What are the responsibilities and job description for the Equipment Condition Specialist position at Colorado Springs Utilities?
Equipment Condition Specialist
****Nixon Power Plant is located at 6598 Ray Nixon Road, Hwy I-25 exit 125.
We are seeking to hire an Equipment Condition Specialist to support condition monitoring and predictive maintenance efforts across our critical rotating and stationary assets. Selection will be based on the qualifications, experience, and certification level of the successful candidate, with a strong emphasis on vibration analysis, equipment diagnostics, and driving reliability improvements.
As an Equipment Condition Specialist, you will join a highly skilled team focused on ensuring the reliability, performance, and safety of critical rotating equipment across power generation and water treatment facilities. In this role, you will play a key part in predictive and preventive maintenance efforts by collecting and analyzing condition-monitoring data, including vibration analysis, oil analysis, thermography, and non-destructive testing. You will diagnose equipment faults, support root cause failure analysis, and collaborate closely with maintenance and engineering teams to improve asset reliability and reduce downtime. Additionally, you will contribute to the development of reliability strategies, validate repairs, and support the acceptance testing of new or refurbished equipment, all while working in a safety-driven environment that promotes continuous learning and professional growth.
Key Areas of Focus:
- Collect predictive maintenance (PdM) data, with a primary focus on vibration analysis, supported by oil sampling, infrared (IR) thermography, and airborne ultrasound
- Analyze collected condition monitoring data to assess equipment health and identify potential failures.
- Develop and deliver clear, concise condition reports with actionable recommendations.
- Perform non-destructive testing (NDT) using ultrasound, magnetic particle, dye penetrant, and radiographic methods and prepare detailed reports.
- Collaborate with maintenance and engineering teams to support troubleshooting and repair planning
- Support root cause failure analysis (RCFA) efforts and recommend actions to improve equipment reliability
- Document inspection and test results accurately, ensuring traceable records for audits and reliability analysis
- Validate repairs through post-maintenance testing to ensure equipment reliability is restored
- Perform testing and acceptance inspections on new or refurbished equipment
- Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of reliability strategies, standards, and programs
- Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards and safety regulations during all inspections and testing activities
Who You Are... the ideal candidate would have demonstrated hands-on experience in predictive maintenance and/or the repair of systems and equipment, including pumps, fans, mechanical drive units, and electrical systems.
Certifications needed to be successful in this role are:
• Vibration Analysis Certification ISO Category I
• Lube Oil Analysis Certification MLA I
• Airborne Ultrasound Level I
• Infrared Thermography Level I
Additional preferred certifications are:
• Level II Vibration Analyst certification
• Level I NDT certifications in UT, MT, PT, VT
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly (2/3 or more of the time) to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary work. Even though the weight lifted may be of only negligible amount, a job should be rated Light Work: (1) when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or (2) when it requires sitting most of the time but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls; and/or (3) when the job requires a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those is negligible.
- Positions in this class typically require climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, workspace restrictions and intense noises.
Our Commitment to Our Employees…
Our people are the heart and soul of Colorado Springs Utilities. They keep the lights on, gas flowing, water coming in, and wastewater leaving. We don't just say people are important – we prove it! That’s why we are honored to invest in protecting the health and financial security of our employees and their families through our rich benefits program.
Time Off to Recharge
- Vacation – Start with 13 days annually, increasing to 24 days with tenure
- Personal Leave –3 days per year
- Paid Holidays –12 paid holidays per year
- Sick Leave – 12 days per year for personal or family health needs
- Vacation Buy – Option to purchase up to 40 additional hours annually
Health & Wellness – Benefits elected are effective the first of the following month
- Medical Plans: Three comprehensive options, including a $0 premium High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with Health Savings Account (HSA) eligibility
- Zero Health: Access to hundreds of medical services at no cost
- Dental & Vision: Two dental plans and one vision plan
- Family Building-Benefits: Support for fertility, preservation, adoption, and surrogacy
- Wellness Program: A voluntary program that rewards you for prioritizing self-care! If you're enrolled in a our medical plan, you and your spouse can earn up to $600 in HRA or HSA contributions by completing healthy activities
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre-tax contributions for healthcare and dependent care expenses
- Health Savings Account (HSA): Available with HDHP
Financial & Retirement Security
- Pension Plan: Colorado PERA provides retirement benefits and peace of mind
- Supplemental Retirement Plans: PERAPlus 401(k), MissionSquare Roth IRA, and 457 plans
- Disability Coverage: Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance available
- Life Insurance: Employer-paid coverage with optional supplemental plans
Additional Support
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for mental health, stress, legal, financial, and work-life balance
- Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,250 annually to support continued education
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness: As a qualifying employer, your student loan payments may be eligible for loan forgiveness