NRG Energy

Lead Plant Operator

NRG Energy$103K — $155K *
Energy & Utilities
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 7+ years of hands-on experience with simple cycle natural gas power plants
  • Direct experience with Siemens V84.3A2 combustion turbine platform
  • High school diploma or GED required; Associate's degree or related certification is a plus
  • Familiarity with NERC reliability standards is advantageous
  • Military technical training or equivalent industrial experience valued

Responsibilities

  • Monitor, operate, and maintain plant equipment with expertise in Siemens turbine systems
  • Execute startup, shutdown, and routine operational procedures as per guidelines
  • Troubleshoot and resolve operational issues to minimize plant downtime
  • Act as primary on-call contact for plant operational issues during off-hours
  • Conduct preventive and corrective maintenance to ensure equipment reliability
  • Assist in outage planning and scheduling, including parts procurement
  • Train and mentor plant operators in safe and efficient operation practices

Benefits

  • Medical, vision, and dental insurance
  • 401K and flexible spending accounts
  • Annual bonus and short- and long-term incentives
  • Program-specific rewards
  • Opportunity for training and development in a specialized field
Full Job Description
Job Summary

Rockford Generation is seeking an experienced Senior Operations and Maintenance Technician with a minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience operating and maintaining simple cycle natural gas power plants. The ideal candidate will possess direct, demonstrated experience with the Siemens V84.3A2 combustion turbine platform. In this senior role, the technician will serve as a key technical resource for the management team - planning and executing maintenance activities, training plant operators (including remote operations), covering shifts as needed, and acting as the primary on-call contact for plant issues. This position also carries primary responsibility for the station's SAP activities including purchase requisitions, inventory management and preventative maintenance program.

Job Functions

Operations
  • Monitor, operate, and maintain all equipment associated with natural gas simple cycle power plant operations, with specific expertise on Siemens V84.3A2 turbine T3000 DCS platforms.
  • Execute startup, shutdown, and routine operational procedures for combustion turbine systems in accordance with OEM guidelines and plant procedures.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve operational issues promptly to minimize downtime and maintain unit availability.
  • Serve as the primary on-call contact for plant staff - available during off-hours and expected to be the first call when issues arise at the facility.
  • Ensure the continued development of the NRG Generation box, safety over production and environment over production philosophies.
  • Work collaboratively with plant management and operators to achieve plant goals and the safe operation of the units.


Maintenance & Repairs
  • Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on combustion turbine and auxiliary equipment, ensuring maximum efficiency and reliability.
  • Conduct routine inspections and calibration of machinery to meet operational and OEM standards.
  • Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and OEM manuals specific to the Siemens V84.3A2 platform.
  • Hands-on experience with pumps, compressors, heat exchangers, fuel systems, turbine control and FM200 fire protection systems.
  • Assist management team with outage planning, scheduling, and procurement of parts and services.
  • Collaborate with engineering teams for equipment upgrades, modifications, and life extension activities.


Training & Leadership
  • Train and mentor plant operators in safe, efficient, and compliant operating practices for combustion turbine systems.
  • Develop and deliver training on individual systems at the facility to expand operator knowledge.
  • Provide technical guidance and subject matter expertise to support the management team.
  • No direct reports; functions as a senior individual contributor and technical lead.


Safety & Compliance
  • Follow strict safety protocols and environmental regulations to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal standards.
  • Serve as the station's primary SAP leader responsible for activities including purchase requisitions, inventory management and preventative maintenance program NERC compliance contact for the station; maintain program documentation and ensure all applicable NERC reliability standards are met.
  • Participate in safety drills, hazard assessments, and emergency response procedures.
  • Maintain accurate documentation of operating logs, maintenance records, safety inspections, and compliance reports.


Education and Experience

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered.
  • High school diploma or GED required; Associate's degree or certification in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Maintenance, or related field a plus.
  • Military technical training or equivalent industrial experience strongly valued.
  • 7+ years of direct experience in operations and/or maintenance of simple cycle natural gas power plants.
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience with the Siemens V84.3A2 combustion turbine platform is required.
  • Familiarity with NERC reliability standards is a plus.


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The following are representative but not all-inclusive of the skills associated with this position.
  • Proficiency in mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation systems related to combustion turbine power generation.
  • Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, P&IDs, schematics, and OEM documentation.
  • Strong knowledge of hazards associated with natural gas power generation and the safety precautions required for safe plant operations.
  • Adherence to all safety practices, procedures, and site security requirements at all times.
  • Proficient in remote operations technology and procedures; able to operate and troubleshoot plant systems from off-site.
  • Skilled in using computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and operational data systems.
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office and technical reporting tools.
  • Basic math skills and strong verbal communication skills; proficient with power and precision tools.
  • Ability to work independently without direct supervision and cooperatively across cross-functional teams.
  • Willingness and availability to respond to plant calls outside of normal working hours.


