Assistant Chief Engineer

The Assistant Chief Engineer within Facilities Operations Engineering and Campus Energy is a leader in the Facilities organization. The Assistant Chief Engineer works collaboratively with the Director of Campus Plant and Chief Engineer and shares responsibility for the safe, compliant, reliable, and efficient operation of two (2) Thermally Integrated Geo-Exchange Resources plants with chilled water and hot water storage tanks, one (1) 16MW Cogeneration Plant with integrated steam-driven and electric chilled water generation and storage, and one (1) data center plant.  These plants are integrated and operated to provide energy services to campus while minimizing cost and carbon footprint. 

The Assistant Chief Engineer provides leadership and direction to the plant operations team. This includes ensuring all staff and equipment are at the highest practical level of readiness to provide the thermal and electrical energy demands necessary for the University to carry out its core mission.

Responsibilities include supporting the Chief Engineer in managing a team of 30, mostly licensed stationary engineers.  The role is a key part in maintaining safe and compliant plant operations, reliable service, and sustainable practices, while embodying Facilities core values of teamwork, innovation, integrity, inclusiveness, respect, and sustainability. 

• Safety: people and energy plant assets are safe.
• Compliance: the operation of the plants is compliant with all required regulations; Operator’s license requirements and plant permits are followed; and the letter and the spirit of plant contracts are followed.
• Reliability: customers always receive reliable service, independent of environmental conditions by minimizing service interruptions, proactively plan and announce maintenance outages, and prepare for unplanned maintenance events and react efficiently.
• Sustainability: the plants are designed, operated, and maintained in real time to achieve the lowest life-cycle cost and the lowest carbon footprint.

This work includes responding to emergencies anytime during the day, night, or weekends. 

Leadership and Management

• Provides leadership and oversight to plant operations staff and supports the Chief Engineer in maintaining staff training levels and understanding of evolving plant operating strategies as new equipment is installed in the plant or due to changing regulatory requirements.
• Supervises Lead Engineers and I&C techs, coordinates daily operations, maintains adequate and equitable operator shift coverage, and conducts annual reviews for plant operations and maintenance staff.  
• Promotes team cohesion, handles issues decisively, and fosters a culture of safety. 
• Communicates effectively with peers and the plant’s 24/7 workforce. 
• Encourages plant staff’s engagement with the broader campus community. 
• Supports Human Resources and union related matters affecting plant operating staff, including payroll and negotiations.

  Utility plants and infrastructure

• Supports the Chief Engineer in maintaining a safe, compliant, reliable, and efficient supply of thermal and electrical energy to the campus.
• Implements safety programs for engineering staff and provides direction, supervision, scheduling and inspection of facility maintenance activities.
• Supports expansion projects and maintains N+1 reliability and staff readiness.
• Assists in the purchase of fuels to ensure plant reliability and efficiency.
• Ensures repair and work order information is entered in a timely and accurate manner and coordinates plant and campus operations with the Central Supervisory Control System (CSCS) group. 
• Provides insight on potential risks, major repairs, and opportunities for system improvements to be incorporated into capital planning.

  Campus Energy and Sustainability

• Supports the  development, execution, and implementation of the university's strategy for minimizing fossil fuel usage, carbon emissions, and energy cost, including the innovative geo-exchange and conversion from steam to hot water programs. 
• Assists in monitoring energy consumption at the plants and ensures the equipment is maintained, reliable, and accurate.

Business Administration

• Stays current with purchasing and project systems, support the tracking/reconciling of projects and purchase orders, assists in preparation of the annual engineering operating and major maintenance budgets; maintains the annual budget and provides forecasts as needed throughout the year.
• Recommends and/or authorities the purchase of supplies and equipment within budget guidelines. 
• Provides operational administrative support on appropriate matters as needed.

Stakeholder and Partner Engagement

• Fosters strong partnerships across campus, encourages feedback on Facilities services, and adapts operations to maintain high service levels.
• Stays informed on industry best practices and trends in engineering and campus energy; engages with trade associations; and attends conferences to monitor developments and share university progress with industry peers. 

Essential Qualifications:

• A minimum of 12 years or more plant operating experience in a plant environment like that of the University.
• Must have a Gold Seal steam operating license or are currently qualified to sit for the Gold Seal, and a Blue Seal refrigeration operating license. 
• Expertise in the implementation of operating and maintenance policies and procedures consistent with all applicable laws, codes, ordinances, risk management, safety precautions, rules/regulations and emergency, life, and safety procedures related to cogeneration, steam and thermal energy plants.
• Must have a Universal CFC Technician Certification.
• Knowledge of applicable U.S. codes and accepted trade practices.
• Knowledge and experience regarding occupational hazards of the electrical and mechanical trades, related safety precautions and considerable skill required for the installation, maintenance and repair of power generation and water/wastewater treatment systems and equipment.
• Good organizational and communication skills with the ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions independently.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of physical plant and building operations for a comparable facility.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage staff.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment that requires handling multiple tasks at a given time and rapidly adapting to changing priorities and schedules.
• Ability to work independently and handle multiple projects.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, problem solving and time management skills.
• Ability to become an active and functioning member of a team.
• Ability to be innovative and be an agent for change.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to direct employees, prepare reports for upper management and facilitate/disseminate information.
• Proficient in the use of business application software.
• Proficient in Maximo, or other asset management software.

 Preferred Qualifications:

• Graduate degree in engineering, business, or closely related discipline.
• Experience with industrial-scale heat pumps, thermal storage, diesel generators, megawatt-scale batteries, and geo-exchange technologies.
• Knowledge of and familiarity with real-time electricity and energy commodities markets.
• Prior experience in a higher education residential campus setting.
• Experience leading and managing in a union environment.
• Certified Energy Manager Accreditation.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.