Control Room Operator

NAES•Spring, TX

18d•$41 - $46•Onsite

About The Position

At NAES, you’ll find engaging and challenging career opportunities in the power generation, renewable energy and industrial construction industry. At every level of the company, we share a common goal: To instill confidence in our clients through our steadfast commitment to safety, integrity and quality of work. As the largest independent operator of power facilities in the industry, we’ve come to be viewed as an employer of choice. We strive to attract and retain employees by offering competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package (including retirement) and promotional opportunities. Opportunity Summary The Remote Operating Center (ROC), located within the NAES performance Center located in Houston (Woodlands), Texas—supports the remote startup, operation, and monitoring of a variety of power generation technologies and configurations at the company’s 24/7 ROC. The ROC’s scope will expand to include additional remote assets as they are added. Responsibilities include executing real-time control of various gas turbine technologies, performing startup and shutdown procedures, responding to dispatch instructions, and coordinating with on-site personnel to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations that support grid stability and energy delivery. Your scope of responsibility as an ROC Control Room Operator includes the following primary functions: Operations and Monitoring While working onsite at the Remote Operating Center (ROC), operate, start, stop, and monitor Reciprocating Engines, Wind Turbines, Photo Voltaic Units and Gas Turbines. Additional technologies may be added in the future Monitor and control Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), including managing battery state of charge, executing charge/discharge cycles, and responding rapidly to grid signals such as frequency regulation and voltage support, while ensuring thermal management and battery health remotely to optimize performance and safety Continuously adjust system parameters and respond to changing operational needs to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient plant performance Execute commands from electrical, steam, and fuel dispatchers in accordance with load demands, market signals, and operational directives Follow standardized operating procedures and decision-making frameworks to ensure consistent and dependable plant operations Operate facilities in compliance with all applicable NERC, environmental, and safety regulations Analyze system trends and alarms, apply diagnostic reasoning to identify root causes, and escalate unresolved issues according to protocol Monitor asset performance and communicate improvement opportunities to ROC leadership and site teams to support operational excellence Accurately document plant operating conditions, equipment status, alarms, and system upsets in the official Operating Log, following established procedures Communication and Coordination Dispatch and direct on-call site personnel when remote startups or operational issues require local intervention Provide clear and timely updates on plant conditions, events, and actions to ROC teammates, site personnel, and management Support process improvements, assist with documentation efforts, and perform other duties as assigned to enhance ROC and fleet performance Training and Development Advance through the ROC training program, demonstrating growing proficiency in control systems, plant technologies, and emergency procedures Successfully complete the Remote Operating Center (ROC) Control Room Operator qualification card within designated timeframe Personnel may be cross-trained or rotated through various ROC assignments as part of career development, contingency planning, or to meet operational needs. These assignments may involve monitoring system screens, validating field data, or supporting emergency response during periods of high activity or reduced staffing. Travel to remote Peaker and BESS facilities as needed for training, inspections, or operational support 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 ROC CRO reports to the Operations Manager and responds to directions from the Operations Manager, and Plant Manager. The CRO gives direction to other personnel as it pertains to the reliable remote operations of the various Peaker and BESS sites. Compensation This position offers a base pay rate ranging from $40.52 - $46.00. Physical Requirements and Working Conditions This position is primarily based onsite in a Remote Operating Center, an office environment. Work involves extended periods of sitting while performing computer- and controls-based tasks, with occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds. However, travel to power plants may periodically be required. While on-site in a power plant environment, duties may include standing for extended periods, climbing stairs and ladders, and working from elevated platforms and walkways. The role may also require entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas, and handling hazardous materials, with exposure to fumes, extreme temperatures, high heat near equipment, noise, and varying outdoor weather conditions. Some tasks necessitate the use of protective equipment such as hard hats, safety glasses, respirators, and ear protection. Strict smoking restrictions apply in and around the facility. Fitness for Duty All employees will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program. This program includes post-offer physical examination and drug screening and post-employment random drug screening. Work Schedule The ROC Control Room Operator works a rotating 12-hour shift schedule, consisting of four days on followed by four days off, alternating between day and night shifts. 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 $ to $ per hour, along with an annual performance bonus. Core Qualifications and Skills We are seeking a skilled Operator with experience in power generation operations and a proven ability to work collaboratively while consistently meeting performance standards. Ability to understand procedures and instructions related to the assigned area, typically acquired through four years of high school. An associate degree in power plant technology, a related technical field, or engineering is a plus. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of education. At least five years as a Control Room Operator or in a similar role within a power generation or industrial facility, with a strong focus on control room management and system operations. A background in the direct operation of simple cycle large-frame gas turbine power plants and familiarity with LM2500, LM5000, LM6000, Alstom, Westinghouse, and FT4/FT8 is highly desirable. Strong understanding of plant equipment, systems, and operational procedures, including turbine generators, combustion turbines, and heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs). Theoretical and practical knowledge of combustion and steam turbine operations, closed-system steam generation, industrial safety, hazardous waste management, and plant parameter inspection and recording. Experience in water chemistry control, including water analysis, water treatment facility operations, and chemical handling requirements. Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience, with the ability to guide and develop team members effectively. Proven ability to enforce safety and environmental regulations while ensuring team compliance. Excellent verbal and written communication skills to convey information effectively to management and team members. 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.

