Lead Airport Stationary Engineer

About Our Job

Note: We are offering a hiring bonus of $3500 to new employees hired from this recruitment. The bonus details will be discussed at the interview or offer. The hiring bonus will not apply to City and County of Denver employees currently employed within the city or who have been separated from the city for fewer than six months.

Additionally, we are open to considering relocation assistance for candidates moving from out of state, evaluated on a case-by-case basis

Are you a fast paced, reliable and hardworking HVAC professional with experience in Central Utility Plants and Building Automation Systems? Are you looking for job security in a stable organization, where you work 4 days a week, 10 hours a day in a role that offers lots of room for career growth? We are seeking two Lead Airport Stationary Engineer with strong BAS, Controls and Mechanical skills to engage in the operation, maintenance, construction, and repair of Central Utility Plant equipment. This position will allow you to gain leadership experience and is a great steppingstone to future management roles.  You will work on very large-scale equipment including boilers, chillers, cooling towers, pumps, glycol heat exchangers, air handlers, and roof top units. This unique position is the ‘heartbeat of the airport’ and is essential to our entire operation! Apply today and join our close-knit DEN family! 

With competitive pay, great benefits, and endless opportunities, working for the City and County of Denver (CCD) means seeing yourself working with purpose — for you, and those who benefit from your passion, skills and expertise. Join our diverse, inclusive and talented workforce of more than 11,000 team members who are at the heart of what makes Denver, Denver. Click here to find out about all the amazing benefits and reasons to work for CCD!  

What We Offer 

The City and County of Denver offers a competitive salary commensurate with education and experience. The full salary range for this position is $36.45-56.50/hour. New hires are typically brought into the organization between $45-53/hour base pay, based on experience. Plus, we pay extra for Shift Differential Pay on Swing and Graveyard shifts. We pay 7% extra pay on top of base pay for Swing shifts, and 12% extra pay on top of base pay for Graveyard shifts (the starting range of $45-53/hour including Shift differential = Swing $48.15-56.71/hour and Graveyard $50.40-59.36/hour).

We also offer generous benefits for full-time employees which include but is not limited to:

• Five (5) Medical Plans, Dental, Vision Insurance

• Pension Plan for Life (Employee contributes 8.45%, Employer matches at 17.95%)

• 457 (b) Retirement Plan (no early withdrawal fee!)

• PTO (over 3 weeks in your first year) and 14 paid holidays

• Merit Increases

• STD, LTD, HSA, FSA, Life Insurance

• CARE Bank, Family Leave Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program, Employee Volunteer Program

• Tuition Reimbursement (up to $2000/year), We Qualify for Student Loan Forgiveness Program

• Learning and Development Opportunities; Courses and Career Development Resources

• EcoPass (unlimited free RTD bus/train rides); Free Airport Parking

The City and County of Denver has announced furlough days, or unpaid days off, for most employees to meet a budget shortfall in 2025. There are two fixed furlough days for all limited (temporary positions with an end date) and unlimited (permanent) employees on August 29th, the Friday before Labor Day, and November 28th, the day after Thanksgiving. If you receive an offer for this position, your annual pay will determine whether you are required to take additional furlough days. Details will be discussed during the offer process for selected candidate(s).

Location 

Denver International Airport, 8500 Pena Blvd. Denver, CO 80249.

Schedule: This position follows a 4/10 schedule—four days a week, 10 hours per day. Available shifts include Day (5:30 AM–3:30 PM), Swing (1:00 PM–11:00 PM), and Graveyard (8:30 PM–6:30 AM), with shift blocks running either Sunday to Wednesday or Wednesday to Saturday. Overtime is optional and readily available.

All new hires begin on a temporary assignment to the day shift (6:00 AM–4:00 PM) for initial onboarding and integration into site operations. After a six-month probationary period, you will be placed in your regular, assigned shift. At present, we need someone who is flexible and can work any shift, including graveyards. Shift bids take place annually in June and are determined by seniority.

May be required to address emergent needs, respond to after- hour calls or emergency calls outside of normal scheduled or business hours.

What You’ll Do

Denver International Airport (DEN) is the third-busiest airport in the United States and one of the top ten busiest airports in the world, connecting our community globally through flight and business. DEN is the primary economic engine for the state of Colorado, generating more than $36.4 billion for the region annually and employing nearly 37,000 people. At DEN, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace. We celebrate individuality and uplift all races, ethnicities, gender identities, national origins, ages, abilities, religion, and LGBTQIA+ communities. We know that our diversity makes us stronger, and we strive to keep diversity, equity and inclusion at the center of all that we do.  

