NAES logo

Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Technician

NAES
Full-time
On-site
Rensselaer, New York, United States
$35 - $42 USD hourly

The Empire Generating Facility is a combined-cycle power plant that utilizes two General Electric (GE) Frame 7FA.03 gas turbines and a General Electric D11 extraction-point steam turbine in a 2x1 configuration. This setup provides a total capacity of 635 megawatts. By integrating gas and steam turbines, the plant maximizes efficiency, ensuring a reliable and substantial power output.

Opportunity Summary

The Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Technician at the Empire Generating Facility supports the safe and reliable operation of a 635-MW combined-cycle power plant, assisting with the startup, shutdown, and routine operation of GE 7FA.03 combustion turbines, HRSGs, a GE D11 steam turbine, and balance-of-plant systems. Working under the direction of the Lead O&M Technician, the role monitors equipment, performs inspections and minor repairs, supports maintenance activities, and responds to abnormal conditions in accordance with established procedures and safety requirements. The position maintains accurate operating logs and CMMS documentation to support plant availability, compliance, and long-term equipment reliability.

Your scope of responsibility as O&M Technician will include the following primary functions:

  • Execute assigned duties and work orders under the direction of the Lead O&M Technician in support of safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations.
  • Assist with startup, shutdown, and normal operation of combined-cycle power plant systems, including GE 7FA.03 combustion turbines, HRSGs, the GE D11 extraction-point steam turbine, balance-of-plant equipment, and Reverse Osmosis (RO) water treatment systems.
  • Operate and monitor auxiliary systems and equipment such as air compressors, demineralized water systems, generator cooling systems, steam turbine auxiliaries, condensers, circulating water systems, and locally controlled electrical and mechanical equipment.
  • Monitor, record, and trend operating parameters including temperature, pressure, vibration, fluid levels, and operating hours using plant instrumentation and control systems to verify proper operating conditions.
  • Perform routine inspections, operating tests, and minor repairs or adjustments to identify abnormal conditions, maintain equipment integrity, and prevent unplanned outages.
  • Identify, report, and respond to abnormal or irregular operating conditions in accordance with established operating procedures and safety requirements.
  • Support planned and unplanned maintenance activities, including troubleshooting, equipment isolation and restoration, calibration checks, and assistance with mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation repairs.
  • Utilize the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to initiate work requests, document maintenance activities, and track corrective actions and materials usage.
  • Maintain accurate operating logs and maintenance documentation, clearly communicating unit status, equipment condition, and work performed.
  • Fulfill other tasks as assigned by the Operations & Maintenance Manager and Plant Manager, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of plant operations.

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 O&M Technician reports to the Operations and Maintenance Manager and takes general direction from other plant management. Additionally, this position will coordinate with all other plant personnel to ensure safe and reliable plant operations.

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 O&M Technician works a rotating 12-hour shift schedule, alternating between days and nights to support continuous 24/7 operations and ensure seamless shift transitions.

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 $35 to $42 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.

  • Ability to understand and follow written and verbal operating procedures, instructions, and safety requirements. A high school diploma or equivalent is required; an Associate degree in power plant technology, a related technical field, or engineering is preferred. Relevant industry or military experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
  • Experience in an operations or maintenance support role within a power generation, industrial, or process facility, with exposure to combined-cycle systems including gas turbines, steam turbines, HRSGs, and balance-of-plant equipment.
  • Working knowledge of power plant operations and systems, including assisting with startup, shutdown, routine operations, equipment monitoring, identification of abnormal conditions, and support of troubleshooting activities.
  • Hands-on experience performing routine inspections, minor repairs, adjustments, and maintenance support on mechanical and electrical equipment such as pumps, valves, compressors, motors, auxiliary systems, and associated instrumentation.
  • Ability to read and interpret operating procedures, piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), electrical schematics, and equipment manuals, and to accurately document operational and maintenance activities using plant logs and CMMS systems.
  • Knowledge of industrial safety and environmental requirements, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), OSHA regulations, confined space entry, and standards applicable to a combined-cycle power plant.
  • Ability to work effectively under the direction of the Lead O&M Technician and in coordination with plant personnel and contractors during routine operations, maintenance activities, and outage work.
  • Demonstrated problem-solving, communication, and basic technical math skills necessary to support reliable plant operation and accurate documentation.
  • 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.