Lead Control Room Operator (CRO)

Lead Control Room Operator (CRO)

Oregon Clean Energy, located in Oregon, OH, is a combined cycle gas-fired generation facility with a potential output of 820 MW. The facility's configuration includes 2x1 Siemens SGT6-8000H gas turbines, a KN steam turbine, and advanced T3000 control systems, making it a beacon of innovative energy generation in the region. This advanced energy facility serves as a cornerstone of efficient power generation, supporting the local community with its cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices.

As Lead Control Room Operator, you will play a key role in supporting the safe and efficient operation of power generation systems, including combined cycle combustion turbines, HRSGs, and auxiliary equipment. You will provide advanced technical support and troubleshooting expertise while guiding daily maintenance activities and helping ensure compliance with safety and operational standards. This position also involves mentoring technicians, coordinating workflows, and assisting the Plant Manager in maintaining overall plant performance and reliability.

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

Control Room

• Lead and oversee the startup, shutdown, and routine operations of power plant systems, including combined cycle combustion turbines, heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs), and Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems, ensuring safe and reliable performance.
• Direct the operation of major auxiliary apparatus such as air compressors, demineralized water systems, generator cooling systems, steam turbines, condensers, and locally controlled electrical and mechanical equipment to support optimal facility operations.
• Coordinate and conduct operating tests, inspections, and minor repairs on plant equipment, verifying proper function and ensuring plant reliability.
• Monitor and review operational parameters such as equipment temperature, vibration, hours of operation, pressure, and fluid levels; validate data trends and direct follow-up actions when necessary.
• Lead routine visual and auditory equipment inspections, identifying potential malfunctions and ensuring timely follow-up to maintain plant reliability.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical issues or operational equipment failures, coordinating necessary repairs and supporting restoration of normal operations with minimal downtime.
• Supervise and assist in the calibration, testing, and repair of plant instrumentation and electrical systems to ensure ongoing accuracy and system reliability.
• Provide advanced troubleshooting support for programmable logic controllers (PLCs), plant control systems, and distributed control systems (DCS), including oversight of component replacement and wiring terminations.

Leadership & Oversight

• Ensure adherence to standard operating procedures and safety protocols during equipment operation and preparation for service; lead by example in maintaining a safe and compliant work environment.
• Review and maintain accurate logs and operational records, ensuring timely and complete documentation of plant activities, equipment conditions, and abnormal events.
• Evaluate and respond to abnormal or irregular conditions during operations, initiating corrective actions within established guidelines and escalating issues as necessary to prevent hazards or equipment failures.
• Provide functional direction and support to O&M Technicians during maintenance periods, ensuring maintenance work is executed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with established procedures.
• Act as a subject matter expert in the use of Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS); ensure proper data entry, review maintenance history, and validate that all maintenance activities are properly tracked and completed.
• Oversee the documentation of equipment issues and completed maintenance actions on work requests and work orders, ensuring completeness and accuracy, including tracking of spare parts usage and inventory needs.
• Prioritize and assign corrective and preventive maintenance work orders, inspecting completed work to ensure high standards and compliance with safety protocols.
• Support the Plant Manager by coordinating day-to-day plant operations, mentoring junior technicians, and performing other duties as assigned to enhance overall plant performance and team capability.
• Fulfill other tasks as assigned by the Plant Manager, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of plant operations.

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 Lead Control Room Operator reports to the Operations Manager and takes general direction from other plant management. Additionally, this position will coordinate with all other plant personnel to ensure safe and reliable plant operations.

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 regular work schedule follows a rotating 12-hour shift, alternating between days and nights to support continuous 24/7 operations. This position may occasionally require extended hours and flexible shifts, including weekends and holidays, in response to workload demands, operational schedules, and plant conditions. Periodic callouts and "on call" status may also be required.

The initial compensation available for this position will range from $53.61 to $66.00 per hour and will include an annual performance bonus.

We are looking for a results-oriented Lead Operator with experience in the operation of power generating facilities, coupled with a track record of leadership, career development, and operational success.

• 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 on a year-for-year basis.
• Must possess a valid Ohio State Stationary Steam Engineer License, or be able to obtain one within 30 days of hire, and maintain it in good standing throughout employment.
• Proven track record in technician roles within power generation, with hands-on leadership experience in operating and maintaining combustion turbines, auxiliary systems, and combined cycle gas turbine systems.
• Demonstrated expertise in journeyman-level operations and mechanical systems, including startup, shutdown, and routine operations, troubleshooting, and repairing mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems, and disassembling and reassembling plant components such as pumps, valves, and turbine-generators, as well as working with microprocessor and electronic systems.
• Theoretical and practical knowledge of gas and steam turbine operations, Continuous Emission Monitoring (CEMS) systems, electrical systems, piping and instrument schematics, process controls, and inspection/recording of plant parameters.
• Skilled in interpreting and troubleshooting complex technical documentation, including blueprints, electrical schematics, and wiring diagrams, while documenting maintenance processes to ensure regulatory compliance and continuous improvement in equipment performance and reliability.
• Thorough understanding of safety protocols, including Lock-Out-Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures, OSHA requirements, and environmental compliance standards.
• Proven ability to lead and coordinate cross-functional teams, contractors, and vendors, optimizing resources and ensuring timely project execution to support smooth plant operations and achieve maintenance objectives.
• Advanced problem-solving abilities with a strong foundation in technical writing and communication, coupled with mathematical aptitude to convey complex concepts and solutions clearly.
• Must possess a valid and unrestricted driver's license, ensuring 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.