NRG Energy

Performance Engineer

NRG Energy$98K — $162K *
Pekin, IL 61554In-Person
Energy & Utilities
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering, or related field; experience may substitute for degree
  • 3+ years in reliability, maintenance, or engineering within power generation or heavy industry
  • Knowledge of rotating machinery, electrical systems, thermodynamics, and instrumentation
  • Familiarity with methodologies like RCM, RCFA, FMEA, and TPM
  • Experience with CMMS systems (Maximo, SAP, etc.) and performance management tools
  • Proficient in data analysis tools (Excel, Power BI, Minitab)
  • Strong troubleshooting and analytical capabilities.

Responsibilities

  • Analyze asset performance data to identify reliability trends
  • Perform Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA) on equipment failures
  • Lead Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) processes
  • Develop and optimize Preventive and Predictive Maintenance strategies
  • Collaborate with teams to improve plant asset performance
  • Provide input on equipment design for long-term reliability
  • Maintain and improve Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to equipment reliability.
  • Participate in outage planning, inspections, and reliability reviews.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental benefits
  • 401K plan with company matching
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Opportunities for annual bonuses and performance incentives
  • Professional development and career growth support.
Full Job Description
As an NRG employee, we encourage you to take charge of your career and development journey. We invite you to explore exciting opportunities across our businesses. You'll find that our dynamic work environment provides variety and challenge. Your growth is key to our ongoing success-take the lead in shaping your career development, goals and future!

Job Summary:

We are looking for a proactive and technically skilled Reliability Engineer to support asset integrity and optimize plant performance in our power generation facility. The Reliability Engineer will focus on improving the reliability, availability, and maintainability of critical equipment and systems, including turbines, generators, boilers, balance of plant, and auxiliary systems. This role is central to minimizing downtime, improving safety, and reducing lifecycle costs.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Analyze asset performance and failure data to identify trends and implement long-term reliability improvements.
  • Perform Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA) on critical equipment failures and drive corrective/preventive actions.
  • Conduct and lead Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) processes for key plant assets.
  • Develop and optimize Preventive and Predictive Maintenance (PM/PdM) strategies using vibration analysis, thermography, oil analysis, and other condition-monitoring technologies.
  • Work closely with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to enhance plant reliability and asset performance.
  • Provide input on equipment design, installation, and commissioning to ensure long-term maintainability and reliability.
  • Maintain and improve Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) such as MTBF, MTTR, availability, and equipment reliability metrics.
  • Present results in clear, concise formats - both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Promote and participate in continuous improvement initiatives, advanced analytics, digital-twin concepts and pattern recognition methods.
  • Participate in outage planning and execution, including inspections and post-outage reliability reviews.
  • Identify/support reliability-related projects, including upgrades, system replacements, or reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) initiatives.
  • Support compliance with regulatory standards (e.g., NERC, FERC, OSHA, EPA) and company safety policies.


Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering (or a related discipline). May substitute 5-8 years of relevant experience in lieu of degree.
  • 3+ years of reliability, maintenance, or engineering experience in power generation or heavy industry (utilities, energy, oil & gas, etc.).
  • Knowledge of rotating machinery (turbines, pumps, compressors), electrical systems, boilers (thermodynamics), and instrumentation.
  • Familiarity with industry standards and methodologies such as RCM, RCFA, FMEA, and TPM.
  • Experience with CMMS systems (e.g., Maximo, SAP, or similar) and asset performance management tools.
  • Proficiency in data analysis tools (Excel, Processbook, Power BI, Minitab, or similar).
  • Excellent troubleshooting and analytical skills with a bias towards data-driven decision making.
  • Effective written and verbal communication abilities; comfortable presenting technical information to peers and leadership roles.
  • Demonstrated "hands-on" ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines within a team environment.
  • Certification in Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE), Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP), or equivalent is preferred.


Preferred Skills:
  • Experience with condition-based maintenance (CBM) and predictive technologies (vibration, ultrasound, infrared).
  • Understanding of reliability modeling and statistical life analysis.
  • Knowledge of NERC compliance and other relevant regulatory frameworks in power generation.
  • Ability to manage contractors, OEMs, and service vendors during the execution of reliability, performance improvement projects.


Work Environment:
  • Primarily based at a power generation plant (e.g., gas, coal, hydro, or renewable).
  • Exposure to rotating and high-voltage equipment.
  • Occasional on-call support during critical failures or outages.
  • Some travel to satellite plants or corporate engineering locations.


The base salary range for this position is: $98,480 - $162,480* *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.

NRG Energy is committed to a drug and alcohol-free workplace. To the extent permitted by law and any applicable collective bargaining agreement, employees are subject to periodic random drug testing, and post-accident and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing. EOE AA M/F/Protected Veteran Status/Disability. Level, Title and/or Salary may be adjusted based on the applicant's experience or skills.

EEO is the Law Poster (The poster can be found at http://www.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf)

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.

Stay Connected

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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