Operations & Maintenance; O&M Technician

Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Technician

Located in Niles, Michigan, the Niles Energy Center is a modern 1.08-gigawatt gas-fired combined-cycle facility that provides reliable, efficient power to the regional grid. Powered by two high-efficiency GE 7HA.02 gas turbines and a steam turbine generator, the plant optimizes output and reduces emissions using advanced heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs) and a low-NOx auxiliary boiler. As a model of cleaner thermal generation, the facility supports grid stability and the transition to more sustainable energy.

The Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Technician supports the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the Niles Energy Center by performing field-based monitoring, operations, maintenance, and safety tasks in coordination with the Control Room Operator. Responsibilities include assisting with equipment start-up, shutdown, troubleshooting, and routine operation outside the control room, while ensuring compliance with environmental and safety protocols. Ideal for a versatile, hands-on technician, this role offers a dynamic environment with opportunities to contribute across plant operations and maintenance.

Your scope of responsibility as O&M Technician will include the following primary functions:

• Support the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the power generation facility by performing field-based monitoring, operations, maintenance, and safety tasks in coordination with the Control Room Operator.
• Receive comprehensive handover from the outgoing O&M Technician, covering special instructions and any irregular operating conditions. Examine logs and inspect equipment following lockout/tagout protocols.
• Monitor and operate boilers, gas and steam turbine generators, auxiliaries, and balance-of-plant systems from outside the control room. Perform start-up, shutdown, and routine operating tasks in accordance with established procedures and under the guidance of the Control Room Operator.
• Prepare equipment for service following operating procedures and safety protocols. Conduct operating tests and inspections on assigned equipment to verify proper functioning and prevent downtime.
• Identify, report, and address abnormal or faulty conditions within guidelines to prevent equipment damage or hazards. Maintain accurate logs of operational activities, equipment status, and noted abnormalities.
• Continuously oversee emissions control systems to ensure regulatory compliance and promptly alert the Control Room Operator if deviations occur.
• Collect water samples and conduct chemical tests (e.g., pH, conductivity) per facility requirements and lab safety protocols.
• Safely manage hazardous chemicals and execute transfer operations, responding to spills or leaks swiftly and in accordance with emergency response guidelines.
• Control electrical breakers and switches as instructed, performing lockout, and tagging procedures to isolate equipment safely for maintenance.
• Conduct scheduled reliability and operational tests on critical equipment—including lube oil pumps, turbine valves, trip systems, fire protection, and chemical safety apparatus—to verify proper function and readiness as directed.
• Perform routine maintenance, minor repairs, equipment calibration, and troubleshooting on plant machinery, instrumentation, and electrical systems. Assist maintenance teams during planned and unplanned outages to ensure safe, efficient task completion.
• Assist in troubleshooting and inspecting programmable logic controllers (PLCs), plant control systems, and distributed control systems (DCS) to ensure proper automation functioning.
• Oversee contractor and vendor activities onsite and provide status updates to the Control Room Operator as needed.
• Ensure work areas remain tidy and organized by conducting regular housekeeping duties across the facility.
• Maintain accurate documentation using Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) for work orders, including spare parts usage, reordering, and maintenance tracking.
• Perform additional duties as directed by control room staff and plant management to support effective plant operations.

Safety is a core value at NAES, and as a…