Maintenance Mechanic Electrical and Energy Specialist

Appointment Type: Full-Time Regular (FTR)

Location: Oak Ridge, TN

*Salary Range: $30.73 - $42.76 per hour

PURPOSE: The Maintenance Mechanic Electrical and Energy Specialist ensures the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU)/Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) facilities through skilled maintenance, installation, and repair of building systems and infrastructure. The role provides journeyman-level electrical leadership while supporting HVAC, plumbing, utilities, fire alarm, and access control systems. Additionally, the position manages the facilities energy management data collection process to ensure compliance with Department of Energy (DOE) performance and reporting requirements.

• Operates, tests, and maintains backup emergency generators, UPS systems, and associated power distribution equipment supporting mission-critical data centers and laboratory environments, ensuring continuous power reliability and operational readiness.

• Diagnoses, troubleshoots, and repairs complex electrical systems and components, minimizing downtime and ensuring compliance with safety codes and operational standards.

• Leads and oversees the installation, upgrade, and repair of electrical infrastructure and equipment, coordinating projects to ensure quality workmanship, regulatory compliance, and timely completion.

• Executes preventive and predictive maintenance programs for building systems and equipment, actively identifying and developing opportunities to integrate AI-enabled monitoring and trend analysis to anticipate equipment failures, improve reliability, and extend asset life cycles.

• Installs, maintains, and repairs data, telecommunications, and critical utility systems, ensuring secure and reliable facility communications and infrastructure support.

• Provides advanced energy management analysis and strategic planning by identifying efficiency opportunities, establishing performance criteria, and supporting the implementation of energy conservation measures.

• Leverages AI-driven modeling, data analytics, and Building Automation System (BAS) data to optimize system performance, enhance operational efficiency, and support energy usage objectives.

• Conducts detailed energy performance evaluations of HVAC, electrical, and utility systems, applying machine learning–assisted analytics to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and meet sustainability and DOE performance goals.

• Supports the data collection process for the preparation and submission of required annual compliance reports, including Energy and Water Audits, Water Assessments, and comprehensive energy usage documentation in accordance with DOE and regulatory requirements.

High school diploma and 5+ years of job-related experience. Higher level education above minimum may count for additional experience.

• At least five (5) years selecting, installing, maintaining, and repairing building electrical equipment and components up to 480V – motors, switchgear, panels, circuit breakers, conduit, wiring, switches, other electrical components. Requires a thorough and up-to-date knowledge of NFPA 70 and NFPA 70E.
• At least five (5) years operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing building HVAC systems and equipment – chillers, DX air conditioning units, air handling equipment, terminal air units, boilers, chemical treatment systems, pumps, automatic valves and automated control systems, and computerized building management systems.
• At least five years experience performing general building-related maintenance activities.
• Journeyman level knowledge of building electrical systems, equipment, and components – selection, installation, troubleshooting, and repair.
• In-depth knowledge of operating and maintaining building HVAC and electrical systems and performing general building maintenance activities.
• In-depth knowledge of institutional building utility systems and maintenance – plumbing and fixtures, data and telecommunications cabling, etc.

*The candidate’s starting salary will be determined upon hire and ORAU will use salary survey data, internal comparators, and the candidate’s qualifications to determine salary.

TOTAL REWARDS:

ORAU has a strategic approach to providing total rewards to employees through a fair, equitable, and competitive total compensation package. The goal of our total rewards system is to integrate compensation, benefits, work-life balance, performance, recognition, development, and career opportunities to attract, engage, and retain the talent required to achieve ORAU’s business objectives. The benefit component of our total rewards program supports business goals by offering the following benefits based on employee eligibility:

• Legally required benefits
• Group Health insurance including: Medical, Prescription, Dental, and Vision
• Retirement plan contribution matching
• Disability insurance
• Group life insurance
• Travel Accident Insurance
• Section 125 reimbursement accounts
• Other voluntary employee paid benefit and insurance offerings

The ORAU total reward package also promotes work-life balance. Mindful of the need for employees to care for themselves and their families, ORAU offers the following additional work-life benefits based on employee eligibility:

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Flexible work schedules or compressed work weeks
• Occupational Health and Wellness Programs
• Employee Assistance Program