Job Title: Boiler Valve Technician

Job Summary:

The Senior Boiler Valve Technician is responsible for the advanced maintenance, repair, and optimization of boiler valve systems in industrial, commercial, and power generation applications. This leadership role involves overseeing the performance of valve systems, providing technical expertise to resolve complex issues, and ensuring the safe and efficient operation of boiler systems. The Senior Technician will lead the valve maintenance team, mentor junior technicians, and ensure all valve-related tasks comply with industry safety standards and operational requirements. Additionally, the role involves troubleshooting critical valve issues, recommending improvements, and coordinating major valve repair and replacement projects.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Valve System Maintenance and Optimization:

   • Lead the maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of complex valve systems used in steam boilers, heating systems, and industrial applications.
   • Oversee the maintenance of all valve components, ensuring the safety, reliability, and operational efficiency of the boiler systems.
   • Perform advanced diagnostics and identify complex valve-related issues in high-pressure and high-temperature systems.
   • Develop and implement strategies for valve system optimization to increase operational efficiency and minimize downtime.

2. Team Leadership and Mentorship:

   • Lead a team of boiler valve technicians, providing technical guidance, supervision, and mentoring to junior and mid-level technicians.
   • Provide training on advanced troubleshooting, valve maintenance practices, and safety protocols to ensure the team is highly skilled and capable.
   • Lead and assist in troubleshooting and resolving difficult or unusual issues, helping the team meet project deadlines and operational requirements.

3. Valve Installations and Upgrades:

   • Oversee the installation of new boiler valve systems and the retrofitting of existing systems, ensuring that all work meets the design specifications and complies with safety and regulatory standards.
   • Supervise the upgrade and replacement of outdated or inefficient valves, ensuring that new installations are optimized for safety, efficiency, and compliance.
   • Coordinate with engineers and project managers to ensure proper integration of valve systems into larger boiler systems.

4. Advanced Troubleshooting and Repair:

   • Lead the diagnosis and repair of complex valve issues, such as valve seat failures, leaks, and pressure imbalances, in critical boiler systems.
   • Use advanced diagnostic tools and techniques (e.g., ultrasonic testing, pressure and leak tests) to identify root causes of issues and ensure accurate, timely repairs.
   • Oversee the replacement of critical valve components, ensuring that parts meet industry specifications and safety standards.

5. Preventive and Predictive Maintenance:

   • Develop and implement a preventive maintenance program for boiler valve systems, ensuring that regular checks, maintenance, and testing are carried out to prevent unexpected failures.
   • Utilize predictive maintenance techniques, including vibration analysis, thermal imaging, and other diagnostic tools, to predict valve failures before they occur.
   • Review operational data and make recommendations to improve valve performance and extend system lifespan.

6. Safety and Compliance:

   • Ensure that all valve maintenance, repairs, and installations comply with relevant safety codes, regulations, and industry standards (e.g., ASME, API, OSHA).
   • Conduct regular safety audits and risk assessments to identify potential hazards and implement safety protocols for the team.
   • Lead the implementation of safety procedures during valve maintenance work, ensuring a safe work environment for the team and others around the project.

7. Documentation and Reporting:

   • Oversee the documentation of valve maintenance, repairs, inspections, and replacements, ensuring records are accurate and up to date.
   • Prepare detailed reports on valve performance, system optimizations, maintenance activities, and any incidents or challenges encountered.
   • Maintain records of spare parts and materials used for valve maintenance to track usage and ensure cost-effective inventory management.

8. Project Management and Coordination:

   • Manage the scheduling and execution of large-scale valve maintenance and replacement projects, ensuring that deadlines, budgets, and safety requirements are met.
   • Coordinate with cross-functional teams (e.g., engineers, contractors, procurement) to ensure that valve-related work is completed efficiently and in accordance with project timelines.
   • Act as the main point of contact for valve system-related queries, providing technical expertise and guidance during projects and operations.

9. Continuous Improvement and Innovation:

   • Stay current with the latest valve technologies, industry best practices, and regulatory changes, implementing improvements and innovations to enhance system performance.
   • Identify opportunities to improve valve maintenance processes and introduce new tools, techniques, or materials to increase reliability and efficiency.
   • Lead the development of new methods and tools for valve testing, diagnostics, and repair, ensuring that the team operates using the most advanced and effective techniques.

Skills and Knowledge Required:

• Extensive knowledge of boiler valve systems, including safety valves, control valves, pressure relief valves, and associated components.
• Advanced troubleshooting and repair skills for complex valve issues in high-pressure and high-temperature systems.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems, fluid dynamics, and control systems in the context of boiler systems.
• In-depth knowledge of relevant safety regulations, codes, and standards (e.g., ASME, API, OSHA) for valve operation and maintenance.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to mentor and guide a team of technicians.
• Familiarity with diagnostic tools and techniques, including pressure gauges, ultrasonic testing, leak detection, and thermal imaging.
• Excellent communication skills for reporting issues, presenting solutions, and collaborating with engineers and other stakeholders.
• Ability to develop and manage preventive maintenance programs, predictive maintenance techniques, and performance monitoring.

Educational Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent (minimum requirement), with advanced technical certifications or a diploma in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Additional certifications in boiler systems, valve maintenance, industrial maintenance, or safety protocols are beneficial.
• Any relevant technical training in boiler systems or mechanical maintenance is a plus.

Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in the maintenance, repair, and installation of boiler valve systems in industrial or commercial settings.
• Proven experience leading teams, overseeing maintenance projects, and troubleshooting complex valve issues.
• Hands-on experience with valve testing, calibration, and performance optimization in high-pressure systems.

Tools and Technologies:

• Proficiency with hand and power tools used for valve installation, maintenance, and repair.
• Advanced diagnostic tools, including pressure testing equipment, leak detectors, and ultrasonic testing devices.
• Familiarity with computer-based maintenance management software (CMMS) for scheduling, documentation, and reporting.

Other Requirements:

• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently and make decisions under pressure, while ensuring safety and compliance.
• Willingness to travel to job sites or plant locations for valve system installations, inspections, and maintenance.
• Ability to work in challenging environments, including working with high-pressure systems, in confined spaces, and in potentially hazardous conditions.