Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Technician

NAES•Niles, MI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

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. The Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Technician supports the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the Niles Energy Center by performing field-based monitoring, operations, maintenance, and safety tasks in coordination with the Control Room Operator. Responsibilities include assisting with equipment start-up, shutdown, troubleshooting, and routine operation outside the control room, while ensuring compliance with environmental and safety protocols. Ideal for a versatile, hands-on technician, this role offers a dynamic environment with opportunities to contribute across plant operations and maintenance.

Requirements

Ability to understand procedures and instructions specific to the area of assignment as would be acquired in four years of high school, with a preference for an Associate degree in power plant technology or a similar technology or engineering degree; experience may be considered in lieu of education.
Proven experience in technician roles within power generation, with hands-on operation and maintenance of combustion turbines, auxiliary systems, combined cycle gas turbines, and start-up, operation, and shutdown of boilers, turbines, and balance-of-plant systems outside the control room.
Proficient with basic hand tools and routine plant maintenance tasks, with the ability to diagnose and repair mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems. This includes hands-on experience disassembling and reassembling critical components such as pumps, valves, and turbine-generators.
Skilled in interpreting microprocessor-based control systems, Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS), and complex technical documentation—including blueprints, electrical schematics, and piping & instrumentation diagrams—while maintaining accurate records to ensure regulatory compliance and drive performance improvements.
Thorough understanding of safety protocols, including Lock-Out-Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures, OSHA standards, and environmental compliance requirements.
Proven leadership and teamwork, coordinating cross-functional teams, contractors, and vendors to optimize resources and meet operational goals.
Excellent communication, organizational, and administrative skills, with the ability to convey technical information clearly and collaborate effectively.
Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in power plant technology or a similar technology or engineering degree

Responsibilities

Support the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the power generation facility by performing field-based monitoring, operations, maintenance, and safety tasks in coordination with the Control Room Operator.
Receive comprehensive handover from the outgoing O&M Technician, covering special instructions and any irregular operating conditions.
Examine logs and inspect equipment following lockout/tagout protocols.
Monitor and operate boilers, gas and steam turbine generators, auxiliaries, and balance-of-plant systems from outside the control room.
Perform start-up, shutdown, and routine operating tasks in accordance with established procedures and under the guidance of the Control Room Operator.
Prepare equipment for service following operating procedures and safety protocols.
Conduct operating tests and inspections on assigned equipment to verify proper functioning and prevent downtime.
Identify, report, and address abnormal or faulty conditions within guidelines to prevent equipment damage or hazards.
Maintain accurate logs of operational activities, equipment status, and noted abnormalities.
Continuously oversee emissions control systems to ensure regulatory compliance and promptly alert the Control Room Operator if deviations occur.
Collect water samples and conduct chemical tests (e.g., pH, conductivity) per facility requirements and lab safety protocols.
Safely manage hazardous chemicals and execute transfer operations, responding to spills or leaks swiftly and in accordance with emergency response guidelines.
Control electrical breakers and switches as instructed, performing lockout, and tagging procedures to isolate equipment safely for maintenance.
Conduct scheduled reliability and operational tests on critical equipment—including lube oil pumps, turbine valves, trip systems, fire protection, and chemical safety apparatus—to verify proper function and readiness as directed.
Perform routine maintenance, minor repairs, equipment calibration, and troubleshooting on plant machinery, instrumentation, and electrical systems.
Assist maintenance teams during planned and unplanned outages to ensure safe, efficient task completion.
Assist in troubleshooting and inspecting programmable logic controllers (PLCs), plant control systems, and distributed control systems (DCS) to ensure proper automation functioning.
Oversee contractor and vendor activities onsite and provide status updates to the Control Room Operator as needed.
Ensure work areas remain tidy and organized by conducting regular housekeeping duties across the facility.
Maintain accurate documentation using Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) for work orders, including spare parts usage, reordering, and maintenance tracking.
Perform additional duties as directed by control room staff and plant management to support effective plant operations.