Responsibilities include:

• Oversee the operation, maintenance, and repair of Central Utility Plant (CUP) systems, including: 2,500-ton chillers, 20MBTU boilers, cooling towers, heat exchangers, pumps, air handling units (AHUs), variable frequency drives (VFDs), and water treatment systems and Building Automation System (BAS) operations and energy management systems

• Provide advanced technical guidance to Airport Stationary Engineers I & II and other maintenance staff. Assist with complex troubleshooting and repair of mechanical, electrical, and control systems in accordance with SOPs, best practices, manufacturer guidelines, and safety regulations

• Plan, coordinate, and assign preventive maintenance and corrective repairs to minimize equipment downtime and disruptions to facility operations

• Monitor and adjust system settings and schedules via BAS to optimize performance, energy efficiency, and system longevity

• Develop and execute emergency response plans during system failures, power outages, and critical infrastructure incidents. Act as lead coordinator with other airport departments and emergency services

• Work directly with vendors and contractors for specialized equipment maintenance, upgrades, and inspections. Coordinate scheduling to reduce operational impact

• Conduct regular safety inspections, enforce safety protocols, and maintain detailed records of incidents, inspections, and training

• Manage spare parts inventory, tools, and supplies required for equipment maintenance and repairs. Ensure readiness for both scheduled and emergency needs

• Develop and maintain documentation for compliance with local, state, and federal regulations (e.g., emissions, safety, operational standards)

• Train, mentor, and support the development of Stationary Engineer staff. Provide feedback, lead by example, and foster a team-focused work environment

• Perform additional related duties as assigned

Our ideal candidate has some or all the following experience, skills, and characteristics:​

• Possess a valid Stationary Engineer License at time of application (Required)

• Demonstrated experience working with: Boilers, chillers, pumps, cooling towers, heat exchangers, and associated hydronic equipment

• Building Automation Systems (BAS) including Metasys, BACnet, or LON systems

• Electrical components including VFDs, sensors, control valves, and damper actuators

• Five (5) or more years of boiler operation, maintenance, and repair experience

• Three (3) or more years of chiller operation, maintenance, and repair experience

• Skilled in pump and valve rebuilds, motor alignment, and mechanical troubleshooting

• Experience using diagnostic tools such as multimeters, vibration analyzers, thermal imaging, and flow meters.

• Proven ability to read and interpret P&ID drawings, blueprints, system maps, and schematics

• Prior supervisory or team lead experience is strongly preferred

• Strong knowledge of mechanical engineering principles, codes, and practices related to hydronic heating and cooling systems

• Able to work in fast-paced environments, adapt to shifting priorities, and lead during emergencies

• Team-oriented with a reliable work ethic, strong communication skills, and a commitment to customer service

• Comfortable working in confined spaces or at heights on elevated platforms

• Technically competent and solutions-driven, with the ability to identify root causes of system malfunctions and implement effective repairs

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Graduation from high school or the possession of a GED, HiSET or TASC Certificate

• Experience: Five (5) years of experience in Stationary Engineering

• Education/Experience Equivalency: A combination of appropriate education and experience may be substituted for the minimum education and experience requirements

• Licensures/Certification(s): 

  • This job requires driving. Requires a valid Driver's license at the time of application

  • Requires EPA Section 608 Technician Certification (CFC) at time of application

    • Required for handling refrigerants

  • Requires City and County of Denver Stationary Engineer License at the time of application.  (If relocating from out of state, an equivalent license will be accepted; however, the applicant must obtain a Stationary Engineer License before the end of the six-month probationary period.)

    • Demonstrates knowledge of boiler operation, maintenance, and safety.

• Licenses and certifications must be kept current as a condition of employment

Physical Requirements:

This position requires the ability to perform physically demanding tasks in a complex industrial environment. Candidates must be able to: Lift, carry, push, or pull equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds routinely, and occasionally heavier items with assistance or appropriate lifting equipment. Climb ladders and stairs, and work at heights or on elevated platforms. Work in confined spaces, including entry into boiler hatches and tight mechanical areas, in compliance with safety protocols and confined space entry procedures. Perform tasks that involve bending, kneeling, crawling, reaching overhead, and prolonged standing or walking. Safely operate and maneuver heavy tools and equipment used in the repair and rebuilding of pumps, motors, valves, and other critical mechanical systems. Tolerate exposure to noise, vibration, varying temperatures, and environments with dust, moisture, or chemical substances (with appropriate PPE provided). Maintain alertness and situational awareness in an active airport facility, including areas with restricted access and moving equipment or vehicles.

Application Deadline

Please submit your application as soon as possible and no later than August 29th, 2025, at 11:59pm to ensure consideration. If the position is not filled by then, we will continue to accept applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled, so please apply as soon as possible.

FBI Background Check: FBI criminal background check is required for all positions at Denver International Airport (DEN). Employees are also required to report any felony convictions and/or moving violations to maintain this clearance and be eligible for continued employment. By position, a pre-employment physical/drug test may be required.
 

Snow / Emergency Duties: Denver International Airport is a 24/7/365 team operation. If weather conditions warrant or an emergency crisis occurs, all DEN employees can be required to work extended hours and/or shifts.

About Everything Else

Job Profile

CJ3544 Airport Stationary Engineer Lead

To view the full job profile including position specifications, physical demands, and probationary period, click here.

Position Type

Unlimited

Position Salary Range

$36.45 - $56.50

Target Pay

$45-53/hour base pay, based on experience and education

Agency

Denver International Airport

Redeployment during Citywide Emergencies

City and County of Denver employees may be re-deployed to work in other capacities in their own agencies or in other city agencies to support core functions of the city during a citywide emergency declared by the Mayor.

The City and County of Denver provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law. 

It is your right to access oral or written language assistance, sign language interpretation, real-time captioning via CART, or disability-related accommodations. To request any of these services at no cost to you, please contact Jobs@Denvergov.org with three business days’ notice.

Applicants for employment with the City and County of Denver must have valid work authorization that does not require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S.

For information about right to work, click here for English or here for Spanish.