Waste/UPW O&M Technician - Internship at LotusWorks in Chandler, AZ

Summary: LotusWorks is an Engineering Services provider specializing in managing various scopes of work within global manufacturing facilities. They are seeking a motivated and mechanically inclined Waste / Ultra-Pure Water (UPW) Operations & Maintenance Technician Intern to support the operation and maintenance of critical water and wastewater systems within a semiconductor or mission-critical facility. Responsibilities: - Support daily operations of UPW generation and distribution systems, including reverse osmosis (RO), electrodeionization (EDI), ion exchange, degasification, UV oxidation, and sub-micron filtration systems under supervision - Assist in operating and monitoring wastewater treatment systems, including neutralization systems, pH adjustment, chemical dosing, lift stations, equalization tanks, and biological processes (e.g., MBR/BNR where applicable) - Perform routine rounds and system readings; record key parameters such as conductivity, resistivity, TOC, pH, flow rates, pressures, and tank levels, and escalate abnormal conditions - Assist with preventive and corrective maintenance on mechanical equipment including pumps, valves, filters, membranes, mixers, blowers, and chemical delivery systems - Support water quality monitoring and sampling activities to ensure compliance with process requirements and environmental discharge permits - Assist with chemical handling and dosing operations (acids, caustics, and treatment chemicals) in accordance with site safety procedures and SDS requirements - Support system flushing, regeneration, and sanitization of UPW systems, including resin beds, RO skids, and distribution loops - Assist in troubleshooting system issues such as membrane fouling, scaling, flow restrictions, pump failures, and instrumentation inaccuracies - Learn and apply safety procedures including lockout/tagout (LOTO), hazardous chemical handling, and confined space entry - Support startup and shutdown activities for UPW and wastewater systems, ensuring controlled and compliant operation - Assist in maintaining accurate CMMS documentation (e.g., Maximo), including work orders, calibration records, and maintenance logs - Observe and support vendor activities such as membrane cleaning, media replacement, and system performance testing - Participate in Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) programs, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, compliance, and water conservation - Develop an understanding of semiconductor water quality standards, contamination risks, and the critical nature of UPW systems for manufacturing operations - Any other duties or responsibilities that may be assigned to you in your role Required Qualifications: - Exposure to semiconductor, data center, pharmaceutical, or other mission-critical environments - Enrollment in or recent completion of a technical program (mechanical, environmental, or related field) - Mechanically inclined with a strong interest in hands-on technical work - Basic understanding of mechanical systems (pumps, piping, valves, etc.) - Willingness to learn and work in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment - Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety - High school diploma or equivalent - Proof of education, licenses, and certifications will be required where applicable Preferred Qualifications: - Basic knowledge of water/wastewater treatment processes (not required) - Familiarity with CMMS systems (e.g., Maximo) is a plus Required Skills: Water/Wastewater Treatment, Mechanical Systems Knowledge Important Skills: CMMS Systems (Maximo), Technical Program Enrollment Nice-to-Have Skills: Safety Commitment, Mechanically Inclined, Willingness to Learn Benefits: Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance, Life, Short-Term, Long-Term Disability Insurance, Training and Education Assistance, 401k Retirement Plan, Extra Annual Leave with Years of Service, Maternity/Paternity Leave, Recognition Rewards