Plant Engineer

Plant Engineer

Faribault Energy Park, a 265 MW state-of-the-art combined-cycle facility owned by the Minnesota Municipal Power Agency, is located in Faribault, Minnesota, and features a GE Frame 7FA dual-fuel combustion turbine generator paired with an A10 GE steam turbine. Minnesota River Station, located in Chaska, Minnesota, sits on a seven-acre site along the Minnesota River and serves the southwestern Twin Cities as a natural gas–fired peaking power plant with a Siemens SGT 800 gas turbine and a 49 MW capacity, operated primarily during periods of high demand. Together, these facilities provide flexible, reliable, and environmentally conscious energy to the region, combining peaking support with efficient base-load generation.

The Plant Engineer will support two generating facilities: Faribault Energy Park and the MRS plant site.

Faribault Energy Park is a 1x1 combined-cycle facility consisting of one GE 7FA gas turbine and one GE A-10 steam turbine. A major capital project is scheduled within the next year to upgrade the existing 7FA.03 gas turbine to a 7FA.05 configuration, including replacement of the gas turbine, compressor, and exhaust systems. The Plant Engineer will play a key role in supporting this upgrade.

In addition to responsibilities at Faribault, the Plant Engineer will serve as the primary point of contact for the MRS site. This includes coordinating operations and maintenance (O&M) activities such as planning and scheduling, as well as enhancing and developing maintenance and monitoring programs for the Siemens SGT-800 turbine and associated auxiliary systems. The role also involves plant performance monitoring and supporting condition-based maintenance initiatives.

Across both sites, the Plant Engineer will ensure NERC compliance by coordinating audits, maintaining and updating procedures, and supporting training efforts. The position requires analyzing operational data, managing resources effectively, and collaborating with vendors to drive continuous improvement while maintaining a strong safety culture.

This role is designed to provide broad exposure and development opportunities, preparing the individual for future leadership positions within the organization.

Your scope of responsibility as Plant Engineer includes the following primary functions:

• Provide engineering oversight of plant operations at Minnesota River Station and Faribault Energy Park, evaluating system performance, troubleshooting issues, and implementing technical improvements.
• Monitor and analyze the Siemens SGT 800 turbine and auxiliary systems at Minnesota River and GE Frame 7FA turbines at Faribault, evaluating efficiency, heat rate, and availability trends, and implementing engineering solutions to optimize performance and reliability.
• Record and analyze outages, equipment failures, and unusual events, performing root cause analysis and implementing recovery and preventive actions.
• Evaluate and optimize Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and PLCs to ensure safe, efficient startup, shutdown, and peaking operations.
• Implement monitoring programs such as vibration analysis, thermography, and oil analysis, while ensuring accurate instrumentation and measurement systems.
• Maintain and update plant drawings, SOPs, and operational procedures, administering the Configuration Control Program to ensure documentation accuracy and compliance.
• Collaborate with equipment vendors, engineering firms, and contractors to resolve technical issues, implement field modifications, and optimize labor and resources.
• Support reliability studies and manage capital improvement projects to maximize availability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
• Fully participate in NAES Safety and Regulatory Compliance Programs, promoting a strong safety culture and adherence to regulatory requirements.
• Assist operations and maintenance teams with startup, shutdown, and troubleshooting to ensure safe and reliable plant performance.
• Travel to and provide operational and engineering support at the Faribault Energy Park, assisting with maintenance, reliability initiatives, and plant optimization.
• Monitor and report on compliance with safety, environmental, and emissions regulations, supporting internal and external audits.
• Develop and maintain SOPs and training materials, providing guidance to plant personnel for consistent and safe operations.
• Track operating costs, manage critical spare parts inventory, and recommend improvements to reduce downtime and increase efficiency.
• Analyze operational and performance data, generating reports to support management decisions and optimize peaking plant schedules.
• Perform additional assignments from the Plant Manager that contribute to overall plant efficiency, reliability, and effectiveness.

Responsible for the oversight, administration and coordination of all plant Operator and Owner NERC accountabilities. Must be familiar with all NERC standards and requirements in order to:

• Implement and maintain the Plant's NERC Internal Control Program (ICP) and ensure all reliability procedures, policies, and documentation are current and compliant with applicable standards.
• Understand, monitor, and interpret NERC regulations, guidance, and new requirements, applying them effectively at the plant level.
• Coordinate with NAES NERC and other stakeholders to complete Reliability Standard Audit Worksheets (RSAWs), provide technically accurate responses during audits or compliance visits, and document compliance effectively.
• Provide training to plant personnel on updated or new NERC procedures and requirements, ensuring awareness and adherence across the site.

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 Plant Engineer reports to the Plant Manager and coordinates with the Operations and Maintenance Managers, Compliance Manager, and Administrative Supervisor as needed in the daily operation of the plant. The role also maintains a positive relationship with NAES Corporate Engineering Support Services and works closely with operations and maintenance personnel on regulatory matters.

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

Travel is required to attend Manager, Owner, User Group, and other offsite meetings, as well as to provide engineering and operational support at multiple power plant sites.

This position offers an annual base salary ranging from $150,000 to $190,000 and includes eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

We are seeking a Plant Engineer with a passion for excellence in plant operations and maintenance, a work history demonstrating progressively increasing responsibilities, and prior experience in a power plant environment.

• Bachelor's degree Electrical Engineering or a related field is required. Relevant industry or military experience may be considered in lieu of education.
• Demonstrated proficiency in power plant operations and engineering, including turbine and auxiliary systems, maintenance processes, and startup/shutdown procedures.
• Experience performing root cause analysis for equipment failures or forced outages and preparing clear reports with actionable recommendations.
• Knowledge and hands-on experience with control systems (DCS/PLC) and performance monitoring tools to optimize plant efficiency, heat rate, and availability.
• Proficiency with condition monitoring, diagnostics, and instrumentation, including vibration analysis, thermography, oil analysis, and calibration of measurement systems.
• Experience implementing cost-effective reliability improvements, preventive maintenance, and capital projects to maximize availability and minimize downtime.
• Working knowledge of safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance, including emissions monitoring, CEMS/DAHS, and applicable air, water, and waste regulations.
• Ability to develop SOPs, train staff, and coordinate with vendors or contractors, ensuring consistent, safe, and efficient plant operations.
• Strong analytical, communication, and resource management skills, including budgeting, reporting, inventory oversight, and the ability to perform other assigned engineering tasks.
• Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver's license and ensure