Requirements

Ability to understand procedures and instructions related to the assigned area, typically acquired through four years of high school. An associate degree in power plant technology, a related technical field, or engineering is a plus. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of education.
At least five years as a Control Room Operator or in a similar role within a power generation or industrial facility, with a strong focus on control room management and system operations.
Strong understanding of plant equipment, systems, and operational procedures, including turbine generators, combustion turbines, and heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs).
Theoretical and practical knowledge of combustion and steam turbine operations, closed-system steam generation, industrial safety, hazardous waste management, and plant parameter inspection and recording.
Experience in water chemistry control, including water analysis, water treatment facility operations, and chemical handling requirements.
Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience, with the ability to guide and develop team members effectively.
Proven ability to enforce safety and environmental regulations while ensuring team compliance.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills to convey information effectively to management and team members.
Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.

Nice To Haves

A background in the direct operation of simple cycle large-frame gas turbine power plants and familiarity with LM2500, LM5000, LM6000, Alstom, Westinghouse, and FT4/FT8 is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

While working onsite at the Remote Operating Center (ROC), operate, start, stop, and monitor Reciprocating Engines, Wind Turbines, Photo Voltaic Units and Gas Turbines. Additional technologies may be added in the future
Monitor and control Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), including managing battery state of charge, executing charge/discharge cycles, and responding rapidly to grid signals such as frequency regulation and voltage support, while ensuring thermal management and battery health remotely to optimize performance and safety
Continuously adjust system parameters and respond to changing operational needs to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient plant performance
Execute commands from electrical, steam, and fuel dispatchers in accordance with load demands, market signals, and operational directives
Follow standardized operating procedures and decision-making frameworks to ensure consistent and dependable plant operations
Operate facilities in compliance with all applicable NERC, environmental, and safety regulations
Analyze system trends and alarms, apply diagnostic reasoning to identify root causes, and escalate unresolved issues according to protocol
Monitor asset performance and communicate improvement opportunities to ROC leadership and site teams to support operational excellence
Accurately document plant operating conditions, equipment status, alarms, and system upsets in the official Operating Log, following established procedures
Dispatch and direct on-call site personnel when remote startups or operational issues require local intervention
Provide clear and timely updates on plant conditions, events, and actions to ROC teammates, site personnel, and management
Support process improvements, assist with documentation efforts, and perform other duties as assigned to enhance ROC and fleet performance
Advance through the ROC training program, demonstrating growing proficiency in control systems, plant technologies, and emergency procedures
Successfully complete the Remote Operating Center (ROC) Control Room Operator qualification card within designated timeframe
Personnel may be cross-trained or rotated through various ROC assignments as part of career development, contingency planning, or to meet operational needs. These assignments may involve monitoring system screens, validating field data, or supporting emergency response during periods of high activity or reduced staffing.
Travel to remote Peaker and BESS facilities as needed for training, inspections, or operational support