Control Room Operator (CRO)

Control Room Operator

The APEX Power Co. Project in Hubbard, TX, currently under Phase 1 construction, is expected to expand to 1.6 GW. It features a diverse mix of generation technologies, including Siemens SGT-800/400 simple cycle turbines, MAN/Everllence 18V51/60G gas reciprocating engines, GE LM6000/LM2500 simple cycle turbines, Pratt & Whitney FT8 simple cycle turbines, and a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), enabling flexible, reliable power output. Future expansion may include additional GE aero and large frame units (6B, 7FA/7FB/7H) in simple or combined cycle configurations, allowing the plant to efficiently meet varying energy demands while supporting data center grid reliability.

The Control Room Operator (CRO) at the APEX Power Co Project is responsible for safely starting up, operating, and shutting down all plant equipment while continuously monitoring turbines, engines, auxiliary systems, and energy storage devices (BESS). The CRO promptly addresses alarms and abnormal conditions, taking corrective actions and prioritizing critical alarms to ensure safe and reliable operations. This role also adjusts plant operations to optimize performance and fuel efficiency, coordinates generation output to meet grid requirements, and maintains accurate operational records while following all safety, environmental, and operational procedures.

As Control Room Operator, your responsibilities specific to the Pre-Commissioning Phase include the following functions:

• Participate in training and familiarize yourself with plant systems, SCADA/DCS controls, operating manuals, and safety and environmental procedures.
• Verify equipment readiness, alarms, interlocks, and control systems, supporting cold and hot commissioning tests while assisting commissioning engineers and technical teams with functional testing, system startups, and troubleshooting.
• Accurately document pre-commissioning test results, observations, and equipment status to support regulatory compliance, future operations, and operational readiness.
• Coordinate with contractors, vendors, and engineering teams to ensure all pre-commissioning activities are conducted safely, efficiently, and in compliance with plant procedures and regulations.

Your scope of responsibility as Control Room Operator will include the following primary functions:

• Follow all safety, operational, and environmental procedures, participate in NAES compliance programs, and ensure accurate regulatory reporting and documentation in accordance with company and legal requirements.
• Maintain secure access to SCADA/DCS and other control systems, protecting operational data, safeguarding controls, and promptly reporting any cybersecurity or system integrity concerns.
• Safely start, operate, and shut down all plant equipment, including turbines, engines, auxiliary systems, and energy storage devices (BESS), managing charge/discharge cycles, state-of-charge, and adherence to safety and manufacturer guidelines, according to approved operational procedures.
• Continuously monitor plant systems and equipment, respond immediately to alarms or irregular conditions, and prioritize critical alarms to maintain safe and reliable operations.
• Adjust plant operations to optimize fuel efficiency, reduce operational costs, and maintain overall reliability.
• Respond to emergency and abnormal plant conditions by following established procedures, coordinating with safety and technical personnel to mitigate risks and restore operations.
• Coordinate generation output to support grid stability, data center reliability, and variable load requirements, maintaining clear communication with grid operators and dispatch centers.
• Maintain accurate daily logs and operational records, documenting electrical output, steam output, emissions, fuel and water usage, and other performance metrics.
• Conduct thorough shift handovers, communicating plant status, operational issues, and ongoing actions to incoming personnel while collaborating effectively with maintenance and engineering teams.
• Assist in diagnosing and resolving equipment failures or process anomalies, participating in troubleshooting, corrective actions, preventive maintenance activities, and planned outage coordination, including Lockout/Tagout procedures.
• Monitor operational trends, analyze performance data, and recommend improvements to enhance efficiency, reliability, and overall plant performance.
• Support operator development and cross-training initiatives, mentoring team members to strengthen skills and knowledge.

Execute additional assigned tasks as needed, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable plant operation in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Safety is a core value at NAES, and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to remain mentally alert and work safely at all times. Employees must also adhere to all safety warnings and posted signs while on company property. Additionally, they are required to follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Adherence to these safety responsibilities is one of the key factors in the evaluation of each employee's performance.

The CRO reports to the Operations Manager and responds to directions from the Maintenance Manager, and Plant Manager. The CRO gives direction to other personnel as it pertains to the safe, efficient, and reliable operations of the facility.

Physical requirements include standing for extended periods of time, climbing stairs and ladders, working from elevated platforms and walkways at varying heights, and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds.

Power plant environment that may involve entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas, and handling hazardous materials, with exposure to fumes, extreme temperatures, and noise. Work may include high heat near equipment and varying outdoor weather conditions.

Some duties may require the use of protective equipment, which can include hard hats, safety glasses, and eye protection, air masks/respirators, ear protection, chemical suits, flame-resistant clothing (FRC), hot gloves, high-voltage protective gear, and fall protection. Fit testing for respirators may be required. Strict smoking restrictions apply in and around the facility.

All personnel will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program, which includes a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening.

The CRO follows DuPont's rotating 12-hour shift schedule, providing 24/7 coverage through a structured rotation of day and night shifts to ensure consistent and reliable plant operation. This position will also occasionally necessitate extended working hours and flexible shifts as needed, including weekends and holidays, in response to schedules, workload demands, and plant conditions. Periodic callouts or "On call" status may also be required.

This position offers a base pay rate ranging from $54.25 to $63.91 per hour, along with eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

We are seeking a skilled Operator with a foundation in power generation operations, along with a proven ability to support team success and consistently meet performance standards.

• An Associate degree in Power Plant Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Process Technology, or a related field is preferred. Alternatively, equivalent technical training in industrial maintenance or instrumentation and control is beneficial, though not required. Relevant industry or military experience may be considered.
• Extensive experience in power plant operations, with a strong focus on control room management, system monitoring, and use of SCADA/DCS across a variety of gas turbine technologies and plant configurations.
• Strong understanding of plant equipment, systems, and operational procedures, including turbine generators, combustion turbines, HRSGs, and auxiliary systems, with proven ability to monitor performance, respond to alarms, and optimize operational efficiency and fuel usage.
• Theoretical and practical knowledge of combustion and steam turbine operations, closed system steam generation, industrial safety, hazardous waste management, and the inspection and recording of plant parameters.
• Experience in water chemistry control, analysis of water conditions, water treatment facility operations, and chemical handling requirements.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience, including the ability to direct and develop team members effectively.
• Proven track record of adhering to safety and environmental regulations, with the ability to enforce compliance among team members.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey information to management and team members.
• Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver's license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.

NAES Corporation is a leading provider of operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities. We have built a reputation as a reliable partner for clients in North America and internationally, offering services across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. Our growing family of companies allows us to address the entire life cycle of power generation and other industrial plants.

NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We prioritize selecting employees based on merit and competence, seeking individuals of the highest quality, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other form of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state, and federal law.