Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Technician

The Tejas Energy Center is a 247 MW simple-cycle gas-fired electric generating facility. It features three Simple Cycle LM6000 PC units totaling approximately 126 MW. Additionally, it has a Siemens 501 D5 gas turbine with a total capacity of 121 MW, equipped with automatic generation control (AGC), evaporative cooling, water injection for NOx control, and a selective catalytic reduction unit. Utilizing the Allen-Bradley PLC series of controllers, the plant plays a critical role in supporting peak energy demands within the Houston Zone of ERCOT. Opportunity Summary The Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Technician ensures reliable and efficient operation of the Tejas Energy Center’s simple-cycle combustion turbines and mechanical systems. Responsibilities include startup, shutdown, monitoring, and inspection of LM6000 PC and Siemens 501 D5 gas turbines, along with operation of evaporative cooling, water injection, and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems. The technician performs mechanical troubleshooting, minor repairs, and preventive maintenance while adhering to safety and environmental standards. Working with maintenance teams and using the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), the technician supports equipment reliability and plant performance within the Houston Zone of ERCOT. Your scope of responsibility as O&M Technician will include the following primary functions: Operate and monitor LM6000 and Siemens 501 D5 gas turbines and auxiliary systems, including LP Sprint, Inlet Chilling, and Ammonia Injection skids, ensuring performance within prescribed limits. Perform safe, efficient start-up and shutdown of turbine generators and balance-of-plant systems in accordance with operational protocols. Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize Allen-Bradley PLC and SCADA systems for effective control, alarm response, and equipment diagnostics. Perform walkdowns using P&IDs and F&IDs to verify system operation and resolve equipment issues. Conduct inspections, operating tests, and routine maintenance to ensure proper functioning and prevent mechanical or operational problems. Monitor and record key parameters such as temperature, vibration, pressure, and fluid levels to verify optimal equipment performance. Inspect and listen to equipment regularly to detect abnormal sounds, leaks, or vibration, taking corrective action to maintain integrity. Diagnose and repair minor mechanical issues and assist in major maintenance activities to minimize downtime and maintain reliability. Operate and maintain plant tools and equipment—including vehicles, cranes, hoists, welding, and cutting tools—using proper safety techniques. Safely perform switching, isolation, and tagging of mechanical and electrical systems under lead supervision. Forecast, track, and reorder spare parts to ensure equipment availability; assist with inventories and documentation. Maintain logs, maintenance records, preventive/predictive maintenance documents, equipment files, and system diagrams. Maintain plant manuals, technical references, prints, and other documentation to support accurate maintenance and operations. Ensure all activities comply with OSHA standards, environmental regulations, and plant-specific safety protocols. Participate in training sessions and emergency response drills to maintain safety and mechanical readiness. Collaborate with team members and contractors to support reliable plant operation and maintenance. Complete other tasks and projects as assigned by the Plant Manager or designee. NAES Safe 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. Working Relationships The O&M Technician reports directly to the Plant Manager. Additionally, this position will coordinate with all other plant personnel to ensure safe and reliable plant operations. Physical Requirements And Working Conditions 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. Fitness for Duty 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. Work Schedule The O&M Technician follows a modified DuPont rotating 12-hour shift schedule, ensuring 24/7 coverage through a structured rotation of day and night shifts that includes built-in rest days to support continuous and reliable plant operations. 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. Compensation This position offers a base pay rate ranging from $45 to $54 per hour, along with eligibility for an annual performance bonus. Core Qualifications And Skills Ability to understand procedures and instructions related to the assigned area, typically acquired through four years of high school. 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. Proven track record in technician roles within power generation, with hands-on experience operating and maintaining simple-cycle combustion turbines and auxiliary systems. Demonstrated expertise in journeyman-level operations and mechanical systems, including startup, shutdown, routine operations, troubleshooting, and repair of mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems, as well as disassembly and reassembly of components such as pumps, valves, and turbine-generator equipment. Theoretical and practical knowledge of gas turbine operations, Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS), Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems, electrical distribution equipment, piping and instrumentation schematics, process controls, and inspection/recording of plant parameters. Skilled in interpreting and troubleshooting complex technical documentation, including blueprints, P&IDs, electrical schematics, and wiring diagrams, while maintaining thorough maintenance records to support regulatory compliance and equipment reliability. Comprehensive understanding of safety protocols, including Lock-Out-Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures, OSHA requirements, confined space entry, and environmental compliance standards applicable to gas-fired generation. Ability to collaborate and coordinate effectively with cross-functional teams, contractors, and vendors to optimize resources, support plant reliability, and ensure timely completion of maintenance activities. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with demonstrated proficiency in technical writing, clear communication, and the mathematical aptitude needed to evaluate operational data and mechanical performance. Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr