re creating a cleaner, healthier environment to power our future while serving communities in 19 states. At DTE, we care about our people and our customers, and we use our energy to be a force for growth and prosperity in our communities.

Job Summary: This position assists with the safe, efficient operation and maintenance of all equipment at the Metro Energy Powerhouse at the Wayne County Airport. Work is performed under the direction of Plant Management, Lead O&M Technician, or the responsible O&M Technician – Level 4. Shifts rotate and occasional single-person operations are required.

Compensation: $44.41 hourly

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure that equipment is operated in a safe, efficient and environmentally responsible manner while satisfying customer utility and energy requirements.
• Comply with all site safety requirements and procedures.
• Perform all shift operations and maintenance, including startup and shutdown of utility systems and ancillary equipment in single person operations.
• Operate in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and prudent safety standards during single person operations.
• Respond to operational upset conditions in the plant.
• Participate as a key member of the Site Safety committee, leading monthly safety meetings and sharing responsibility for site safety performance.
• Respond to abnormalities and perform corrective actions consistent with established procedures and best practices.
• Conduct multiple rounds per shift of the Central Energy Plant to inspect equipment, ensure functionality, log performance data, and communicate issues.
• Read and record gauges and meters using a handheld electronic tablet.
• Identify safety hazards and take corrective actions as necessary.
• Maintain accuracy of shift logs, records, timesheets, work orders, and other administrative documents.
• Perform routine water chemistry testing and adjust parameters to optimize efficiency.
• Monitor consumption rates of chemicals, gases, fuels, water, and other consumables; manage inventories and replenish as needed.
• Execute plant electrical switching and lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) procedures per approved guidelines.
• Conduct electrical and mechanical inspections, troubleshooting, and maintenance tasks as assigned.
• Investigate plant problems, incidents, accidents, and unusual events, providing accurate analyses and follow-up plans.
• Perform routine operational tests and adjustments on all plant systems and components.
• Develop, assist, and revise operations and maintenance procedures to ensure optimal system performance.
• Maintain plant housekeeping duties.
• Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on all systems and equipment.
• Update and maintain the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Communicate pertinent information to company personnel, customers, and vendors.
• Relay shift activities to the incoming relief personnel during handovers.
• Assist team members and collaborate across departments to support corporate and plant goals.
• Work scheduled and unscheduled overtime and respond to off-hour call-ins as needed.
• Lead and participate in continuous improvement efforts throughout the facility.
• Perform other duties as assigned and serve as a subject matter expert on assigned systems.

Required Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of five (5) years of power plant experience in operations and maintenance with a City of Dearborn or City of Detroit First Class Stationary Engineer license and Universal Refrigerant license.
• Must have knowledge of utility plant mechanical and electrical equipment, including gas turbines, HRSGs, motors, pumps, mechanical chillers, hot water generators, fluid systems, chemical handling, water treatment systems, pollution control equipment, AC/DC electrical distribution, control systems, and associated maintenance functions.
• Experience with at least four (4) of the following systems: natural gas fired combustion turbines, natural gas fired engines, heat recovery steam generators (HRSG), electrical systems, chilled water systems, hot water systems, compressed air, reverse osmosis, water softeners, and emissions control systems.
• Knowledge of and experience with at least four (4) of the following skills: pipefitting, welding, machining, rigging, rotating machine repair, fabrication, machine alignment, basic vibration analysis, and basic electrical test equipment.
• Ability to learn and become proficient in all site-specific systems and sub-systems.
• Ability to complete site-specific qualification training and periodic testing.
• Knowledge of plant safety policies and procedures, especially in areas such as chemical handling, energy systems, confined spaces, fire suppression, and first aid.
• Understanding of fundamental principles related to physics, mathematics, AC/DC electrical theory, heat transfer, fluid flow, thermodynamics, and chemistry.
• Knowledge of water chemistry and power plant chemical applications.
• Ability to operate valves, switches, controls, keyboards, and other devices associated with power plants.
• Proficiency in using basic hand tools, portable electric and pneumatic tools, and rigging equipment such as winches, hoists, and slings.
• Ability to locate, troubleshoot, and correct issues with mechanical and electrical systems and ancillary equipment.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to operate testing equipment.
• Familiarity with Allen Bradley PLC interfaces.
• Experience with CMMS.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and email.

Physical & Environmental Requirements:

• Frequently sit, stand, walk or climb and occasionally stoop, kneel, or crawl.
• Talk and hear; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms extensively.
• Frequently lift objects up to 35 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 50 pounds.
• Occasionally push or pull up to 70 pounds.
• Meet vision requirements including close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Occasionally work in outside weather conditions, including extreme heat/cold, wet and/or humid conditions.
• Occasionally be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, and vibration.
• Regularly work near moving mechanical parts and/or machinery.
• Work in an environment where the noise level is usually loud.