Job Description

Amentum is seeking a skilled Central Plant Operator to support the operation and maintenance of a central utility plant serving critical building systems in the Washington, DC area. This position is responsible for monitoring, operating, and maintaining boilers, chillers, cooling towers, pumps, and other HVAC and mechanical systems essential to providing safe, efficient heating and cooling throughout the facility or campus.

The Central Plant Operator serves as the primary caretaker of the facility’s central energy production system, performing routine inspections, regulating temperatures, pressures, and flow rates, troubleshooting operational issues, and responding to emergencies to ensure continuous, reliable service.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and operate central plant equipment, including boilers, chillers, cooling towers, heat exchangers, pumps, and related HVAC/mechanical systems.
• Regulate plant operating conditions such as temperatures, pressures, and flow rates to ensure optimal performance and energy efficiency.
• Conduct routine preventive maintenance, inspections, and equipment checks.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and perform minor repairs to maintain system reliability.
• Maintain plant logs, records, and equipment status reports.
• Respond promptly to alarms, system failures, and emergency conditions.
• Support continuous operation of heating and cooling distribution systems across the facility or campus.
• Ensure compliance with safety codes, operational standards, and manufacturer guidelines.
• Collaborate with facility engineers, maintenance personnel, and contractors on system repairs or upgrades.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma (required).
• Experience in HVAC systems or mechanical operations.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience working as a Central Plant Operator or in a similar role.
• Understanding of boilers, chillers, pumps, and large‑scale HVAC systems.
• Ability to read gauges, meters, and system diagrams.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work in a physically active and safety‑sensitive environment.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in government, industrial, or large commercial facilities.
• Knowledge of building automation systems (BAS).
• Familiarity with water treatment processes for boilers and cooling towers.
• Additional HVAC or mechanical certifications.

Compensation Details:

$85,000-$90,000

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

Benefits Overview:

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid time off and holidays

• Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)

• Educational reimbursement

• Parental leave

• Employee stock purchase plan

• Tax-saving options

• Disability and life insurance

• Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

Original Posting:

02/10/2026 - Until Filled

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters