Operations Technician - Power Generation

Peaple Talent; Carrickfergus; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift allowance

Structured career progression

Training & qualifications

Job summary

Peaple Talent in Northern Ireland is recruiting an Operations Technician for two power stations, Kilroot and Ballylumford. You will join a structured 2–3 year development programme to gain the skills, qualifications and experience to build a long-term career in power generation.

From day one you’ll receive mentoring, training and support to become an Authorised Person, with exposure to gas and mechanical plant, environmental compliance and City & Guilds qualifications, progressing to more

Qualifications

• Completed a recognised engineering apprenticeship or possess a trade or engineering background.
• Experience in maintenance, manufacturing, utilities or heavy industry.
• Experience in process plant or similar technical environment.
• Applications welcome from ex-Armed Forces personnel with engineering/technical experience.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor gas/steam turbines and generators at Kilroot and Ballylumford.
• Carry out routine plant inspections and report defects.
• Assist with start-ups, shutdowns and safe isolation of equipment.
• Benefit from a structured 2–3 year development programme and progression.

Skills

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Engineering apprenticeship

Trade background

Engineering background

Maintenance/Manufacturing experience

Job description

Operations Technician – Power Generation

Location: Kilroot & Ballylumford, Northern Ireland

Salary: £33,000 - £43,000 (Grade 13) + Approx. £8,000 Shift Allowance + Structured Progression to £39,000 - £51,000

Build a Career in Energy

Are you looking for more than just another engineering job? Ready to take the next step into one of the world’s fastest-growing and most critical industries? This is an outstanding opportunity to join one of Europe’s leading power generation businesses as an Operations Technician, where you’ll complete a structured 2‑3 year development programme designed to equip you with the skills, qualifications and experience needed to build a long‑term career in power generation. Whether your background is in maintenance, manufacturing, engineering, utilities, process operations or the Armed Forces, this role is ideal for someone who enjoys solving problems, wants to keep learning and is looking for genuine career progression.

The Opportunity

From day one, you’ll receive structured mentoring, industry‑recognised training and ongoing support from experienced Operations Engineers. The company is investing heavily in developing the next generation of Operations Technicians and is far more interested in finding people with the right attitude than expecting every technical skill from the outset. Throughout the programme you’ll complete a range of internal and external training courses, including High Voltage Authorisation, Gas Plant and Mechanical Plant training, Environmental Compliance, City & Guilds qualifications and specialist operational courses. Every stage of your development is designed to prepare you for a fully competent role operating critical power generation assets.

The Role

Based across both Kilroot and Ballylumford Power Stations, you’ll play an important role in the safe operation of the plant, ensuring electricity is generated safely, efficiently and reliably.

Working alongside experienced engineers, you’ll learn how to:

• Operate and monitor gas turbines, steam turbines and generators
• Carry out routine plant inspections
• Identify and report equipment defects
• Assist with plant start‑ups and shutdowns
• Safely isolate equipment for maintenance
• Monitor plant performance and respond to operational issues

You’ll also develop the technical knowledge required to become an Authorised Person while working closely with Operations and Maintenance teams to maximise plant availability. As your knowledge and confidence grow, so will your level of responsibility, providing an excellent platform for long‑term career progression.

About You

The company is looking for motivated individuals who are passionate about engineering and keen to build a career within the energy sector. You’ll be someone who enjoys learning, takes pride in your work, shows initiative and works well as part of a team. A logical approach to problem‑solving, good communication skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure are all important. You’ll ideally have completed a recognised engineering apprenticeship, have a trade or engineering background, or possess experience within maintenance, manufacturing, utilities, heavy industry, process plant or a similar technical environment. Applications are also welcomed from ex‑Armed Forces personnel with engineering or technical experience.

Salary & Benefits

The successful candidate will receive a starting salary of £33,000‑£43,000 (Grade 13) plus a shift allowance of approximately £8,000 per year. Upon successful completion of the development programme, you’ll progress to Grade 14, with a salary ranging from £39,000‑£51,000.

In addition to a competitive salary, you’ll benefit from fully funded professional training and qualifications, structured career development, excellent long‑term progression opportunities and the chance to work on some of the UK’s most critical power generation infrastructure.

Shift Pattern

You’ll initially complete your training on a daytime rota before progressing to the operational shift pattern, which includes a combination of days, afternoons and nights.

Apply Today

If you’re looking for a career rather than just another job, and you’re motivated to develop into a highly skilled Operations Technician within the power generation industry, we’d love to hear from you.

Interviews are taking place throughout the recruitment process, so early applications are encouraged.