Operating Technician

NAES•Aquasco, MD

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Operating Technician at Chalk Point Generating Station supports the start-up, shutdown, and routine operation of auxiliary equipment at a facility with seven gas turbines and two steam turbines. The role includes operating and inspecting plant equipment, performing minor repairs and adjustments, supporting maintenance activities, following Control Room Supervisor directives, and recording operational and maintenance information in the facility’s computerized maintenance management system (CMMS), including SAP work orders. The technician monitors equipment and plant conditions, identifies and reports abnormalities, troubleshoots mechanical and electrical problems, and performs repairs or component replacements within the scope of operating instructions. The position also assists with instrumentation, motor wiring, PLCs, plant control systems, and distributed control systems. The role reports to the Control Room Supervisor and takes general direction from plant management. This position works a modified DuPont rotating 12-hour schedule with day and night shifts to provide 24/7 coverage. Extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, holidays, and possible callout availability may be required. Work takes place in a power plant environment that can involve confined spaces, elevated work areas, hazardous materials, fumes, extreme temperatures, noise, and changing outdoor weather conditions. Safety procedures and required protective equipment must be followed. Personnel participate in a Fitness for Duty Program that includes a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening.

Requirements

Experience implementing or working within a lockout/tagout (LOTO) program for hazardous energy control is required.
Proficiency with work order systems or computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) is required.
Understanding of plant mechanical and electrical systems—including motors, pumps, boilers, fluid systems, chemical handling equipment, water treatment, pollution control, and AC/DC electrical distribution and control systems—and related maintenance practices.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively, work independently, and develop practical solutions to operational and maintenance challenges.
Valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license that remains in good standing.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including standing for extended periods, climbing stairs and ladders, working at heights, and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds.
Compliance with the Fitness for Duty Program, including a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening.
Ability to follow safety procedures and use required protective equipment.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Plant Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Process Technology, or a related field; equivalent technical training in industrial maintenance or instrumentation and controls, or relevant industry or military experience, may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Previous experience in power plant operations or a similar industrial environment.
Knowledge of combustion turbine and/or steam turbine operations, electrical systems, industrial safety, regulatory compliance, hazardous waste management, and plant operating parameter monitoring and logging.
Familiarity with piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) and process control systems.

Responsibilities

Assist with the start-up, shutdown, and routine operation of power plant systems.
Operate auxiliary equipment, including air compressors, demineralized water systems, lube oil cooling systems, hydraulic systems, and locally controlled electrical and mechanical devices.
Conduct operating tests and inspections, and perform minor repairs and adjustments to maintain equipment performance.
Follow Control Room Supervisor directives to clear and prepare isolated equipment for service, including clearing, tagging, testing, and applying safety tape according to procedures.
Maintain detailed and accurate operational logs.
Monitor and report abnormal or irregular operating conditions, taking corrective action within the scope of operating instructions.
Support maintenance activities and plant system upkeep.
Use the CMMS consistently, enter data, record equipment issues and maintenance actions on SAP work orders, manage corrective and preventive work, track spare-parts usage, and initiate reorders as needed.
Read meters, gauges, and automatic devices and record equipment temperature, vibration, operating hours, pressure, and fluid levels.
Visually inspect equipment and listen for signs of malfunction or the need for repair, adjustment, or lubrication.
Diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical malfunctions, and repair, replace, dismantle, or examine defective parts as needed.
Lubricate and clean components.
Use a Fluke meter and other test equipment to calibrate and repair plant instrumentation and electrical circuits.
Safely terminate and connect 480 VAC motor wiring.
Assist with troubleshooting and inspecting PLCs, plant control systems, and DCS, including replacing control cards and wiring terminations.
Perform additional tasks as required by the O&M Manager.
Follow NAES safety rules, procedures, warnings, and posted signs, and work safely at all times.