Operating Engineer (Plant Operator)
Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Schedule: Shift-based / 24-hour plant operations
Join the CenTrio Team
Looking for a hands-on career where your skills make a real difference every day?
CenTrio is growing, and we're looking for an Operating Engineer (Plant Operator) to join our Baton Rouge/LSU team. In this role, you'll help operate and maintain the central utility plant that provides essential heating and cooling services to Louisiana State University.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in plant operations, HVAC, mechanical systems, industrial maintenance, utilities, or facilities maintenance who enjoys troubleshooting, working with equipment, and learning new technical skills.
You'll work alongside an experienced operations team and gain exposure to large-scale heating and cooling systems, plant automation, electrical and mechanical equipment, and energy management systems. If you're someone who likes to understand how things work, enjoys solving problems, and takes pride in keeping critical equipment running reliably, we'd love to hear from you.
What You'll Do
As an Operating Engineer, you'll help keep the plant operating safely, efficiently, and reliably. Your responsibilities will include:
- Operate and monitor central utility plant equipment and systems that provide heating and cooling services.
- Monitor plant and distribution system performance and make operating adjustments as needed.
- Perform routine inspections, equipment checks, and operational rounds.
- Troubleshoot plant equipment, building mechanical systems, and distribution systems.
- Identify potential issues and recommend solutions to improve plant reliability and performance.
- Assist with preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance activities.
- Perform maintenance and repairs on mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
- Monitor plant control systems, operating logs, and system trends to identify changes in performance.
- Investigate plant outages and assist with corrective actions to minimize disruption to customer service.
- Support startup, shutdown, commissioning, and other plant operating activities.
- Develop skills in troubleshooting and calibrating automation, power, and interface systems.
- Follow established operating procedures and safety requirements.
- Work closely with the Operations Supervisor and Lead Operating Engineer to maintain reliable plant operations.
- Communicate equipment conditions, operating concerns, and maintenance needs to the appropriate team members.
- Respond to emergency situations and assist with shift coverage when needed.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone who is dependable, mechanically inclined, curious, and comfortable working with their hands . You don't have to know everything on day one—we're looking for someone with a solid technical foundation who is willing to learn and grow.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED.
- 1–5 years of experience in plant operations, maintenance, HVAC, utilities, facilities maintenance, or a similar technical environment.
- Basic understanding of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to read and understand equipment information, operating procedures, and technical documentation.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Ability to work independently while also working effectively as part of a team.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities.
- Self-motivated with a strong sense of responsibility and attention to detail.
- Valid Louisiana driver's license.
Experience That Will Help You Stand Out
- Experience operating or maintaining central heating and cooling plants.
- Experience with boilers, chillers, pumps, compressors, cooling towers, or other industrial utility equipment.
- Experience with plant automation, control systems, or energy management systems.
- Experience with equipment startup, commissioning, or troubleshooting.
- Experience in HVAC, industrial maintenance, manufacturing, utilities, facilities, or a similar service-oriented environment.
- Technical training, certifications, licenses, or coursework related to plant operations, HVAC, electrical, mechanical systems, or industrial maintenance.
Why Join CenTrio?
At CenTrio, you'll have the opportunity to build a long-term career in a growing industry while working with equipment and systems that are critical to the communities we serve.
We invest in our people and provide opportunities to learn new skills, take on additional responsibilities, and grow within the organization.
What we offer:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Company-paid High Deductible Healthcare Plan
- Life and AD&D insurance
- Optional supplemental Life and AD&D coverage
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Training and career development opportunities
- Opportunities for career progression
- Competitive compensation based on skills and experience
- Employee Assistance Program with 24-hour support
- Corporate discounts on travel, entertainment, home, auto, apparel, health and wellness, and more
- The opportunity to work for a growing company with operations across the United States
About CenTrio
CenTrio is an innovative and sustainable energy services company providing reliable utility solutions to universities, healthcare facilities, cities, and communities across the United States.
Our district energy systems serve more than 170 million square feet across 10 U.S. cities and growing . Depending on the community, our utility systems produce and distribute electricity, steam, hot water, and/or chilled water to customer buildings and campuses.
Our work helps customers improve reliability, manage operating costs, and reduce their environmental impact—all while providing essential energy services that communities depend on every day.
Safety & Work Environment
Safety is a core value at CenTrio. Everyone on our team plays an important role in maintaining a safe workplace and looking out for one another.
This position works in an operating industrial environment and may involve:
- Working around operating mechanical, electrical, and utility equipment.
- Working indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Working in areas that may be noisy, dusty, hot, or humid.
- Climbing ladders and working at heights.
- Wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE), which may include hearing, eye, hand, head, foot, fall, and respiratory protection.
- Identifying and reporting safety hazards and following established safety procedures.
- Responding to operational emergencies when necessary.
Because the plant operates around the clock, this position requires flexibility to work a shift schedule and provide support during weekends, holidays, emergencies, or other operational needs as required.
Conditions of Employment
Employment is contingent upon:
- Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.
- Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening.
- Possession of a valid Louisiana driver's license.
- Maintaining any required certifications or licenses in good standing.
If you're ready to build your skills, work with a great team, and play an important role in keeping a major university's energy systems running, apply today to join CenTrio in Baton Rouge!