Control Room Operator

Westinghouse Electric Company; Niles (MI); On-site; USD 96,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Move stipend: CRO $5,000; OMT $3,500

Job summary

Westinghouse Electric Company seeks a Control Room Operator for the Niles Energy Center in Michigan. You will manage operation from the control room and field for GE 7HA.02 turbines, HRSGs, and balance-of-plant systems, ensuring safety and reliability.

The role requires monitoring DCS/PLC interfaces, responding to alarms, and supporting maintenance, with a rotating 7 days on/7 days off schedule and occasional extended hours. Relocation assistance available.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate degree preferred.
• Extensive experience operating combined-cycle power plants and direct control room operations.
• Strong knowledge of combustion turbines, HRSGs, steam turbines, electrical systems, and balance-of-plant equipment.
• Thorough understanding of DCS operation, Lockout/Tagout, and safe work procedures.

Responsibilities

• Start up, operate, monitor, and shut down GE 7HA.02 turbines, HRSGs, steam turbine, and balance-of-plant systems from the control room and the field.
• Monitor plant performance using DCS/PLCs; adjust parameters to optimize efficiency, reliability, and emissions compliance.
• Recognize abnormal conditions, respond to alarms, troubleshoot issues, and take corrective action.
• Perform routine plant rounds, log data, and support shift turnovers.
• Support maintenance with isolations, LOTO, clearances, and work requests.
• Assist with operator training, procedures, and technical documentation.
• Participate in safety, environmental, and regulatory programs.
• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, contractors and leadership.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

High school diploma

Associate degree preferred

Power plant tech

DCS operation

Lockout/Tagout

Team leadership

Troubleshooting

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Power Plant technology associate degree

Job description

Relocation assistance offered = CRO $5000 and OMT $3500

Opportunity Summary

The Control Room Operator (CRO) is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the Niles Energy Center, Niles, Michigan, from both the control room and the field. This position operates and monitors combined-cycle generation equipment, responds to changing plant conditions, supports troubleshooting and maintenance activities, and ensures compliance with safety, environmental, and operating requirements. Working closely with Operations and Maintenance personnel, the CRO plays a key role in maximizing plant reliability, performance, and availability.

Your scope of responsibility as CRO will include the following primary functions:

• Start up, operate, monitor, and shut down GE 7HA.02 combustion turbines, HRSGs, the steam turbine generator, and balance-of-plant systems from both the control room and the field while maintaining safe and reliable operation.
• Monitor plant performance using the Distributed Control System (DCS), PLCs, and other control interfaces, adjusting operating parameters to optimize efficiency, reliability, and emissions compliance.
• Recognize abnormal operating conditions, respond to alarms and emergencies, troubleshoot equipment issues, and take corrective action, including overriding automatic controls when necessary.
• Perform routine plant rounds, monitor equipment condition, collect operating data, maintain accurate operating logs, and support effective shift turnovers.
• Support maintenance activities by performing equipment isolations, Lockout/Tagout, system clearances, and preparing work requests for preventive and corrective maintenance.
• Assist with operator training, qualification activities, plant inspections, operating procedures, technical documentation, and administrative responsibilities.
• Participate in NAES Safety, Environmental, and Regulatory Compliance Programs while maintaining compliance with all plant safety, environmental, and operating requirements.
• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, contractors, and plant leadership to support the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the facility.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support overall plant operations.

Work Schedule:

The CRO follows a rotating 7 days on / 7 days off schedule, alternating between night shift during one 7-day work period and day shift during the next. This position will occasionally necessitate extended working hours and flexible shifts as needed, including weekends and holidays, in response to schedules, workload demands, and plant conditions. Periodic callouts or “On call” status may also be required.

Compensation:

This position offers a base pay rate ranging from $46 to $55.36 per hour, along with eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Qualifications and Technical Competencies:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate degree in Power Plant Technology, Engineering, or a related technical field preferred. Relevant industry or military experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
• Extensive experience operating combined-cycle power plants, including direct control room operations and large-frame gas turbine generation.
• Strong knowledge of combustion turbines, HRSGs, steam turbine generators, electrical systems, and balance-of-plant equipment, including startup, shutdown, synchronization, switching, and system alignment.
• Thorough understanding of DCS operation, Lockout/Tagout procedures, plant operating practices, emergency response, and safe work procedures.
• Experience with water chemistry control, water treatment systems, and chemical handling requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot plant equipment, respond effectively to abnormal operating conditions, and support routine maintenance activities.
• Strong leadership, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.