Control Room Operator (CRO)

NAES•Niles, MI

16d•$46 - $55•Onsite

About The Position

Located in Niles, Michigan, the Niles Energy Center is a modern 1.08-gigawatt gas-fired combined-cycle facility that provides reliable, efficient power to the regional grid. Powered by two high-efficiency GE 7HA.02 gas turbines and a steam turbine generator, the plant optimizes output and reduces emissions using advanced heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs) and a low-NOx auxiliary boiler. As a model of cleaner thermal generation, the facility supports grid stability and the transition to more sustainable energy. Opportunity Summary The Control Room Operator (CRO) plays a critical role in ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the Niles Energy Center by overseeing plant equipment both in the field and from the control room. This position supports daily operations, training, troubleshooting, and administrative tasks while maintaining strict adherence to safety and environmental standards. Ideal for a well-rounded and adaptable operator, this role offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities to contribute across multiple operational functions. Your scope of responsibility as CRO will include the following primary functions:

Requirements

We are looking for a skilled Operator with power generation operations experience, coupled with a proven ability to contribute effectively to team success and consistently meet performance standards.
Ability to understand procedures and instructions related to the assigned area, typically gained through successful completion of high school or equivalent education.
Extensive experience in power plant operations with a focus on control room management, system monitoring, and direct operation of combined cycle large frame gas turbine power plants.
Strong knowledge of plant equipment and systems—including turbine generators, combustion turbines, HRSGs, and Balance of Plant (BOP) systems—with proficiency in startup, operation, shutdown, and electrical system alignment, switching, isolating, and paralleling.
Thorough understanding of equipment isolation, Lockout Tagout procedures, and plant safety equipment, including their location, purpose, and proper use, complemented by proven experience responding professionally and effectively to abnormal conditions, alarms, and emergencies.
Experience in water chemistry control, analysis of water conditions, water treatment facility operations, and chemical handling requirements.
Ability to perform basic plant maintenance safely and effectively using standard hand tools, with a proven track record of adhering to safety and environmental regulations and enforcing compliance among team members.
Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience, including the ability to direct and develop team members effectively.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills combined with strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational abilities to effectively convey information, coordinate across departments, promptly report abnormalities, and efficiently assess and resolve operational issues.
Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.

Nice To Haves

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 education.

Responsibilities

Perform the start-up, operation, and shutdown of major plant systems, including GE 7HA.02 combustion turbines, HRSGs, the steam turbine generator, and auxiliary equipment, both from the control room and in the field, in accordance with all safety and operational standards.
Operate and monitor combined-cycle systems, including combustion turbines, HRSGs, steam turbine systems, generators, and balance-of-plant equipment supporting air, water, fuel, chemical, hydraulic, emissions-control, and electrical systems needed for reliable, efficient generation.
Recognize and respond to abnormal operating conditions, taking corrective action and overriding automatic controls when necessary to maintain prescribed operating limits and support grid stability.
Utilize DCS, PLCs, and other control interfaces to adjust operations, optimize thermal efficiency, support emissions-control equipment (including the low-NOx auxiliary boiler), and maintain safe, reliable performance.
Support and assist with operator training, qualification programs, administrative tasks, plant walkdowns, inspections, and general housekeeping under O&M Manager direction.
Actively participate in NAES Safety, Environmental, and Regulatory Compliance Programs, reinforcing a strong safety culture and ensuring adherence to applicable requirements.
Maintain accurate operating logs and plant performance records, including electrical and steam output, emissions data, fuel and water consumption, and heat-rate indicators, and support clear shift handovers.
Conduct routine plant rounds to verify equipment condition, collect data, ensure proper combined-cycle operation, and identify emerging issues. Report abnormalities and assist with troubleshooting and documenting plant problems.
Assist in developing and maintaining plant-specific operating procedures, technical documentation, system drawings, and maintenance records aligned with the facility’s combined-cycle configuration.
Support maintenance activities during outages and normal operations, including Lockout/Tagout execution, system isolations, and preparation of work requests for corrective and preventive maintenance.
Collaborate with all plant personnel to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient facility operation, performing additional tasks as assigned by the O&M Manager. Execute assigned tasks as assigned by the O&M Manager, contributing to the operational success of the plant.