Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Technician

NAES•Athens, NY

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Located 30 miles south of Albany, New Athens Generating stands as a formidable energy hub in the town of Athens, NY. Boasting a capacity of 1,080 megawatts, it operates three Siemens 501G combustion turbine generators fueled by natural gas combined-cycle technology, ensuring efficient and reliable power generation for the region. Nestled amidst scenic landscapes, this facility serves as a vital contributor to the area's electricity grid, meeting the demands of modern energy consumption with cutting-edge technology. Opportunity Summary The Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Technician at New Athens Generating ensures safe, reliable operation of three Siemens 501G combined-cycle turbines and supporting systems, including HRSGs, auxiliaries, and plant instrumentation. Responsibilities include inspections, preventive and corrective maintenance, troubleshooting mechanical and electrical systems, and maintaining operational records to support continuous power generation. The technician collaborates with maintenance teams, monitors operational parameters, and follows strict safety standards, contributing to the facility’s role as a critical regional energy hub. Your scope of responsibility as O&M Technician will include the following primary functions:

Requirements

Ability to understand procedures and instructions related to the assigned area, typically acquired through four years of high school.
Extensive hands-on experience in power plant operations and maintenance, including gas and steam turbines, auxiliary boilers, and combined-cycle cogeneration systems.
Proficient in startup, shutdown, and routine mechanical operations, with expertise troubleshooting and repairing mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems, including motors, pumps, boilers, and fluid systems.
Skilled in disassembling, inspecting, and reassembling plant equipment, including pumps, valves, turbine-generator components, and rotating machinery, with experience in microprocessor and electronic control systems.
Strong understanding of turbine operation principles, plant instrumentation, electrical distribution and control systems, process control monitoring, and chemistry, supporting safe and efficient plant performance.
Knowledgeable in power plant safety protocols and regulatory compliance, including LOTO, OSHA standards, chemical handling, high-energy systems, confined spaces, fire suppression, first aid, and heavy equipment operations.
Ability to read, interpret, and apply technical documentation, including blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematics, and operational manuals, while maintaining accurate maintenance and operational records.
Effective at coordinating with cross-functional teams, contractors, and vendors to support maintenance and operational objectives, ensuring work is completed safely and on schedule.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with clear technical communication and documentation abilities to convey complex operational or maintenance solutions.
Proficient in operating plant devices and tools, including valves, switches, controls, keyboards, hand tools, portable electric and pneumatic tools, rigging equipment, and analytical/test instrumentation.
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, a related technical field, or engineering is preferred.
Relevant industry or military experience may be considered in lieu of education.

Responsibilities

Perform controlled startup and shutdown of combined-cycle turbines, HRSGs, and auxiliary systems following established procedures to ensure safe and reliable operation.
Operate and continuously monitor major plant auxiliaries, including compressors, generator cooling units, demineralized water systems, and condensers, to maintain uninterrupted power generation.
Serve as the lead system representative for assigned systems, taking ownership of operational performance, maintenance requirements, and system optimization.
Conduct routine inspections, operational tests, and minor repairs on mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation equipment to prevent unscheduled downtime.
Perform cycle chemistry testing, adjust chemical inputs, monitor consumables, and maintain appropriate inventory levels to support efficient plant operations.
Execute plant switching and tagging of equipment according to approved procedures to ensure safe maintenance and operational changes.
Prepare equipment for service while strictly following safety and operational protocols to maintain a hazard-free work environment.
Maintain detailed operational logs, work orders, and records, documenting equipment performance, abnormal conditions, corrective actions, and follow-up requirements.
Investigate plant problems, incidents, and unusual events, providing analyses, recommendations, and reports to support corrective actions and operational improvements.
Collaborate with maintenance personnel during scheduled outages, inspections, or repairs to ensure efficient and timely completion of tasks.
Utilize Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) to track maintenance actions, schedule preventive tasks, and monitor equipment status.
Diagnose mechanical, electrical, and operational failures in turbines, generators, and auxiliary systems, implementing repair strategies to maintain continuous operation.
Calibrate, troubleshoot, and repair plant instrumentation, electrical circuits, and control systems, including PLCs, to ensure accurate readings and reliable automation performance.
Develop, revise, and maintain operations and maintenance procedures, support housekeeping standards, and communicate effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders, representing the company professionally.
Fulfill other tasks as assigned, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of plant operations.