Power Plant Operator – Mechanical Maintenance Technician chez NAES Corporation

The North Tonawanda Cogeneration facility, located in North Tonawanda, New York, is a 55-megawatt combined-cycle cogeneration plant. At its core, it features one GE Frame 6 gas turbine generator, one HRSG (Heat Recovery Steam Generator), and one GE steam turbine generator, all supported by a diverse array of essential auxiliary equipment. This facility not only ensures efficient and reliable power generation but also serves as a vital source of electricity for the surrounding area, contributing to the region's energy needs.

Opportunity Summary

The Power Plant Operator (OMT) - Mechanical Maintenance Technician at the North Tonawanda Cogeneration Facility maintains, repairs, and troubleshoots mechanical equipment such as pumps, valves, fans, compressors, and turbine components, while supporting plant upgrades and metal fabrication projects. The role includes monitoring auxiliary systems, conducting water and gas chemistry analyses, performing startup, shutdown, and load-change operations, and reporting plant conditions to ensure safe and reliable operations. The technician also participates in preventive maintenance programs, manages spare parts inventory, and adheres to all safety and environmental standards.

Your scope of responsibility as OMT - Mechanical Maintenance Technician includes the following primary functions:

• Troubleshoot and diagnose problems with mechanical equipment and implement effective resolutions to restore safe and reliable operation.
• Repair, replace, dismantle, and inspect defective plant equipment such as pumps, valves, fans, gearboxes, demineralizers, compressors, and turbine components in accordance with maintenance requirements.
• Perform piping and conduit installations in the plant for system upgrades and modifications, ensuring compliance with plant standards.
• Set up and operate a drill press, milling machine, pipe-threading machine, grinder, and other tools to fabricate or repair parts and equipment as needed.
• Operate welding and cutting equipment and complete assigned metal fabrication projects in support of plant maintenance.
• Operate and maintain combined-cycle power generating facility equipment with minimal guidance, coordinating with plant management as required.
• Read meters, gauges, and automatic devices to record data such as equipment temperature, vibration, hours of operation, pressure, fluid levels, and water chemistry, and verify proper operating conditions.
• Maintain equipment by tightening fittings, replacing valve packing, gaskets, valves, and gauges, and by cleaning, replacing, oiling, and lubricating component parts and equipment as needed.
• Participate in the plant's preventive maintenance program by performing routine maintenance tasks, using the CMMS, and collecting trending information for the Operations or Maintenance Manager.
• Assist in maintaining and controlling spare parts inventory to support plant reliability, including participation in physical inventories.
• Adhere strictly to all safety and environmental rules and regulations, consistently following established procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient plant operation.

The OMT-Mechanical Maintenance Technician must also qualify to perform a variety of Operations duties to support the operation of the plant based on skills and qualifications to include:

• Perform routine equipment rounds and inspections in compliance with established operating procedures to verify proper functioning and identify potential issues.
• Control auxiliary systems and supporting equipment such as boilers, air compressors, circulating water systems, boiler feedwater treatment and condensate systems, wastewater systems, generator cooling systems, and locally controlled electrical and mechanical equipment to maintain stable plant operations.
• Conduct routine water and gas chemistry analyses, inspect and monitor operating components, and report plant status to ensure system reliability and regulatory compliance.
• Conduct all startup, shutdown, and load-change operations of the plant following established procedures and safety guidelines.
• Report upset conditions or other anomalies in plant status to the Plant Manager for corrective action and documentation.

NAES Safe

Safety is a core value at NAES, and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to remain mentally alert and work safely at all times. Employees must also adhere to all safety warnings and posted signs while on company property. Additionally, they are required to follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Adherence to these safety responsibilities is one of the key factors in the evaluation of each employee’s performance.

Working Relationships

The OMT / Mechanical Maintenance Technician reports directly to the Maintenance Manager and receives general direction from other plant management. This role involves interfacing with contractors and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) personnel to ensure necessary support and coordination.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical requirements include standing for extended periods of time, climbing stairs and ladders, working from elevated platforms and walkways at varying heights, and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds.

Power plant environment that may involve entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas, and handling hazardous materials, with exposure to fumes, extreme temperatures, and noise. Work may include high heat near equipment and varying outdoor weather conditions.

Some duties may require the use of protective equipment, which can include hard hats, safety glasses, and eye protection, air masks/respirators, ear protection, chemical suits, flame-resistant clothing (FRC), hot gloves, high-voltage protective gear, and fall protection. Fit testing for respirators may be required. Strict smoking restrictions apply in and around the facility.

Fitness for Duty

All personnel will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program, which includes a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening.

Work Schedule

The OMT / Mechanical Maintenance Technician works a standard Monday to Friday day shift schedule, ensuring consistent plant operation and support during regular business hours. This position will also occasionally necessitate extended working hours and flexible shifts as needed, including weekends and holidays, in response to schedules, workload demands, and plant conditions. Periodic callouts or “On call” status may also be required.

Compensation

This position offers a base pay rate ranging from $33 to $45 per hour, along with an annual performance bonus.

Core Qualifications and Skills

We are looking for a skilled Technician with experience in power generation operations and maintenance, coupled with a proven ability to contribute effectively to team success and consistently meet performance standards.

• An Associate degree in Power Plant Technology, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering Technology, Process Technology, or a related field is a plus. Equivalent technical training or relevant industry/military experience may also be considered.
• Experience in power-generating facility maintenance, preferably as a power plant mechanic, millwright, or in a similar role.
• Solid understanding of power plant operations, including preventive and predictive maintenance programs, with the ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair mechanical systems and balance-of-plant equipment such as pumps, valves, compressors, turbines, and other key components.
• Committed to following safety protocols and industry regulations to support quality and reliable operation during maintenance and repairs.
• Skilled in assembling, disassembling, adjusting, and aligning electrical and mechanical equipment, and experienced with tools such as drill presses, milling machines, welding equipment, and rigging tools.
• Able to read and interpret meters, gauges, and instrumentation to monitor operational conditions including temperature, vibration, pressure, fluid levels, and water chemistry, and to collect and analyze related data.
• Works effectively in a team environment, collaborating on maintenance tasks and coordinating with contractors or other technicians to maintain quality and safety standards.
• Strong oral and written communication skills for clear coordination with team members and management, and accurate reporting of maintenance activities.
• Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.

About NAES

NAES Corporation is a leading provider of operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities. We have built a reputation as a reliable partner for clients in North America and internationally, offering services across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. Our growing family of companies allows us to address the entire life cycle of power generation and other industrial plants.

NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We prioritize selecting employees based on merit and competence, seeking individuals of the highest quality, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other form of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state, and federal law.