The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), operated by AURA, is NASA's science operations center for the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes. We seek a
Stationary Engineer, V to operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair building systems including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, alarms, and environmental controls. Monitor contractors, perform building maintenance, and support Facilities operations. This is an onsite position. ship or Permanent Residence required to meet ITAR requirements.
BASIC FUNCTION:
Operation of all mechanical systems of STScI building including start up, shut down, monitoring, maintenance, troubleshooting, and emergency repair to the following systems: HVAC, Electrical, Building and Process, Plumbing, Fire Protection, Alarm Systems, and Environmental Control Systems. Monitor work performed by various service contractors for all systems. Perform necessary maintenance to building structures (i.e. - roof, walls, etc.). Perform additional tasks within Facilities department.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Regular:
- Monitors operating systems and equipment including heating and cooling systems, UPS and switchgear systems and other building equipment: takes readings of gauges, meters, and charts. Monitors the Building Automation System (BAS).
- Cleans and/or adjusts HVAC systems and components, including but not limited to strainers, filters, traps, humidifiers, belts, etc.
- Performs start-up and shut-down of equipment and systems.
- Assist in troubleshooting electrical, control, and HVAC system alarms and consults with other engineers for action to be taken.
- Performing preventative maintenance throughout the building.
- Monitor work being performed by various service contractors for projects, including but not limited to electrical, mechanical, and other building components (i.e. - windows, roofs, security doors, etc.).
- Monitor performance of contracted service and inspections on building systems, including but not limited to fire detection, protections, and alarms; HVAC systems and equipment, including data centers and labs.
- Communicate outstanding issues, equipment conditions, and work activities to the incoming Shift Engineer during changeover.
- Labels various mechanical equipment by name, function, flow, etc.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Occasional:
- Participate in snow and ice removal as needed.
- May be required to report onsite in the event of emergencies or as needed to support ongoing missions and needs of the Facilities Operations branch.
- May be required to report during periods of Institute Administrative Leave to ensure building systems and grounds are adequately maintained.
- Must be available for emergency call-in and overtime as required by Institute needs.
- Provide support for installation of new equipment and systems.
- Perform duties associated with serving as custodian for Facilities Operations government equipment.
In addition, Level V:
Regular:
- Works during First Shift - 6am-2pm. First Shift Engineer is required to report to work by 5:45 AM to complete shift changeover with the outgoing engineer.
- Must be available for on-call weekend coverage including:
- Performing required equipment readings and building rounds.
- Remaining available to respond to facilities-related calls and text messages.
- Responding to building alarms, equipment issues, emergencies, and other facilities-related requests.
- Troubleshooting equipment and building systems as required. Performing repairs when necessary and within the engineer's qualifications and authorization.
- Coordinating with appropriate personnel, contractors, security, or other support staff when additional assistance is required.
- Documenting significant issues, repairs, and operational conditions for follow-up by the Facilities team.
- Providing a complete turnover of outstanding issues to the engineer or Facilities team assuming weekday coverage.
- Report on and collaborates with Facilities management on status of equipment and systems. Communicate outstanding issues, equipment conditions, and work activities Recommend improvements and implements as directed.
- Evaluate all requests to Facilities involving building operations, assess priority, and assist in coordinating staff for action. Monitor progress and adjust resources to accommodate emergency maintenance requests.
- Directs and gauges performance of contracted service and inspection of building systems that include but are not limited to fire, detection, protection and alarms, HVAC systems and equipment, including data centers and labs.
- Assist in planning and forecasting building improvement plans. Supports and leads major engineering improvement projects.
- Provide leadership for engineering staff at the direction of Facilities Management.
- Provide hands-on training for engineering staff and promotes an environment of learning and development.
- Schedule engineers for regular workdays, holidays, and vacation relief.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
Level V:
Education and Experience: High school or equivalent or technical school training in this trade. Minimum of 15 years of systems operational and maintenance experience in an industrial, commercial, or institutional environment. MD Grade 1 Stationary Engineer license.
Note: Substitution of additional relevant education or experience for stated qualifications may be considered.
Supervision Received: Works under supervision of Facilities Operations management. Works independently on all tasks.
Supervision Exercised: Mentors and provides instructional supervision of junior staff members
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Mastery in threading pipe, soldering tubing, and or welding
- Mastery in boiler operations and or safety
- Master plumber, HVAC contractor, HVAC contractor, and or electrician
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- The noise level in the work environment ranges from quiet to very loud depending on the environment of the machinery and or task involved.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.
- The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
- The employee must regularly lift and or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and or move up to 200 pounds.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
The salary range for the Stationary Engineer is $90,000 - $91,000. Applications received by
11/26/26 will receive full consideration. Applications received after this date will be considered until the position is filled.
Our excellent benefits include:
- Employer retirement contribution - direct STScI contribution of 10% of your salary from your first day
- 12 days sick leave, up to 24 days' vacation, and 10 paid holidays
- Flexible work schedule with healthy work/life balance
- Comprehensive medical/dental/vision/prescription plans, and more!
Please only use this link to apply - Stationary Engineer V Reference #:16992
Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can contact us at
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required by personnel so classified. This Institute promotes Equal Employment Opportunity workplace that includes reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified, disabled applicants and employees.
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Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
