Cogeneration Operator

Overview

Lead critical plant operations as the senior operator on shift, ensuring safe, reliable power generation in a high‑performance cogeneration facility that runs 24/7. This position requires strong troubleshooting skills and the confidence to make operational decisions during normal and emergency conditions.

Salary: $44 - $61 per hour.

• Earn $48-$60/hr with overtime opportunities
• Senior‑level operator role with leadership responsibilities
• Work with advanced power generation and CHP systems
• Highly autonomous position with real operational impact
• Stable critical infrastructure environment
• Strong safety‑first culture
• Opportunity to mentor and develop junior operators
• Exposure to advanced controls, emissions systems, and plant optimization
• Career path into Operations Leadership and Plant Management

• Plant Operations
  • Operate gas engines, HRSG systems, chillers, emissions equipment, and plant auxiliaries.
  • Monitor plant performance using SCADA and local control systems.
  • Lead plant rounds and verify critical operating parameters.
  • Respond to alarms and abnormal operating conditions.
  • Execute operational adjustments to maintain safe and efficient plant performance.
• Shift Leadership
  • Lead daily shift activities and direct Operators I and II.
  • Serve as senior operational authority during off hours.
  • Review and approve shift logs and operating reports.
  • Ensure effective communication during shift turnovers.
• Troubleshooting & Reliability
  • Diagnose mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and control issues.
  • Perform root cause analysis and corrective actions.
  • Identify opportunities to improve reliability and plant efficiency.
  • Support emissions compliance and performance optimization efforts.
• Maintenance Coordination
  • Coordinate with maintenance personnel during planned and unplanned outages.
  • Manage lockout/tagout preparation and equipment isolation.
  • Support equipment restoration and startup activities.
  • Assist with predictive and preventive maintenance programs.
• Safety Leadership
  • Lead safety walkdowns and reinforce operational discipline.
  • Ensure compliance with LOTO, confined space, hot work, and plant procedures.
  • Promote a strong culture of safety and accountability.
• Team Development
  • Mentor and train Operators I and II.
  • Support knowledge transfer and skills development.
  • Help build operational excellence across the shift team.

• Required:
  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • 4+ years of experience in cogeneration, CHP facilities, power generation, industrial utilities, central plant operations.
  • Previous shift leadership experience.
  • Advanced troubleshooting skills across mechanical, electrical, controls and instrumentation systems.
  • Experience operating major gas engine platforms such as Jenbacher, Caterpillar, Waukesha.
  • Strong understanding of emissions control systems.
  • Ability to make sound operational decisions during emergencies.
• Preferred:
  • Associate Degree or Technical Certification, trade school training, or advanced power generation training.
  • Experience in mission‑critical facilities.

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