Full Time Chief Engineer

CHIEF STATIONARY ENGINEER JOB DESCRIPTION

Department: Facilities and Engineering

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary Grade: 9

Salary Range: $80000-$90000

Work Location: Primarily onsite with some remote work

FT/PT: Full-time

Last Revision Date: 12/22/2025

The Organization: The Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) is known internationally for trailblazing performances collaborations with the worlds foremost musical artists and a deep commitment to serving our community. Making its home in historic Orchestra Hall at the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center the DSO actively pursues its vision to be an inclusive and culturally relevant community where all people can experience their world through music.

The DSO is a complex organization. Operating 365 days per year in historic Orchestra Hall one of Americas most acoustically perfect concert halls we are a performing arts institution an educational facility and a community center. We are governed by an independent Board of Directors and employ both union and non-union employees as musicians stage crew and administrative staff. Creating a unified culture throughout the institution is an organizational imperative and we are guided by our values of excellence diversity resilience collaboration and innovation. The DSO is also deeply invested in the city of Detroit; through our Detroit Strategy initiative we are expanding the DSOs participation in the growth and well-being of the city.

The DSO offers a unique fast-paced working environment an excellent overall compensation package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information visit .

Position Summary: The Chief Stationary Engineer will complete and oversee all tasks related to the mechanical operation and upkeep of The Detroit Symphony Orchestra and The Max M. Fisher Music Center. They will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of all mechanical steam pressure heating water and ventilation systems as well as refrigeration equipment throughout the entire facility. Candidates must be knowledgeable in procedures and safety measures in these Stationary Engineer will interact with the department headand Senior Director of Facilities & Engineering and use pre-established guidelines experience and judgment to performthe required functions of the job.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Safely and efficiently operate and maintain all mechanical systems steam pressure heating systems water systems ventilation systems and refrigeration equipment. Must be capable and willing to monitor the Building Management System (BMS) remotely using general computer knowledge.
  • Chilled water system sub-freezing chiller systems water tube boilers fire tube boilers cooling towers air compressors compressed air dryers zero air systems cooling tower and boiler water chemical treatment
  • Mechanical systems diagnosis & repair steam traps DDC control valves air actuators piping systems PLC panels vibration analysis
  • All building systems building automation systems (BAS) building monitoring systems building utility & piping systems
• Perform service and preventive maintenance on all chillers circulate pumps control valves and make necessary repairs and/or arranges for same under the direction of the Senior Director of Facilities & Engineering. Continuing/on-going preventative maintenance of all mechanical equipment is essential.
• Perform service and preventive maintenance on all boilers feed pumps and control valves. Make or arrange necessary repairs.
• Check temperatures pressure gauges and water levels to ensure proper operating conditions for boilers cooling towers fan coils heaters pumps and feed water tanks. Adjust and maintain belts filters and clean strainers. Ensure fluid levels are maintained in boilers/chillers etc. Check amp draws and grease motors and bearings.
• Logging and data retention logbook data entries plant meter readings trending equipment compressed air leak reports. Monitor and log readings of high-pressure boilers chillers cooling towers pumps and related equipment.
• Supervise and schedule the DSOs part-time HVAC technician.
• Obtain and maintain a strong working relationship with all outside vendors required to work on DSO mechanical systems. Determine when outside contract work is required.
• Assist with plumbing and HVAC installation and repair of boiler house equipment.
• Operate maintain and repair all heating and ventilating units where maintenance can be performed with the unit in place including piping at the unit.
• Gain familiarity with the BMS to monitor control and trend performance of plant equipment. Operate maintain and repair boilers and auxiliary equipment including but not limited to water RO system boiler controls electric and pneumatic.
• Perform preventative and corrective maintenance work orders delivered via phone email text message or other computer messaging system (Microsoft Teams Zoom electronic work order system etc.).
• Perform water chemistry laboratory analysis on plant systems and maintain proper chemical parameters for all equipment. Maintain the cleanliness of all mechanical spaces. Keep and maintain a running inventory of all belts filters glycol and other material(s) as it relates to day-to-day operation.
• Follow all DSO standard operating procedures maintaining a focus on safety while performing tasks in an industrial environment.
• Attend weekly equipment performance meetings with Senior Director of Facilities & Engineering
  

Required Qualifications:

• City of Detroit Stationary Engineer
• City of Detroit 3^rd class refrigeration license
• City of Detroit 1^st class boiler license
• High School Technical Trade school degree and/or Union Apprenticeship with a minimum of 5 years comparable experience
• Willing and able to respond remotely when off-site while managing the BMS
• Ability to act independently take initiative and meet changing priorities
• Successful experience working in and contributing to a collaborative team environment

Desired Qualifications:

• Previous experience with Niagara Building Automation Systems. Willing to train the right candidate

Additional Information:

• This is a salaried non-union position
• Successful candidates must be willing to work on a varied schedule to meet the needs of the DSOs performance schedule both on-site and remotely including occasional nights and weekends.
• All positions at the DSO require the successful completion of a background check prior to beginning employment. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify candidates.
  

Physical Requirements: This role primarily works in a mechanical space environment.

Position Reports to: Senior Director of Facilities & Engineering

Direct Reports: (1) Part Time HVAC Technician

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