Job Description

Overview

The Assistant Engineer (Steam Plant) at Villanova University is responsible for overseeing the operation, maintenance, and service of high-pressure steam systems and auxiliary equipment. This role is crucial for ensuring a safe and comfortable environment across various university facilities, while also contributing to a mission-driven organization dedicated to service and community.

Responsibilities

  • Operates, maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs high pressure steam systems and auxiliary equipment.
  • Troubleshoots and repairs steam devices including electronic, electrical, and mechanical components.
  • Installs, maintains, and repairs computerized electronic, pneumatic, and direct digital control devices related to steam control.
  • Maintains and makes operating repairs on electrical and controls circuits in compliance with NEC and OSHA.
  • Operates and keeps in good working order a variety of equipment including hand tools and diagnostic instruments.
  • Reads and interprets complex blueprints, sketches, schematics, and wiring diagrams.
  • Performs brazing, silver and lead soldering, pipe fitting, welding, and fabrication as required.
  • Coordinates repairs with other trades affected by steam operations.
  • Performs other duties as assigned within the department's responsibilities.

Requirements

  • High School diploma or equivalent with training in high pressure steam systems.
  • At least 6 years of work experience in high-pressure steam plant operation or other high-pressure utilities operations.
  • Ability to provide specifications, estimates, and bill of materials for projects.
  • Must be able to follow verbal and written directions in English and interact professionally with others.
  • Must have the ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, schematics, and diagrams.
  • Valid Driver’s License with a good driving record and no traffic violations.
  • Experience in preventative maintenance procedures and repair of gas, water, electrical, and life safety systems.
  • Knowledge of building and utilities construction, materials, and inspection techniques.
  • Basic Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Outlook skills.
  • Must possess current ANSI/OSHA compliant training card to operate aerial lift and other equipment.
  • Ability to work on scaffolding as per OSHA standards.
  • Excellent safety record required.

Benefits

  • PTO

Additional Information

  • Full-time/12-months work schedule.
  • Location: Villanova, PA.
  • Subject to rotating swing shift to fill in as relief boiler operator absenteeism.

Benefits

PTO

How this job compares in Villanova, PA

Pay in context

At roughly $37/hr, this posting sits about 23% above the $30/hr median for welding jobs across Pennsylvania — toward the top of a $25–$35/hr middle band drawn from 161 postings with published pay. Put another way, it pays more than about 76% of the comparable postings we have wage data for. Pay that far above local median usually comes attached to something: a harder cert requirement, travel, night shift, or overtime that isn't really optional. Worth establishing which before you accept.

The local market in Villanova, PA

Villanova, PA is a small market in our index: 1 other active welding opening alongside this one, from 1 employer. Across Pennsylvania as a whole we're tracking 321 other active welding openings from 197 employers. With this few local postings, most welders here end up either commuting or looking at travel work. Browse welding jobs across Pennsylvania.

Villanova University currently has 1 other opening live in Pennsylvania, which is usually a sign of either steady growth or steady turnover — worth asking which in the interview.

The most active employers in Pennsylvania at the moment, by number of open welding reqs, are Rhoads Industries (12), Department of the Navy - Agency Wide (8), and Phillips Tank & Structure (8). Volume like that usually means either a genuine expansion or a staffing agency working several client sites — worth knowing which before you apply.

Within Pennsylvania, the best-paying metros we track by median hourly rate are Philadelphia at $32/hr, Braddock at $31/hr, and Malvern at $30/hr. If you can relocate or commute, that spread is worth factoring in.

Similar openings near Villanova, PA

Pay figures are medians computed from live postings in the Welding Pros index, not from survey data, and they move as employers post. Assistant Engineer (Steam Plant) figures were last recalculated when this page was built.