Maintenance Mechanic

The Berkeley Cogeneration Plant is a 1x1 combined cycle facility powered by an LM2500PJ gas turbine, providing 22–25 MW of electricity and steam directly to the University of California, Berkeley campus. The site includes a steam plant in operation since the 1930s and a cogeneration plant originally constructed in the mid-1980s, together supporting the campus heating distribution system. With 95% availability, the CHP plant serves as the primary steam provider, while auxiliary boilers and the steam plant ensure a consistent, year-round supply to meet campus demand.

Opportunity Summary

The Mechanical Maintenance Technician at Berkeley Cogeneration Plant plays a key role in maintaining the reliability and efficiency of a combined-cycle cogeneration facility supporting both electrical generation and continuous campus steam demand. This position executes preventive, routine, and predictive maintenance using CMMS systems while ensuring strict adherence to safety policies and procedures. Through troubleshooting, repair, and collaboration with plant personnel, the technician supports safe, reliable operation of gas turbine, HRSG, and steam distribution systems.

Your scope of responsibility as Mechanical Maintenance Technician includes the following primary functions:

• Execute preventive, routine, and predictive maintenance activities using CMMS, ensuring accurate documentation of work performed, equipment condition, and parts usage.
• Troubleshoot, document, and assist in resolving mechanical issues across plant systems, including gas turbine auxiliaries, HRSG equipment, and steam distribution systems.
• Maintain, repair, and overhaul mechanical equipment such as pumps, valves, fans, heat exchangers, compressors, and steam system components; perform tasks such as valve packing, lubrication, and equipment assembly/disassembly.
• Support operation and maintenance of steam generation and distribution systems, ensuring reliable steam supply to campus facilities.
• Follow all plant safety policies and procedures at all times, including strict compliance with LOTO requirements and job safety assessments prior to performing work.
• Complete work orders, inspections, and assigned tasks on schedule, ensuring quality and adherence to plant standards.
• Read and interpret gauges and instrumentation to monitor temperature, pressure, vibration, flow, and system performance.
• Maintain plant housekeeping standards and ensure work areas are clean, safe, and organized.
• Assist in outage planning and execution, including coordination of mechanical work and supervision of contractors to ensure safety and quality compliance.
• Inspect incoming parts and materials for quality, damage, and proper specification prior to installation.
• Provide input for parts, tools, and equipment needs, supporting inventory accuracy and maintenance planning.
• Set up and operate machine shop tools and perform minor fabrication or welding (MIG, TIG, stick, brazing) as required.
• Follow training plans and continuously develop skills; provide guidance and share knowledge with other team members as needed.
• Communicate effectively with operations, maintenance, and leadership to support overall plant performance and reliability.
• Support cross-functional activities and perform additional duties as assigned to meet plant and campus operational needs.

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 Mechanical Maintenance Technician reports directly to the Maintenance Manager and receives general direction from other plant management. This role involves interfacing with contractors and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) personnel to ensure necessary support and coordination.

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 Mechanical Maintenance Technician works a standard Monday to Friday day-shift schedule. This position will require extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, holidays, and on-call availability as needed to support plant operations and business needs.

Compensation

This position offers a base pay rate ranging from $51.91 to $64.99 per hour, along with eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Core Qualifications and Skills

• An Associate degree in 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 also be considered.
• Significant hands-on experience in power generation, cogeneration, or industrial facilities, with a background as a mechanic, millwright, or similar role supporting mechanical maintenance activities.
• Strong working knowledge of mechanical systems in a CHP or steam-based environment, including maintenance and repair of pumps, valves, compressors, heat exchangers, and turbine auxiliary systems.
• Demonstrated understanding of preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance practices, with the ability to identify issues and perform effective troubleshooting and equipment overhauls.
• Proven commitment to safety, with working knowledge of OSHA standards, LOTO procedures, and safe work practices in an industrial or power plant setting.
• Skilled in equipment assembly, disassembly, alignment, and adjustment, with experience using precision measuring instruments, diagnostic tools, and shop equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, gauges, and instrumentation to monitor system conditions such as temperature, pressure, vibration, and flow.
• Experience working collaboratively in a team environment, including coordinating with operations personnel and overseeing contractors to ensure safe and high-quality work execution.
• Effective communication and organizational skills, with experience documenting maintenance activities, utilizing CMMS systems, and supporting plant reporting requirements.
• 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 serve clients across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors throughout North America and internationally, supporting the full life cycle of power generation and other industrial facilities.

NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are based on merit and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, USERRA-protected status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Equal Opportunity Employer


This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.