Chief Engineer, Central Utility Plant
On-siteHouston, Texas, United States
Job Summary
Direct the 24/7 safe and efficient operation, maintenance, and water chemistry of high-pressure steam boilers, centrifugal chillers, cooling towers, and auxiliary CUP equipment for a premier hospital client. Lead a high-performing team of plant operators and stationary engineers, actively mentoring staff and providing technical guidance while ensuring inclusivity. Monitor plant efficiency and fuel consumption to optimize operations, reduce carbon footprints, and lower costs, while managing predictive maintenance programs via CMMS to maximize reliability. Ensure strict compliance with local, state, and federal regulations governing boilers, pressure vessels, emissions, and water discharge. Coordinate with hospital leadership to execute critical utility shutdowns and major changeovers with zero impact on clinical operations, and respond immediately to plant emergencies to maintain uninterrupted utility services. Oversee operational budgets, manage utility vendor contracts, and supervise external contractors on capital improvement projects. This role requires a valid First-Class Stationary Engineer license and 8+ years of CUP experience, with a 3rd shift (night) schedule in Houston, TX. No visa sponsorship is provided.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of 8 years of experience operating and maintaining large central utility plants
- At least 5 years of leadership or supervisory experience in a hospital, healthcare, or high-reliability industrial setting
- A valid First-Class Stationary Engineer license or equivalent state/local high-pressure boiler and refrigeration operator certifications
- Extensive technical knowledge of high-pressure steam systems
- Extensive technical knowledge of chilled water loops
- Extensive technical knowledge of industrial water treatment
- Extensive technical knowledge of cogeneration (CHP) systems
- Extensive technical knowledge of computerized Building Automation Systems (BAS)
- Demonstrated understanding of regulatory requirements governing plant operations, including ASME, EPA, OSHA, NFPA, and Joint Commission standards
- Proven ability to manage complex mechanical and thermal calculations to optimize plant thermodynamics and efficiency
- Exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to lead technical teams through emergency diagnostic and recovery situations under high-pressure conditions
- Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship
Desired Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, Facilities Management, or a related technical discipline
- Certified Healthcare Facility Manager (CHFM) or Certified Healthcare Constructor (CHC) designation
- Experience with smart-plant automation
- Experience with IoT-driven predictive maintenance
- Experience with digital twins
- A track record of driving significant decarbonization or energy-reduction initiatives within a CUP
- Experience with the commissioning, startup, and testing of newly installed industrial chillers, boilers, or cogeneration units in a live hospital setting
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