Rice University · 2 days ago
Stationary Engineer, Plant Operator (First Grade)
Houston, TX
Full-time
Onsite
Mid Level
4+ years expRice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities and is seeking a Stationary Engineer, Plant Operator (First Grade) to operate its central plants and utility infrastructure. The role involves monitoring and maintaining plant equipment, responding to emergencies, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.
EducationHigher EducationService IndustryUniversities
Responsibilities
Energizes, secures, adjusts, and operates plant equipment including turbines, chillers, boilers, pumps, cooling tower fans, air compressors, generators, etc., to respond to changes in campus load or to comply with planned scheduling and/or load management procedures
Continually monitors all aspects of plant and campus auxiliary equipment and operation
Makes necessary changes and adjustments to ensure safe and efficient plant operation via direct inspection, monitoring systems, and assistance from others
Monitors forecasted weather to anticipate and configure equipment to minimize impact on campus and optimize plant operations
Performs general and preventative maintenance, equipment repair and lubrication, and quality and chemical treatment monitoring for water and steam systems as necessary to ensure optimal equipment performance
Monitors the Building Automation System for issues and alarms; calls appropriate personnel to respond to campus and equipment emergencies; responds to after-hours requests for building adjustments
Communicates thoroughly with other operators and supervisors to facilitate continuity of operations during regular shifts and shift changes; maintains all operations and responsibilities until relieved by the next shift
Informs direct supervisor or appropriate management of events and problems that may significantly affect plant or campus operations
Performs duties as lead operator to provide direction to second operators for the assigned shift
Logs events and operational changes in the operations record
Enters work orders and daily work time using CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System)
Performs all other duties as assigned
Must be able to lift loads greater than 50 lbs
Must be able to climb stairs, ladders, scaffolding, and work in confined areas with piping and wiring obstructions, as needed, to access equipment
Requires moderate to heavy physical activity, including bending, stooping, climbing, balancing, standing, and walking up to 8 hours per day
Occasionally required to enter utility tunnels and confined spaces
Qualification
Required
High School Diploma or equivalent
4+ years of related experience in central plant operations, including operating high-pressure steam boilers
Current City of Houston First Grade Stationary Engineer's License or ability to acquire one within 6 months of hire
Able to acquire via a reciprocal license from another municipality. Candidates holding a valid stationary or steam engineer's license from a state, municipality, or government agency may qualify for examination for an equivalent City of Houston grade, pending board approval and verification of boiler operating experience and passing a written exam on boiler operation, maintenance, repair, and safety rules
General knowledge of test and diagnostic equipment, tools, instrumentation, and computer-based monitoring and control systems
General computer aptitude
Ability to read mechanical blueprints and electrical schematic diagrams associated with plant systems
Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing
Ability to utilize hand tools and equipment in troubleshooting and repairs
Ability to solve problems under stressful or critical conditions
Performs general housekeeping in the plants to keep spaces and equipment clean and accessible
Must be able to lift loads greater than 50 lbs
Must be able to climb stairs, ladders, scaffolding, and work in confined areas with piping and wiring obstructions, as needed, to access equipment
Requires moderate to heavy physical activity, including bending, stooping, climbing, balancing, standing, and walking up to 8 hours per day
Occasionally required to enter utility tunnels and confined spaces
Preferred
Currently holds City of Houston First Grade Stationary Engineer's License
Background with district energy control systems, particularly those found on university campuses, including combined heat and power turbines, high-pressure boilers, and centrifugal chillers
Knowledge of co-generation and combined heat and power systems and boiler safety standards
C-grade (or better) State of Texas water license
Valid Texas Driver's License (or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment) required, with no more than three moving violations or at-fault accidents within the past 36 months and no convictions or deferred dispositions for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI) within the past 5 years
Benefits
PTO
Health insurance
Tuition discounts
Access to campus facilities
Company
Rice University
Rice University is a private research university that focuses on providing undergraduate education services.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Rice University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (113)
2024 (81)
2023 (71)
2022 (65)
2021 (82)
2020 (86)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$80.9MKey Investors
National Heart, Lung and Blood InstituteAdvanced Research Projects Agency for HealthUS Department of Energy
2024-09-19Grant
2024-08-13Grant· $18M
2023-07-27Grant
Leadership Team
Ken Medlock
James A Baker III and Susan G Baker Fellow in Energy and Resource Economics
Kyle Judah
Executive Director, Liu Idea Lab for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (Lilie)
Recent News
2025-12-16
2025-12-16
2025-11-23
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