Who we are

Why Rensselaer?  Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world. 

With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth.

Job Summary

The Fleet Mechanic performs complex maintenance and repairs on Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s fleet of cars, trucks and all internal combustion engines and related equipment. The Fleet Mechanic provides on-call support for after-hour emergency response as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid U.S. Driver’s License
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Five years’ experience in auto mechanics or related fields
• NYS Inspectors License required or ability to obtain within 1 year of hire

Applicants must meet stated minimum education and experience requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• CDL license 

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to read, write, and perform arithmetic functions
• Requires basic computer skills including Microsoft and job specific software
• In-depth knowledge of auto and diesel mechanics, internal combustion engines, heating and air conditioning systems and tire maintenance
• Flexibility in dealing with emergency situations
• Ability to work with a diverse community and create an inclusive environment
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to follow instructions, take initiative and work independently and as part of a team
• Must have a high regard for safety of self, others and property
• Ability to make decisions based upon experience and work knowledge
• Must have the ability to work flexible hours which may include, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays
• Requires excellent customer service skills

Job Duties

1. Assess and identify extent of damage or malfunction to all fleet vehicles and equipment. Inform Management to determine whether repairs can be completed in-house or outsourced to appropriate vendor. Interview vendors for a variety of automotive parts and equipment and obtain quotes. Arranges for service and ensures repairs are performed per contract.
2. Schedule, conduct and perform regular preventative maintenance on fleet vehicles and equipment. Prepare and convert all vehicles and equipment to proper operating conditions and modes for all seasons.
3. New York State Licensed Mechanic to perform New York State highway motor vehicle state inspections on an annual basis and maintain proper record keeping.
4. Process repair requests as needed utilizing department Standard Operating Procedures to ensure compliance with New York State vehicular regulations. Perform needed repairs to fleet vehicles and equipment in a cost effective, timely manner. Keep staff and management informed of repair timeline.
5. Update non-lease vehicle and equipment purchase history database for the Division of Administration Fleet. Keep manuals and record of services performed on each vehicle or equipment.
6. Respond to emergency calls to fleet vehicles or equipment at various campus or off-campus locations. Perform emergency repairs as needed. Inform Management of all exceptions to daily operations on a timely basis.
7. Track and maintain inventory of parts; order and receive parts and pick-up or deliver parts. Maintain equipment, supplies and work area in a neat and orderly condition; return equipment, tools and materials to the proper storage area. Comply with safety rules and regulations for personal protection and safety of other employees. RPI Fleet tool to be returned to assigned areas daily.
8. Perform snow removal functions in accordance with the Institute snow removal plan. Respond to and be available for weather related emergencies as necessary to maintain safe transportation through campus. Ensure availability for night and weekend call-in for snow removal operations. Operate, maintain and inspect all snow removal equipment in accordance with Institute’s standards. Ensure snow equipment readiness for next storm.
9. Monitor fuel dispensing system, report the need for fuel based on levels reported to Management daily. Inspect and document above ground fuel tanks on a monthly basis.
10. Perform other duties as assigned. 

Shift

Business Hours with weekends or evenings occasionally required

Travel

Driving

Driving a Rensselaer vehicle for non-passenger use

Starting Salary/Rate

Expected hiring range: $24.00 - $29.00

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information

Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Rensselaer is recognized locally and nationally for the depth and breadth of its compensation and benefits program. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).

We welcome candidates who will bring diverse cultural, ethnic, national and international perspectives to Rensselaer’s work and campus communities.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity, Race/Gender/Veterans/Disability Employer.

Who we are

Why Rensselaer? Our dynamic global community of changemakers includes some of the world’s leading researchers, students, alumni, and faculty who ask the important questions and devise the scientific and technological innovations that make the world a better place for all of humanity. Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, Rensselaer is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, and one of the world’s fastest supercomputers. 

Rensselaer faculty and alumni include more than 145 National Academy members, six members of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, six National Medal of Technology winners, five National Medal of Science winners, three astronauts, and a Nobel Prize winner in Physics. With nearly 200 years of experience advancing scientific and technological knowledge, Rensselaer remains focused on addressing global challenges with a spirit of ingenuity and collaboration. To learn more, please visit www.rpi.edu.

Are you ready to change the world? Apply now!

Job Summary

The Maintenance Mechanic/Plumber performs a wide range of repair and maintenance duties primarily related to plumbing equipment and systems. Performs maintenance and repair work on but not limited to utility infrastructure, building systems, steam heating systems, laboratories, exhaust fans, pumps, and air compressors. Participates in on-call rotation in accordance with standard operating procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

• HS diploma or equivalent
• Three (3) years of experience in plumbing and piping
• Valid US Driver’s license
• Must have the ability to be medically qualified for respirator use

Applicants must meet stated minimum education and experience requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic knowledge of plumbing trade, equipment, and tools
• Ability to read, write, and perform arithmetic functions
• Ability to read and troubleshoot from blueprints, drawings, and specifications
• Ability to use all hand tools and operate all power tools and equipment (i.e., pipe threader/cutters, band saw, power snakes, generators, compressors)
• Ability to operate a computer using standard office software
• Ability to work on ladders, scaffolding, and lifts
• Ability to work independently and as a team member
• Excellent customer service skills

Preferred Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities

None

Shift

Non Standard Shift: On call rotation / One week every 6-8 weeks

Travel

Driving

Driving a Rensselaer vehicle for non-passenger use

Salary Range/Rate

Expected hiring range for Sr. Plumber:   $27.00-$29.79

Expected hiring range for Plumber:   $24.50-$26.46

Pay transparency disclosure:  The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions

Follow the on-screen prompts to create an application. Please be ready to upload required documents, such as your resume and cover letter

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu 

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Culture of Safety at Rensselaer

Rensselaer is committed to providing a safe and healthy living, learning, and working environment for its faculty, staff, and students. As such, we strongly recommend that faculty, staff and students obtain a COVID-19 vaccination and remain current with available boosters to protect themselves, as well as to protect vulnerable members of the community.

We welcome candidates who will bring diverse cultural, ethnic, national and international perspectives to Rensselaer’s work and campus communities.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity, Race/Gender/Veterans/Disability Employer.