Startup & Vibration Technician at OBR Management – Aiken, South Carolina

With over 30 years of experience, OBR Cooling Towers has grown into a nationwide leader in cooling tower solutions, supporting critical infrastructure across refineries, power generation, healthcare, data centers, industrial facilities, and beyond. Backed by a team of 250+ employees across 10+ locations, we deliver the scale, speed, and technical expertise our customers rely on.

Our vertically integrated model includes engineering, inspections, parts supply, field services, custom fabrication, logistics, and preventative maintenance—allowing us to provide full-service solutions that maximize reliability, extend equipment life, and reduce downtime.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Startup and Vibration Technician will be responsible for executing and documenting the commissioning and startup activities for new or upgraded industrial equipment. This role ensures that all systems are installed correctly, tested thoroughly and efficiently transitioned from construction to customer operations. The ideal candidate possesses strong technical knowledge, hands-on experience and a proactive, solution-oriented mindset. The Startup and Vibration Technician will travel to OBR customer sites (data centers, refineries, power plants, steel mills, paper mills, etc.) to provide on-site startup and commissioning activities to include but not limited to data collection, troubleshooting, general cooling tower inspections and mechanical adjustments.

The successful candidate will be expected to travel up to 100% of the time.

ROLES/TASKS OF THE POSITION:

• Coordinate and perform startup activities for new or upgraded equipment, ensuring that all systems are properly integrated and calibrated.
• 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.
• Collaborate with the controls and automation team to ensure proper integration of vibration monitoring systems with control systems.
• Identify and resolve technical issues that arise during startup and commissioning phases.
• Maintain detailed commissioning documentation, including test results, punch lists, and turnover packages.
• Provide technical support to operations and maintenance teams.
• Support continuous improvement of commissioning processes and best practices.
• Configure, calibrate, and troubleshoot vibration sensors, accelerometers and other diagnostic tools integrated into the control systems.
• Perform cooling tower inspections of both internal and external components verify installation quality, conduct functional and performance testing, and ensure readiness for operation.
• Enter confined spaces and climb structures to inspect, collect data, take photographs, and develop technical reports to communicate findings to customers and internal teams.
• Ensure all company and client safety policies, procedures, standards, etc., are adhered to throughout each project.
• Submit expense reports for all company expenses.
• Perform other duties as directed by OBR Supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:

• 3+ years of relevant experience required; technical associate degree or comparable formal training is a plus.
• Strong technical knowledge and hands-on field experience analyzing, diagnosing, and mitigating electrical, control, and mechanical related issues with industrial equipment.
• Working knowledge of vibration analysis and mechanical maintenance best practices.
• Familiarity with control systems, including VFDs, PLCs and related automation tools.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills; proficiency with computer-based reporting tools.
• Good organizational skills.
• Computer literate and competent using Microsoft Word, Excel and Project.
• Self-starter with willingness to learn and contribute.
• Willingness to travel up to 100% of the time.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities or medical restrictions to perform the essential functions.

• Occasionally working in cold and hot, humid environments.
• This position requires work in field (industrial plant) environments.
• Ability to work safely at heights and climb structures. Includes wearing fall protection harness and other fall protection devices.
• Use hand tools such as hammer, wrenches, measuring tape, etc…
• Measure and collect data while on or in cooling towers.
• Lifting of up to 50 pounds, bending, climbing (stairs and structures) and stooping.
• Keyboarding/typing.
• Ability to read effectively from a computer screen and/or paper copy.
• Ability to handle a large volume of work and perform multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally.
• Ability to withstand long hours of work, up to seven days a week in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to pass pulmonary function and fit testing as required for occasional respirator usage.

PERFORMANCE METRICS:

· Safety record

· Quality of Work/Reporting

· Productivity

· Project Profitability

· Attendance

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.

As an OBR Cooling Towers team member, you will enjoy:

· Competitive Salary: A salary commensurate with experience and performance, with potential for bonuses and raises.

· Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and eligible dependents.

· Retirement Plan: A 401(k) plan with employer matching.

· Health Savings Account: OBR providers employer contributions to your HSA.

· Professional Development: Opportunities for training and workshops.

· Life Insurance: OBR provides company-paid coverage, with voluntary options available for employees and their families.

· Short Term Disability, Critical Illness, and Accidental Injury: Voluntary insurances options available.

· Per Diem, Mileage, and Gas: For those that travel and fall within OBR policy.