Maintenance Engineer A (Digital Controls Technician)

Department: Facilities Mgmt CH
Salary/Grade: 399/S3

The target hiring rate for this position is $55.63 per hour, as established by the Local 399 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

Job Summary:

Performs software programming, services electronic and pneumatic HVAC controls, maintains and installs computer based Energy Management System software, and insures operational integrity of the system including primary devices and flow instrumentation. Ensures functionality of campus HVAC systems and all ancillary equipment.

Please note:

Must be a member of Operating Engineers Local 399, or join after a 90-day probationary period. Physical ability to lift and maneuver heavy weights, climb and descend ladders, and work in hot, cold, cramped and confined quarters. Ability to work safely and at heights on ladders, lifts and scaffolding. Dexterity necessary for the use of tools and manipulation of materials. Must be available and capable of responding to irregularities during evenings and weekends ensuring 24 hour, 7 day per week coverage. Will be required to travel between campuses on a regular basis. May be required to attend professional development events out of town 1-2x per year.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Creates, translates, debugs, and downloads software for the direct digital controllers of the pertinent energy management system.
• Maintains and repairs network for the Energy Management System and environmental alarms reporting to the Central Control System.
• Performs preventive maintenance and accurate calibration of the thousands of analog and digital control and monitor points in the Energy Management System and at the Central Control Center. Performs system maintenance of HVAC equipment including air balancing, ensuring a safe and energy efficient operation.
• Installs, maintains, and troubleshoots primary flow meters, transmitters, switches, and processors used to monitor the amount of utility commodities including, but not limited to, central chilled water and steam systems.
• Maintains and repairs building related HVAC systems encompassing air-handling equipment, chillers, high and low-pressure steam and hot water systems.
• Other duties as assigned;
• Must be available and capable of responding to irregularities during evenings and weekends ensuring 24 hour, 7 day per week coverage.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School diploma, GED or equivalent combination of educational training and experience from which comparable skills can be acquired;
• Training and/or developmental experience equivalent to full certification in Energy Management Systems, with minimum of four years substantial work experience;
• Knowledge of the tools, instruments, methods and standard trade/safety practices;
• Must be experienced in BACnet with focus on system compatibility and communication from a variety of vendors;
• Must possess IT networking stills including Johnson Controls and Siemens system architecture and troubleshooting knowledge;
• Must be Tridium N4 Certified; or willing to obtain certification
• Successfully uses multiple software program independently. Software may include Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and Outlook, webmail and Peoplesoft;
• Proficiency with mobile devices including iOS.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Receptive to feedback, willing to learn, embracing continuous improvement;
• Helpful, respectful, approachable and team oriented. Ability to build strong working relationships and a positive work environment;
• Seeks to build collaboration by encouraging trust, mutual respect and shared purpose;
• Balances listening and talking, speaks and writes clearly and accurately, keeps others informed;
• Integrates health and safety precautions into daily activities;
• Works effectively in an environment in which the parameters may change daily; adjusts behavior to meet the needs of different people and situations

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree in computer or IT sciences

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Facilitates open and effective communication, cooperation and teamwork within and outside of one's own team;
• Plans ahead, manages time well and arrives on time;
• Recommends improvements and opportunities to increase efficiency and reduce costs;
• Exceptional customer relationship skills and the ability to establish effective working relationships in a diverse environment;
• Analytical skills including critical thinking, decision making, trouble shooting and problem solving, reading and interpreting technical drawings;
• Achieves a standard of excellence with work processes and outcomes, honoring University and Department policies and all regulatory requirements.

Benefits:

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.

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