Combustion Turbine Technician

Direct Energy Business; Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 66,320 - 99,480; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision, and dental benefits

401(k) and flexible spending accounts

Annual bonus and incentives

Job summary

Direct Energy Business in Aurora, IL is looking for a Combustion Turbine Technician. This entry-level role involves monitoring all plant systems, helping with operations, and performing basic maintenance duties to ensure plant safety and efficiency.

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma and some technical training. A strong emphasis is placed on safety compliance and teamwork. Compensation includes a competitive salary range of $66,320 to $99,480 along with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent, and trade school or technical training.
• Experience with mechanical, electrical, or PLC troubleshooting is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Monitor systems, control operations, and perform basic maintenance.
• Assist in starting and stopping the plant under safety protocols.
• Conduct performance tests on plant equipment.
• Perform emergency activities to maintain electric service.

Skills

Basic math skills

Good verbal communication

Proficiency with power and precision tools

Ability to work independently

Knowledge of safety practices

Basic data entry and computer skills

Team-player mindset

Education

High school diploma or equivalent and trade school

Tools

Power and precision tools

Job description

Location: Aurora, IL 60504; Rockford, IL 61104.

Job Title: Combustion Turbine Technician.

Job Summary

The Combustion Turbine Technician is an entry‑level position responsible for monitoring all plant systems, controlling routine operations, responding to alarms and abnormal conditions, and performing basic maintenance duties. The role assists in plant shutdown and start‑up procedures and ensures the plant meets its generating requirements while operating safely and efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Perform “Auxiliary Operator” duties; assist in starting, operating, and stopping the plant and respond to abnormal and emergency conditions while complying with all safety and environmental requirements.
• Continuously monitor system and component conditions to determine plant and equipment performance.
• Operate all plant equipment to meet dispatch requirements and report issues or anomalies to Control Room Operator, Maintenance, or Direct Manager.
• Assist in conducting acceptance and performance tests on existing or new plant equipment.
• Adjust control systems to regulate the load on gas turbines to maintain proper conditions.
• Perform emergency activities to maintain electric service and safeguard station equipment.
• Control all plant evolutions to ensure their safe and effective conduct and compliance with established policies and procedures.
• Perform basic mechanical maintenance duties such as predictive and preventative maintenance, replacing basic parts, and repacking bearings.
• Operate breakers and switch gear up to 138 kV, performing routine maintenance tasks.
• Conduct basic troubleshooting and analysis on indicator and control equipment.
• Collect and analyze trending information to evaluate performance and forecast potential failures.
• Assist with major maintenance performed by outside contractors.
• Assist in physical inventories.
• Participate in administrative maintenance of operating manuals, technical references, and preventive/predictive maintenance records.
• Maintain complete equipment files, logs, drawings, and schematics.
• Maintain work area in a neat and orderly condition.
• Complete other tasks as requested by the Operations, Maintenance Manager or Direct Report.

Education and Experience

• High school graduate or equivalent, and trade school, related military service training program, or technical training school program.
• Experience with mechanical, electrical, or PLC troubleshooting and repair is a plus but not required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic math skills, good verbal communication, and proficiency with power and precision tools.
• Ability to work independently and cooperate with colleagues.
• Knowledge of hazards involved and safety precautions in operation and maintenance of power plant equipment.
• Strict adherence to all safety practices and procedures.
• Ability to respond to audio alarms.
• Basic data entry and computer skills.
• Team‑player mindset.

Work Environment

• Must wear protective equipment such as hard hats, safety glasses, ear protection, and other required gear; may work with hazardous materials.
• Work rotating 12‑hour shifts with mandatory weekend and holiday work; typical schedule 4 days on/4 days off in a 4‑day/4‑day/4‑day/4‑day/Off/Off/Off/Off/Night/Night/Night/Night/Off/Off/Off/Off pattern.
• Employment may involve indoor and outdoor duties.

Physical Abilities

• Must be able to remain on feet for extended periods, climb stairs and ladders, and routinely lift 50 pounds.
• Must be able to work in elevated areas, confined spaces, and extreme heat or cold conditions.

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary range: $66,320 – $99,480, based on location, experience, and performance. Total compensation may include annual bonus, short‑ and long‑term incentives, and program‑specific awards. Eligible for benefits such as medical, vision, dental, 401(k), and flexible spending accounts.

EEO Statement

NRG Energy is committed to a drug‑ and alcohol‑free workplace. Employees may be subject to periodic random drug testing, post‑accident and reasonable suspicion testing, as permitted by law. 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).