NRG Energy

Plant Specialist

NRG Energy$76K — $125K *
Energy & Utilities
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • High School Graduate
  • Valid driver's license
  • 5-7 years power or industrial plant experience in an electrical capacity
  • Deep knowledge of electrical troubleshooting and repair methods
  • Bachelor's or Associate degree in Electrical Engineering/Technology preferred
  • Licensed or Certified Electrician with hands-on experience preferred
  • Strong leadership skills and team-oriented mindset found valuable

Responsibilities

  • Provide technical support for electrical systems maintenance and operations
  • Promote compliance with safety and environmental regulations
  • Lead NERC compliance efforts at the plant
  • Coordinate schedules and oversee third-party vendors
  • Ensure equipment reliability through informed technical decisions
  • Conduct field inspections and prepare detailed reports
  • Support strategic planning to minimize equipment downtime

Benefits

  • Participation in medical, vision, dental, and 401K benefit programs
  • Flexible spending accounts available
  • Opportunity for annual bonuses and long-term incentives
  • Dynamic and supportive work environment fostering career development
  • Encouragement of personal growth and cross-functional opportunities
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 Purpose:

Provide support for process improvements, performance monitoring, root cause analysis, support engineering initiatives, project activities, and operations and maintenance functions to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient plant performance.

The Plant Electrical Specialist's primary responsibility is to support overall plant reliability. The incumbent is expected to possess both theoretical and practical knowledge of a wide range of electrical systems and protective equipment. In this role, the individual will provide advanced technical expertise to resolve issues of an electrical nature.

Additionally, the incumbent will serve as a project manager for assigned projects and programs of varying scope and complexity.

Essential Functions:

  • Provide technical support to Plant Operations and Maintenance for electrical systems, including breakers, MCCs, switchgear, relays, VFDs, UPS, batteries, motor drives, transformers, and cathodic protection.
  • Promote and monitor compliance with safety and environmental programs.
  • Lead and support NERC compliance efforts at the Ivanpah plant.
  • Coordinate activities, schedules, and work scopes; develop work packages; and oversee third-party inspectors, contractors, and vendors.
  • Ensure plant equipment reliability through technical and financial decisions impacting unit availability and cost control.
  • Provide oversight and technical guidance on repairs and findings to NRG and contractor crews.
  • Develop long-range budgets and schedules; contribute to station-wide repair budgets based on inspection findings.
  • Collaborate with plant staff, corporate leadership, peers, and third parties to improve program and project execution.
  • Perform field inspections, measurements, and equipment walkdowns; prepare detailed reports.
  • Deliver technical support, testing, and inspection expertise to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient plant operation.
  • Optimize equipment performance to meet key performance indicators.
  • Support strategic overhaul planning to maximize equipment life and minimize downtime.
  • Apply predictive and preventive maintenance techniques; analyze process variables for trends and performance.
  • Collect and analyze thermography data for electrical and mechanical equipment; recommend corrective actions.
  • Conduct root cause analysis of equipment failures and develop preventive measures.
  • Proactively identify and resolve problems using independent judgment.
  • Assist in training personnel on system operations within areas of expertise.
  • Provide technical input for due diligence and new projects.
  • Participate in internal and external user groups; implement industry best practices.
  • Develop, review, and update station procedures, technical instructions, and documentation.
  • Support economic justification, and material specifications for projects and modifications; implement approved changes.
  • Work effectively in a team environment as a leader, member, or facilitator.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.


Minimum Requirements:

  • High School Graduate
  • Possess a valid driver's license.
  • 5-7 Years Power Plant or Industrial Plant experience in an electrical capacity.
  • Deep knowledge and understanding of electrical troubleshooting, and repair methods.


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's or Associate degree in Electrical Engineering or Engineering Technology.
  • Licensed or Certified Electrician with hands-on experience in power plant environments.
  • Electrical background in structured, mission-critical settings (military experience highly valued).
  • Proficiency in electrical systems installation, troubleshooting, repair, and compliance with industry standards.
  • Strong leadership skills and ability to thrive in a disciplined, team-oriented environment.
  • Six Sigma Certification (or equivalent process improvement expertise).


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Ability to train and direct peers, employees, and contractors clearly and consistently.
  • Proficient in reading and interpreting technical information, prints, charts, graphs, and gauge scales; skilled in troubleshooting and repairing equipment and systems.
  • Strong risk management skills with sound judgment in resource utilization.
  • Solid knowledge of root cause analysis and technical report writing.
  • Proficient in PC use, Windows, and Microsoft Office applications, with emphasis on spreadsheets, scheduling, and word processing.
  • Experienced with ERP/CMMS and plant data historian systems (e.g., SAP, PI).
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.


Physical Requirements / Working Conditions:

  • Combination of office and industrial environments.
  • Must be able to wear required PPE, including hard hats, safety glasses, face shields, hearing protection, respirators, fall protection harnesses, and other gear as needed.
  • Extensive computer use requiring manual dexterity and prolonged sitting for tasks such as preparing budgets, work scopes, and outage schedules.
  • Perform equipment inspections involving climbing ladders over 20 feet, stairways over 100 feet, kneeling, bending, and walking on uneven surfaces such as grating and loose rock.
  • Operate mobile equipment (e.g., zoom booms, scissor lifts) to access elevated areas, including positioning equipment and riding in baskets during operation.
  • Work in compartments where temperatures may exceed 100°F.
  • Carrying materials and standing for extended periods.
  • Domestic travel may be required.


The base salary range for this position is: $76,600 - 125,400 *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.

(Management reserves the right to change, rescind, add, or delete the duties and responsibilities of positions within the job classification at any time.)

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/Vet/Disability. 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.

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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