Mechanical Maintenance Technician

NAES•Plainfield, CT

9h•$35 - $45•Onsite

About The Position

The Mechanical Maintenance Technician at Plainfield Renewable Energy supports the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of a biomass power facility. The technician performs preventive, corrective, and predictive maintenance on mechanical equipment, focusing on biomass systems such as fuel handling conveyors, wood-fired boilers, ash handling systems, and the steam turbine. Using a CMMS, they track work orders, analyze trends, and support maintenance planning. The role ensures mechanical systems operate safely during routine conditions and planned outages, collaborating with operations staff and overseeing contractors to maintain safety and quality.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent is required.
Extensive hands-on experience in maintenance at a biomass or similar power-generating facility, preferably as a plant mechanic, millwright, or equivalent skilled trade role.
In-depth understanding of biomass plant operations and fuel handling systems, with demonstrated ability to perform preventive, corrective, and predictive maintenance on mechanical and balance-of-plant equipment including conveyors, feeders, fans, pumps, valves, air compressors, ash handling systems, and steam turbines.
Strong commitment to safety practices and environmental regulations, ensuring compliance during all phases of maintenance and repairs, including supervision of contractors to maintain safety and quality standards.
Skilled in assembling, disassembling, aligning, and repairing mechanical and rotating equipment, with proficiency using precision measuring tools, welding equipment, machining tools, diagnostic instruments, and rigging gear.
Familiarity with biomass-specific maintenance challenges, such as fouling, corrosion, and material buildup, and ability to respond quickly to mechanical issues affecting fuel flow or steam generation.
Proficient in reading and interpreting instrumentation and process indicators such as temperature, pressure, vibration, fluid flow, and emissions data, with the ability to assess and respond to abnormal conditions.
Ability to understand and interpret assembly drawings, blueprints, and use of equipment manuals for troubleshooting and ordering of replacement parts.
Competent in documenting maintenance activities clearly and accurately, contributing to a comprehensive historical record and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
Effective collaborator and communicator, able to work with cross-functional teams during outages and daily maintenance activities.
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 or a related technical field, particularly with mechanical or maintenance training, is preferred, but not required.
Electrical experience and understanding is a plus.

Responsibilities

Participate in the plant’s preventive, routine, and predictive maintenance programs by completing scheduled work, using CMMS tools, and collecting operational data to support reliability of biomass and steam-cycle systems.
Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical issues affecting biomass-specific equipment, including fuel feed conveyors, augers, positive displacement blowers and ash handling systems.
Maintain, repair, and overhaul a range of mechanical equipment, including pumps, valves, fans, gearboxes, air compressors, and the facility’s steam turbine.
Interpret assembly drawings, blueprints, and equipment manuals to troubleshoot issues and identify, specify, and order appropriate replacement parts.
Support boiler outages and maintenance periods by inspecting high-temperature pressure parts, soot blowers, expansion joints, and associated piping for wear, fouling, and thermal fatigue.
Collaborate with operators and other maintenance personnel to ensure coordinated plant operation, equipment availability, and safety compliance.
Assist in updating and improving maintenance procedures to reflect actual conditions and manufacturer recommendations, with focus on biomass combustion and steam-generation equipment.
Coordinate and execute mechanical work during scheduled outages, minimizing downtime while maintaining alignment with scope, schedule, and safety objectives.
Operate and maintain shop equipment such as lathes, drill presses, band saws, belt sanders and welding equipment to fabricate or refurbish components as needed.
Install and modify piping, brackets, supports, and mechanical components associated with biomass fuel delivery systems and the steam cycle.
Monitor and interpret readings from gauges, transmitters, and process indicators related to pressure, temperature, vibration, fluid flow, and steam generation.
Maintain spare parts inventory for biomass and steam-cycle components and ensure maintenance records, drawings, and technical documentation are accurate and accessible.
Oversee and guide contractors during mechanical repairs, equipment replacements, and upgrades, ensuring adherence to plant safety practices and technical requirements.
Complete additional duties as assigned by the Maintenance Manager or Plant Manager.