Control Room Operator

Direct Energy Business; Harrisville (RI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Ocean State Power in Harrisville, RI, is seeking a Control Room Operator to coordinate on‑shift operations for a two 2x1 combined cycle plant. The role requires troubleshooting, decision making, and leadership to safely run equipment through startup, upsets, and normal operations.

The successful candidate will operate DCS systems, maintain chemical logs, and support SOP development while adhering to safety and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Experience using test equipment and calibration appliances.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and basic understanding of chemistry, physics, electricity, and mathematics.
• Advanced certifications and licenses is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate on-shift operations for a block power plant.
• Operate and monitor plant equipment under various operating scenarios.
• Assist in development of SOPs and plant improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and safety procedures.
• Provide on-the-job training in complex technical areas.

Skills

Test equipment

Calibration appliances

Machinery repair

Chemical safety understanding

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Date: Jul 2, 2026

Location: Harrisville, RI, US 02830

Job Overview

Ocean State Power, located in Harrisville, RI, is seeking an Operations and Maintenance – Control Room Operator for its two (2) Block, 2x1 combined cycle power generating station. The site operates GE Frame 7EA combustion turbines and GE Heavy Industrial steam turbines in this configuration to generate upwards of 600 MW supplying ISO‑NE. This position will primarily be responsible for coordination of all on‑shift operations, including the safe operation of all plant equipment throughout a variety of operational scenarios from cold plant startup to emergency operations during plant upsets.

This is a Control Room Operator (CRO) position and will require excellent troubleshooting, diagnosis, decision‑making and leadership skills. The role requires experience with Distributive Control System (DCS) computers to operate plant equipment and monitor equipment parameters. The incumbent should also possess strong PC skills, including Microsoft Office. Incumbents will assist in the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and provide input on plant improvement items to enhance plant efficiency, reliability, and safety. Knowledge of chemical analysis, chemical control on steam, cooling and condensate systems, and maintenance of chemistry logs are required. The operator must ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations and plant procedures, maintain plant security, operate heavy equipment such as manlifts and forklifts, and handle and transfer bulk chemicals.

Job Responsibilities

• Regularly makes decisions on non‑routine or escalated technical issues.
• Independently prioritizes and executes responsibilities effectively for a single trade or group of related tasks.
• Checks own work and possibly the work of others; work results are of the highest quality standards and advanced technical competency.
• Resolves the most complex technical issues, conferring with the Team Leader occasionally; may serve as a resource to others in resolving complex issues.
• Works under limited supervision.
• Prioritizes own weekly schedule and may guide others in the completion of tasks within clearly defined schedules set by management.
• Regularly provides on‑the‑job skills training to others in complex technical areas.

Required Skills / Knowledge

• Previous experience using test equipment and calibration appliances; experience with machinery repair and control systems.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and a basic understanding of chemistry, physics, electricity, and mathematics.
• Advanced certifications and licenses.

Experience

• 5+ years of directly related experience, including understanding of health and safety regulations, and prior experience working with and around hazardous energy, chemicals, and waste materials, including knowledge of safe handling, storage, and transport.
• Performs a variety of complex technical service/support duties requiring specialized knowledge.

Education Requirements

• High School Diploma, degree from a technical/vocational school, military service, or equivalent.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk, reach, climb, stoop, and lift up to 50 pounds.

EEO & Safety Statement

NRG Energy is committed to a drug and alcohol‑free workplace. Employees may be subject to periodic random drug testing, post‑accident testing, and testing on reasonable suspicion, as permitted by law and collective bargaining agreements. EEO AA M/F/Protected Veteran Status/Disability. EEO is the law poster (the poster can be found at http://www.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf).