Field Vibration Lead

About

OBR Cooling Towers, LLC is a cooling tower OEM and aftermarket services company based out of Northwood, OH. With over 30 years of experience in the cooling tower industry, we stand at the forefront of innovation and engineering excellence. Our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional solutions has solidified our reputation as industry leaders. OBR Cooling Towers designs and implements custom cooling tower solutions to help improve operating efficiency, protect equipment, and meet environmental goals.

WORK LOCATION:

Toledo, OH or Great Lakes/Northeast regions

Job Description

The ideal candidate will have expertise in diagnosing, analyzing, and mitigating vibration related issues in industrial equipment, coupled with an understanding of VFD controls systems and startup procedures. The Field Vibration Lead will travel to OBR customer sites (refineries, power plants, steel mills, paper mills, etc.) to provide on-site data collection, predictive analysis, and general cooling tower inspections. The successful candidate will enter confined spaces and climb structures to inspect, collect data, perform start-up, and take photos to develop technical reports to submit to our customers. Effective communication and computer skills are essential to communicate information effectively. The successful candidate will be expected to travel approximately 80% of the time.

Roles/Tasks Of The Position

Vibration Analysis & Diagnostics:

• Conduct detailed vibration analysis and troubleshooting on fans, motors, and gearboxes.
• Utilize vibration monitoring tools and data acquisition systems to diagnose the root cause of abnormal vibrations (e.g., imbalance, misalignment, bearing issues or structural resonance) and provide technical reports with recommendations to resolve vibration related issues.
  
  

Preventative Maintenance & Condition Monitoring

• Support the implementation of vibration-based predictive maintenance programs, leveraging condition monitoring technologies to predict and prevent equipment failures.
• Educate site personnel on vibration related issues, vibration-based predictive maintenance programs and condition monitoring technologies.
  
  

Equipment Startup & Commissioning

• Oversee and perform startup activities for new or upgraded equipment, ensuring that all systems are properly integrated and calibrated.
• Work closely with project engineers, operations teams, and vendors to facilitate smooth commissioning of equipment, ensuring that vibration and control systems are functioning within specifications.
• Perform general VFD setup and programing providing lockout of undesirable frequencies based on vibration analysis.
• Perform baseline vibration data collection during cooling tower start-ups.
• Develop and execute detailed startup procedures, including system checks, functional testing, and performance verification.
  
  

Controls Integration & Optimization

• Collaborate with the controls and automation team to ensure proper integration of vibration monitoring systems with control systems.
• Configure, calibrate, and troubleshoot vibration sensors, accelerometers and other diagnostic tools integrated into the control systems.
  
  

Technical Support & Customer Interaction

• Provide technical support to customers and internal teams regarding vibration-related issues, ensuring timely resolution and high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Deliver training and guidance to internal teams on vibration related issues, root cause analysis, monitoring techniques and resolution of vibration related issues.
  
  

Equipment Inspections

• Perform cooling tower inspections of both internal and external components.
• Develop technical reports to communicate findings and recommendations identified during on-site data collection.
  
  

Documentation & Reporting

• Develop and maintain comprehensive records of vibration data, analysis results, troubleshooting steps and maintenance activities.
• Develop safe Pre-startup and inspection plans prior to execution.
• Prepare detailed reports and documentation for clients, including vibration survey findings, recommendations for corrective actions and equipment performance status.
  
  

General

• Ensure all company and client safety policies, procedures, standards, etc., are adhered to throughout each project.
• Submit expense reports monthly for all company expenses.
• Perform other duties as directed by OBR Supervisor.
  
  

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or applied sciences preferred but not required with equivalent field work experience.
• Certification in Vibration Analysis of ISO CAT II or ISO CAT I with 3 years of hands-on experience in field vibration analysis, equipment startup and controls systems integration in an industrial setting.
• Proven experience in troubleshooting and resolving vibration issues on industrial machinery, including motors, pumps, compressors, turbines, and generators.
• Strong understanding of vibration analysis techniques, including the use of vibration data acquisition systems, spectrum analysis and accelerometers.
• Familiarity with control systems, including VFDs, PLCs, SCADA systems and related automation tools.
• Knowledge of industrial machinery and equipment startup procedures, including commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Experience with equipment condition monitoring programs or predictive maintenance tools.
• Good organizational skills and mechanical aptitude.
• Computer literate and competent using Microsoft Word, Excel, and Project.
• Self-starter with willingness to learn and contribute.
  
  

Prerequites / Requirements

• Negative 10 panel urinalysis and breath alcohol test.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship.
• Score of a 2 or less in a DISA background screen.
• Ability to obtain a TWIC card.