Operating Engineer

Job Summary

Under general supervision of the Lead Operating Engineer, the Operating Engineer operates, maintains, and repairs boilers, chillers, cogeneration equipment, and related central plant systems supporting San José State University’s heating, cooling, and utility infrastructure. Working independently and as part of a team, the incumbent monitors and optimizes building automation and energy-management systems, performs preventive and corrective maintenance, and responds to utility and equipment emergencies. The position helps ensure safe, reliable, and energy-efficient operation of the campus central plant and utility systems serving a multi-site campus.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, maintain, and repair boilers, chillers, cooling towers, pumps, compressors, engines, and related central plant equipment.
• Operate and maintain cogeneration, electrical generation, distribution, and associated fuel, water, and air systems.
• Use building automation and energy-management systems to adjust temperatures, air intake, schedules, and power plant output while optimizing energy efficiency.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance; inspect equipment, troubleshoot malfunctions, conduct major overhauls, and test repairs.
• Conduct chemical analyses and water-treatment activities for boiler and chiller systems; monitor fuel, water, emissions, and operating pressures.
• Respond to emergency calls and equipment failures; initiate safety protocols, perform emergency repairs, and switch plant systems to manual operation when necessary.
• Calibrate, adjust, and monitor boiler, turbine, generator, and related control and instrumentation systems.
• Maintain accurate logs, computerized maintenance records, time records, reports, as-built documentation, inventories, and materials records.
• Use and maintain shop tools, vehicles, lifts, welding equipment, and other certified equipment; maintain safe work areas and follow lockout/tagout practices.
• Provide work direction and training to skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled staff; coordinate with other trades and ensure work conforms to safety codes and requirements.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Working knowledge of boiler, chiller, cogeneration, HVAC, water treatment, electrical distribution, and central plant operating systems.
• Ability to operate, inspect, maintain, and repair complex mechanical, electrical, and control equipment using specialized trade tools and equipment.
• Ability to interpret operating data, instrumentation, energy and equipment efficiency calculations, and technical documentation.
• Ability to troubleshoot malfunctions, perform emergency repairs, and analyze and respond appropriately to emergency situations.
• Knowledge of safe work practices, lockout/tagout procedures, applicable building and safety codes, OSHA requirements, and use of personal protective equipment.
• Ability to perform chemical testing and water-treatment activities for boiler and chiller systems.
• Ability to maintain accurate manual and computerized records, prepare standard reports, and use computer systems for communication, documentation, and research.
• Ability to estimate cost, time, and materials; maintain inventory; and order parts and supplies.
• Ability to communicate effectively, follow oral and written instructions, build cooperative relationships, and provide work direction and training to assistants.
• Ability to prioritize multiple assignments, adapt to changing operational needs, operate required vehicles and equipment as certified, and maintain a valid California driver’s license.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma, California GED, or equivalent to two years of experience in the operation, maintenance, and repairs of boilers and chillers, diesel, or gas reciprocating engines and other related mechanical equipment.
• Completion of a certificate program in mechanical technology which includes the actual operation of boilers, gas or reciprocating engines may be substituted for up to one year of the required experience.
• Equivalent to successful completion of an on-the-job training program in the operation, maintenance and minor repair of gas turbines, generators, gas compressors, air emission systems and water purifiers in a power plant and cogeneration system.
• Other equivalent evidence of meeting the above minimum qualifications may be considered.
• Must participate in all OSHA required physicals and examinations.
• Requires the possession of a valid California Driver's License for the operation of any vehicle or equipment required for position and in any emergency situation.

License

A valid driver's license is required for this position. Out of state candidates selected for the position must obtain a State of California driver's license within 10 days of hire in accordance with the California Department of Motor Vehicles regulations.

Once hired the employee must successfully complete the Defensive Driver Training Program provided by the State of California for California State University campuses.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of a technical degree/certificate program from a recognized technical institution in mechanical technology which included the actual operation of boilers, gas or reciprocating engines may be substituted for up to one year of the required experience.
• Experience and/or training in the operation of a power plant's computer-based management System is desirable.
• Equivalent to two years’ experience in the operation, maintenance and repair of boilers, diesel or gas reciprocating engines and other related mechanical equipment.

Compensation

Classification: Operating Engineer
Anticipated Hiring Range: $6,791/month - $7,801/month (Step 13 – Step 20)
CSU Salary Range: $5,355/month - $7,801/month (Step 1 – Step 20)

San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Letter of Interest

All applicants must apply within the specified application period: October 2, 2026, through October 18, 2026. This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.

Contact Information

People and Culture
jobs@sjsu.edu

CSU Vaccination Policy

The CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus. The system wide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to jobs@sjsu.edu.

Additional Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis.

The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.

SJSU IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (e.g. H1-B VISAS)

All San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Incumbent is also required to promptly report any knowledge of a possible Title IX related incident to the Title IX Office or report any discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation to the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Education Code 89521 Requirements:

Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Housing Fire Safety Notification:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Annual Security Report (ASR) is also now available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Security-Report.pdf. The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and Sexual Assault prevention information, and information about drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery crimes for San José State University locations for the three most recent calendar years. A paper copy of the ASR is available upon request by contacting the Office of the Clery Director by phone at 408-924-1501 or by email at clerycompliance@sjsu.edu.

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is also available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Fire-Safety-Report.pdf. The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within SJSU on-campus housing facilities for the three most recent calendar years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on Campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Housing Office by phone at 408-795-5600 or by email at uhs-frontdesk@sjsu.edu.

Campus Security Authority - In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and CSU systemwide policy, this position is subject to ongoing review for designation as a Campus Security Authority. Individuals that are designated as Campus Security Authorities are required to immediately report Clery incidents to the institution and complete Clery Act training as determined by the university Clery Director.

Equal Employment Statement

San José State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San José State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Advertised: October 02, 2026 (9:00 AM) Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: Open until filled