Mechanical Maintenance Technician

NAES•McKittrick, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Mechanical Maintenance Technician supports safe, reliable, and efficient operations at the La Paloma Power Facility by maintaining turbines, rotating equipment, and balance-of-plant mechanical systems. The position performs preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance; diagnoses equipment problems; completes repairs and overhauls; supports planned and forced outages; and records maintenance work in the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS). The technician works with Operations, Maintenance, contractors, and OEM representatives to support equipment reliability and plant performance. The facility is a 1,022 MW natural gas-fired combined-cycle power plant in McKittrick, California, approximately 40 miles west of Bakersfield. Its equipment includes ABB GT24 combustion turbines, ABB HRSGs, and an ABB VAX 16 steam turbine. The position reports to the Maintenance Manager. It follows a rotating three-week schedule: Monday through Thursday the first week, Tuesday through Sunday the second week, and Tuesday through Friday the third week, after which the schedule repeats. Extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, holidays, and callout availability may be required to support plant operations and business needs. On-call status may or may not apply, depending on the position. The job is performed in a power plant environment and may involve confined spaces, narrow areas, hazardous materials, fumes, extreme temperatures, high heat, noise, and varying outdoor weather. Physical requirements include standing for extended periods, climbing stairs and ladders, working at heights, and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds. Protective equipment may be required, including hard hats, safety glasses, respirators, hearing protection, chemical suits, flame-resistant clothing, hot gloves, high-voltage protective gear, and fall protection. Respirator fit testing may be required. Strict smoking restrictions apply in and around the facility. Employees participate in the Fitness for Duty Program, including a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening. Compensation is $39.39 to $55.12 per hour, with eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Requirements

Demonstrated proficiency in mechanical troubleshooting, preventive and corrective maintenance, equipment overhauls, and component replacement.
Practical experience using precision measuring instruments, vibration monitoring equipment, alignment tools, and machine shop equipment to diagnose and repair mechanical systems.
Understanding of OSHA requirements, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), confined space procedures, and safe maintenance practices in industrial environments.
Effective communication, organizational, and teamwork skills, with the ability to coordinate maintenance activities and work independently when appropriate.
Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and keep it in good standing.
Ability to meet the physical requirements, participate in the Fitness for Duty Program, and follow facility safety requirements.

Nice To Haves

An Associate degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Plant Technology, Industrial Maintenance, or a related technical field; equivalent technical training, industry experience, or military experience may be considered.
Previous experience maintaining mechanical equipment in power generation, manufacturing, or heavy industrial facilities, particularly combined-cycle power plants.
Working knowledge of combustion turbines, steam turbines, HRSG auxiliary equipment, pumps, valves, compressors, and other rotating machinery.
Familiarity with ABB turbine equipment.
Familiarity with mechanical drawings, piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), technical manuals, equipment specifications, and maintenance procedures.
Experience with CMMS, work order documentation, and equipment maintenance records.

Responsibilities

Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on turbines, pumps, valves, compressors, fans, gearboxes, and related auxiliary systems.
Troubleshoot and diagnose mechanical failures, equipment abnormalities, and performance issues, and complete repairs to restore reliability.
Inspect, repair, and overhaul mechanical components associated with ABB GT24 combustion turbines, the ABB VAX 16 steam turbine, HRSGs, and balance-of-plant systems.
Support planned and forced outages through equipment inspections, disassembly, repairs, reassembly, and coordination of maintenance activities.
Use CMMS to document work orders, equipment condition, maintenance history, and completed repairs.
Operate machine shop tools, precision measuring instruments, and diagnostic equipment for mechanical repairs, alignment, and component replacement.
Install, modify, and maintain piping, valves, mechanical assemblies, and related components.
Monitor equipment condition using vibration, temperature, pressure, and other operating parameters to identify maintenance needs and potential failures.
Coordinate maintenance activities with Operations, Maintenance, contractors, and OEM representatives to work safely and minimize downtime.
Assist with preventive maintenance procedures, equipment reliability improvements, spare parts management, and maintenance documentation.
Oversee assigned contractor activities and verify work quality and compliance with safety requirements, maintenance procedures, and technical specifications.
Follow safety procedures, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), confined space entry, and applicable environmental requirements.
Perform additional duties as assigned by the Maintenance Manager or Plant Manager.