Plant Manager

Saddle Butte West is a greenfield natural gas-fired reciprocating engine power plant under development near Kirtland, New Mexico, in San Juan County. 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.

Opportunity Summary

The Plant Manager for Saddle Butte West will lead commissioning and oversee operations, maintenance, safety, environmental compliance, and administrative programs for this greenfield, natural gas-fired reciprocating engine power plant. The Plant Manager will build the operations organization and ensure operational readiness through the project's three-phase transition to commercial operation.

As the primary interface with the Owner, NAES, the prime contractor, OEMs, local utility and regulatory agencies, the Plant Manager will oversee operational contracts, budgets, regulatory compliance, and plant performance while fostering a strong safety culture and protecting the interests and reputation of both the Owner and NAES.

Your scope of responsibility as Plant Manager during the Commissioning Phase includes the following functions:

• Recruit, onboard, and develop the initial operations and maintenance organization while implementing qualification, certification, and training programs to support safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations.
• Lead operational readiness by implementing plant procedures, maintenance and environmental programs, CMMS, spare parts inventory, and administrative systems to support the transition from EPC to commercial operations.
• Champion a safety-first culture by proactively identifying and mitigating hazards while ensuring compliance with NAES safety policies, OSHA regulations, environmental requirements, and industry best practices throughout commissioning and startup.
• Coordinate commissioning, startup, testing, and turnover activities with the EPC contractor, OEM representatives, contractors, vendors, and internal stakeholders to ensure each project phase achieves safe, efficient, and compliant commercial operation.
• Provide technical and operational leadership during commissioning by resolving startup challenges, supporting system troubleshooting, mitigating project risks, and ensuring operational readiness for commercial operation.
• Manage commissioning resources and project performance, including startup budgets, vendor contracts, contractor support, resource allocation, and schedule execution to achieve project objectives safely and efficiently.
• Monitor and communicate commissioning progress by preparing reports on startup milestones, operational readiness, performance metrics, and project status for the Owner, NAES leadership, and other key stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between the Owner, NAES, the EPC contractor, OEM representatives, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders, fostering effective communication and collaboration throughout commissioning and startup.

Your scope of responsibility as Plant Manager during Commercial Operations includes the following primary functions:

• Manage plant operations to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient production of electricity while meeting contractual obligations, operational objectives, and performance targets.
• Administer commercial agreements and vendor contracts while leading budgeting, procurement, and cost management activities to achieve operational and financial objectives.
• Provide leadership and direction to all plant personnel by establishing performance expectations, maintaining effective policies and procedures, fostering employee engagement, and maintaining a visible on-site leadership presence.
• Develop and maintain workforce capability by implementing employee training, qualification, succession planning, and professional development programs that promote operational excellence and long-term organizational success.
• Champion a safety-first culture by promoting hazard recognition, personal accountability, and compliance with NAES safety policies, OSHA regulations, and industry best practices.
• Ensure environmental and regulatory compliance by maintaining all environmental permits, air quality requirements, operating permits, and applicable federal, state, and local regulatory requirements while serving as the primary regulatory liaison.
• Manage plant programs including Safety, Operations, Maintenance, Reliability, Environmental, Training, Quality Assurance/Quality Control, and Administrative functions to maximize plant availability, reliability, and overall performance.
• Lead outage planning and execution by directing scheduled and forced outages, coordinating contractors and vendors, managing procurement activities, and conducting post-outage performance evaluations to improve reliability and equipment performance.
• Drive equipment reliability and continuous improvement by leading troubleshooting, root cause analysis, performance testing, and operational optimization efforts for reciprocating engines, auxiliaries, and balance-of-plant systems, including after treatment.
• Administer the Management of Change (MOC) program to ensure modifications to plant equipment, control systems, balance-of-plant assets, and operating procedures are properly managed while maintaining safety, compliance, and operational reliability.
• Perform additional duties and special assignments as required to support the successful operation and continued growth.

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. All NAES managers and supervisors have a direct and important role in ensuring that all work is performed in a healthy and safe manner. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each Supervisor’s performance.

Working Relationships

The Plant Manager reports to the Operations Director and provides direct oversight of the Administrative Manager, Operations Manager, Maintenance Manager, EH&S Manager, and Plant Engineer. The position may also, as needed, provide guidance and direction to all plant personnel to ensure safe, efficient, and coordinated facility operations. The Plant Manager serves as the primary point of contact between NAES and the Owner on all matters related to plant operations, maintenance, and commercial management.

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 Plant Manager works a standard Monday to Friday day shift schedule, ensuring consistent plant operation and support during regular business hours. 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.

Some travel will be involved to participate in Manager, Owner, User Group, or other offsite meetings.

Compensation

This position offers an annual base salary ranging from $160,000 to $185,000 and includes eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Professional Expertise & Leadership Qualifications

We are seeking an accomplished leader with extensive experience in the operations and maintenance of power generating facilities, paired with a strong history of career growth and a track record of excellence in achieving results.

• A Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or equivalent is preferred, but not required. Relevant industry or military experience may also be considered in lieu of education.
• Experience as a Plant Manager at a natural gas-fired power generation facility, with prior supervisory experience overseeing technical, supervisory, and hourly personnel, is required. Experience with natural gas-fired reciprocating engine generation facilities, including greenfield commissioning and startup is preferred.
• Experience managing a facility in the Southwest Power Pool is a plus.
• Demonstrated leadership and team-building skills, including recruiting, training, and developing operations and maintenance personnel while fostering a culture of accountability, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Strong knowledge of natural gas-fired power plant operations and maintenance, including equipment reliability, troubleshooting, and outage management. Experience with Jenbacher, INNIO, or similar large-bore natural gas reciprocating engine technology.
• Proven ability to lead plant commissioning, startup, and operational readiness activities, including coordinating with contractors, OEM representatives, vendors, and plant personnel.
• Results-oriented problem solver with ownership mentality, strong project management, organizational, and decision-making skills and a demonstrated ability to lead initiatives that improve safety, reliability, operational performance, and financial results.
• Comprehensive understanding of power plant business and operational practices within independent power producer (IPP) environments, including budgeting, cost control, procurement, contract administration, and vendor management.
• Thorough knowledge of OSHA regulations, environmental permitting and compliance requirements, power industry safety standards, Management of Change (MOC), air quality regulations, and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and CMMS is required.
• Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.

About NAES

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer


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