Work Environment

Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of this job's functions.
  • Personal protective equipment including hard hats, safety shoes, safety glasses, hearing protection, and other PPE must be worn as required.
  • Work with hazardous materials may be required.
  • Work is predominantly performed at plant facilities, to include indoor and outdoor environments.
  • All employees must always observe facility security requirements.
  • Must be able to work in elevated areas and confined spaces.
  • Must be able to work rotating or night shifts as necessary to cover when operators are absent.


Physical Abilities

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
  • Must be able to work on feet for extended periods, including stair and ladder climbing.
  • Must be able to routinely carry up to 50 pounds.


The base salary range for this position is: $103,664 - $155,496* *The base salary range above represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. The range listed is just one component of the total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonus, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards. In addition the position may be eligible to participate in the benefits program which include, but are not limited to, medical, vision, dental, 401K, and flexible spending accounts.

Level, Title and/or Salary may be adjusted based on the applicant's experience or skills.

Official description on file with Talent.

About NRG Energy

NRG is at the forefront of changing how people think about and use energy. Whether as the largest solar power developer in the country or by giving customers the latest tools to better manage their energy use, NRG is a pioneer in developing smarter energy choices. Our diverse power generating facilities have a capacity of about 52,000 megawatts, capable of supporting almost 42 million homes. Our retail electricity providers — Reliant and Energy Plus — and thermal energy division serve nearly 3 million residential, business, commercial and industrial customers. A Fortune 250 company, NRG supports clean energy resources and technologies critical to our transition to a sustainable, low carbon society. We built the nation's first privately-funded electric vehicle charging infrastructure and continue to create new, clean energy solutions for our customers. In addition to our environmental efforts, we actively contribute to the local communities where NRG employees live and work. Since 2004, our Global Giving program has provided millions of dollars to organizations and charities that have a direct impact on the lives of the people in our communities, including food banks and those that foster self-sufficiency, improve housing and provide supplemental education to people in need. NRG has also organized special responses for victims of extreme catastrophe, such as the Haitian earthquake and the Japanese tsunami in 2010. Employee donations were tripled to maximize the contributions. NRG has won numerous awards for industry leadership and many of its nationwide econrg initiatives, which are targeted toward meeting the challenges of climate change, clean air and natural resources protection.

NRG Energy Careers

Join the vibrant team at NRG Energy, a leader in the power and energy sector, and contribute to a sustainable future while advancing your career. At NRG Energy, we are committed to innovation, leadership, and diversity, ensuring a dynamic workplace where growth and opportunity are at the forefront.

Work You’ll Do

At NRG Energy, you’ll engage in meaningful work that powers communities and fosters environmental stewardship. Our team of professionals is dedicated to leading the energy sector through cutting-edge innovation and sustainable practices. By joining us, you help shape the future of energy, leveraging your skills to make a significant impact.

Explore Job Opportunities and Internships

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, NRG Energy offers a range of job opportunities and internships that will harness your potential and polish your skills. Our positions span from technical roles in energy management to leadership tracks in corporate functions. Each role is crucial in driving our mission of a sustainable energy future.

Career Development and Benefits

NRG Energy is deeply invested in the professional growth of its employees. We offer robust career development programs, including leadership training, professional networking opportunities, and diversity training. Our benefits package is designed to support the well-being and financial security of our team members and their families, promoting a healthy work-life balance.

Culture of Innovation and Diversity

Our company culture celebrates diversity, encourages innovation, and fosters a collaborative environment. At NRG Energy, you’ll work alongside a diverse team of experts, each bringing unique perspectives that drive our success. We believe that inclusive teamwork and innovative thinking are the keys to our continued growth and leadership in the energy sector.

Join Our Team

Embark on a rewarding career path at NRG Energy by exploring our current hiring opportunities. Tailor your job search to match your career aspirations and skills. Prepare your resume, ace the interview, and join a team that’s committed to making a difference.

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Keep up to date with the latest from NRG Energy: - **Career Insights**: Gain industry-leading insights and read about the latest trends in the energy sector on our careers blog. - **Job Alert Emails**: Customize your subscription to receive job alerts and insider tips that align with your career preferences. At NRG Energy, your career is more than a job—it’s a journey of growth, learning, and leadership. Join us in powering the world’s energy future while building a promising career for yourself. Explore opportunities, embrace our culture, and be part of our mission to lead the energy transition.

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Learn more about NRG Energy
Size
6,635 employees
Market Cap
$7.4 billion
Industry
Net Income
$510 million
Founded
1989
5 Year Trend
+24.8%
Revenue
$9 billion
NASDAQ

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