Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Technician

NAES•Kirtland, NM

2d•$40 - $55•Onsite

About The Position

Saddle Butte West is a greenfield natural gas-fired reciprocating engine power plant under development near Kirtland, New Mexico. The facility will be constructed in three phases, with commercial operation targeted for December 2026, late 2027, and mid-2028, increasing generating capacity to approximately 60 MW. Upon completion, the plant will include sixteen Jenbacher J620 and J624 engine-generator units, providing reliable, flexible generation to enhance regional grid reliability. The Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Technician supports the safe, reliable, and efficient commissioning and operation of the Saddle Butte West generating facility. This hands-on role assists with startup readiness during plant construction and transitions into operating, monitoring, troubleshooting, and maintaining Jenbacher reciprocating engine-generator units and balance-of-plant equipment to maximize safety, reliability, and plant performance.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Specialized expertise, with demonstrated advanced knowledge and hands-on experience in one of the primary technical tracks: Mechanical, Instrumentation & Controls (I&C), or High Voltage/Substation Maintenance.
Hands-on experience operating and maintaining reciprocating engine power generation equipment or other power generation or heavy industrial systems.
Proficient in equipment startup, shutdown, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and repair of mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and control systems.
Working knowledge of reciprocating engine systems, generators, auxiliary equipment, process controls, electrical systems, and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
Ability to inspect, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain engines, pumps, valves, compressors, cooling systems, and other balance-of-plant equipment.
Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematics, procedures, and equipment documentation.
Working knowledge of OSHA requirements, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), environmental regulations, and safe work practices applicable to power generation or industrial facilities.
Strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills, with the ability to work effectively with plant personnel, contractors, vendors, and commissioning teams.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify equipment issues, implement corrective actions, and support continuous improvement.
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, engineering technology, or a related technical field is preferred.
Relevant industry or military experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.

Responsibilities

Monitor construction progress and verify that equipment installations align with OEM specifications, engineering drawings, and site safety protocols.
Conduct construction quality assurance (QA) walkdowns and collaborate closely with Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractors to resolve installation discrepancies.
Participate in classroom, OEM, and hands-on training to become proficient in plant equipment, operating procedures, and site safety requirements.
Assist with equipment inspections, system walkdowns, mechanical completion activities, and pre-operational testing to prepare plant systems for commissioning.
Document inspections, testing results, and punch-list items to support system turnover and operational readiness.
Work with commissioning personnel, contractors, vendors, and plant staff to safely complete startup readiness activities and support the transition to commercial operation.
Perform startup, shutdown, operation, and monitoring of Jenbacher reciprocating engine-generator units and auxiliary systems in accordance with established operating procedures.
Monitor plant performance and operating parameters, identify abnormal conditions, and implement corrective actions within established guidelines.
Perform routine inspections, operational testing, condition monitoring, and minor repairs to maintain safe and reliable plant operation.
Prepare equipment for maintenance and follow established safety procedures, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and other safe work practices.
Perform preventive and corrective maintenance, inspections, testing, and repairs on reciprocating engines, generators, pumps, valves, compressors, cooling systems, and other mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, control, and balance-of-plant equipment.
Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and control system issues to restore equipment reliability and optimize plant performance.
Serve as a technical specialist in an assigned discipline—Instrumentation & Controls (I&C), Mechanical, or High Voltage/Substation Maintenance—performing advanced troubleshooting, testing, repair, and maintenance while cross-training across disciplines to support safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations.
Maintain accurate operating logs, equipment history, inspection, maintenance, repair, performance, and commissioning records using the plant’s Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
Collaborate with plant personnel, contractors, vendors, and commissioning teams to safely and efficiently complete operational, maintenance, and commissioning activities.
Promote a strong safety culture by complying with all plant safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements while supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
Perform other duties as assigned to support the safe, reliable, and efficient commissioning and operation of the facility.