Electrical Technician

NAES; Arvada (CO); On-site; USD 69,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

NAES is seeking an Electrical Technician for Plains End, a dual-unit natural gas-fired facility in Colorado. The role provides senior technical authority over electrical systems, troubleshooting, and maintenance to ensure rapid dispatch readiness and reliable plant operation.

You will lead complex maintenance, support outage planning, enforce safety standards, and mentor staff to drive continuous improvement across generators, switchyard equipment, and control systems.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; an associate degree in electrical technology or power plant systems preferred.
• Progression from Journeyman Electrician or senior-level role with power generation experience.
• Extensive experience with high-voltage systems up to 230kV, including substations and switchyard equipment.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for electrical and control systems, including synchronization and unit operation.
• Experience commissioning and calibrating instrumentation and control systems.
• Proven maintenance program experience: preventive and predictive maintenance.
• Experience leading LOTO procedures and safe switching.
• Proficiency with CMMS and data systems for reliability improvements.
• Strong organizational and leadership abilities with the ability to interpret procedures.

Responsibilities

• Serve as SME for plant electrical systems—generators, excitation, transformers, switchgear.
• Lead complex troubleshooting and RCA for electrical failures with long-term corrective actions.
• Oversee installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems for engine units.
• Provide control-system guidance for engine start, fuel, synchronization, load control, and protection.
• Direct testing, calibration, and commissioning of instrumentation and electrical components.
• Develop and optimize preventive/predictive maintenance for up to 230kV equipment.
• Lead design modifications and drafting of procedures for electrical upgrades.
• Oversee LOTO and switching activities ensuring safety compliance.
• Mentor technicians in troubleshooting and safety practices.
• Support outages with scope development, contractor coordination, and post-outage review.
• Evaluate equipment performance and recommend improvements.

Skills

HV systems up to 230kV

Troubleshooting RCA

Safety leadership

Team leadership

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in electrical technology/power plant systems

Tools

CMMS

Job description

Plains End is a crucial energy facility featuring two integral units. Plains End I, with a capacity of 113 MW, commenced operations in May 2002 as a natural gas-fired reciprocating engine peaking facility, while Plains End II, boasting a 115 MW capacity, joined the energy landscape in May 2008 with a similar setup. These units, with a combined capacity of 228 MW, underscore Plains End's dedication to delivering dependable and sustainable energy solutions.

Opportunity Summary

The Electrical Technician at Plains End serves as a senior technical authority responsible for the reliability, performance, and oversight of electrical systems within a natural gas-fired reciprocating engine peaking facility. This role provides advanced troubleshooting, system optimization, and technical leadership for generators, switchyard equipment, control systems, and plant electrical infrastructure to ensure rapid dispatch readiness and operational excellence. The Electrical Technician also leads complex maintenance, supports outage planning and execution, enforces safety and compliance standards, and mentors personnel to drive continuous improvement.

Your scope of responsibility as Electrical Technician includes the following primary functions:

• Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for plant electrical systems, providing advanced technical guidance on generators, excitation systems, transformers, switchgear, and switchyard equipment.
• Lead complex troubleshooting and root cause analysis (RCA) for electrical and control system failures, implementing long-term corrective actions to improve reliability.
• Oversee and perform installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems supporting reciprocating engine units, ensuring adherence to best practices and standards.
• Provide technical leadership for control systems associated with engine starting, fuel gas, synchronization, load control, protection schemes, and unit dispatch readiness.
• Direct and validate testing, calibration, and commissioning of instrumentation and electrical components, ensuring accuracy and system integrity.
• Develop, review, and optimize preventive and predictive maintenance programs for electrical systems, including equipment up to 230kV and switchyard assets.
• Lead electrical system design modifications and upgrades, including preparation and approval of drawings, procedures, and technical documentation.
• Act as the technical authority for electrical isolations (LOTO) and switching procedures, ensuring compliance with safety standards and minimizing operational risk.
• Mentor, train, and support technicians and other personnel in electrical troubleshooting, safety practices, and system operations.
• Provide technical oversight during planned outages, including scope development, contractor coordination, execution support, and post-outage evaluation.
• Evaluate equipment performance and recommend improvements, upgrades, or replacements to enhance plant reliability and efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with all safety procedures, environmental requirements, and regulatory standards, promoting a strong safety culture.
• Review and validate maintenance records, system data, and reports to ensure accuracy and support data-driven decision-making.
• Serve as a key technical resource during plant emergencies, providing leadership in diagnosis, response, and system restoration.
• Collaborate with operations, engineering, and management to support strategic initiatives, capital projects, and long-term asset management.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned, including cross-functional leadership support when needed.

NAES Safe

Safety is a core value at NAES, and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to remain mentally alert and work safely at all times. Employees must also adhere to all safety warnings and posted signs while on company property. Additionally, they are required to follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Adherence to these safety responsibilities is one of the key factors in the evaluation of each employee’s performance.

Working Relationships

The Electrical Technician reports directly to the Maintenance Manager and receives general direction from other plant management. This role involves interfacing with contractors and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) personnel.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical requirements include standing for extended periods of time, climbing stairs and ladders, working from elevated platforms and walkways at varying heights, and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds.

Power plant environment that may involve entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas, and handling hazardous materials, with exposure to fumes, extreme temperatures, and noise. Work may include high heat near equipment and varying outdoor weather conditions.

Some duties may require the use of protective equipment, which can include hard hats, safety glasses, and eye protection, air masks/respirators, ear protection, chemical suits, flame-resistant clothing (FRC), hot gloves, high-voltage protective gear, and fall protection. Fit testing for respirators may be required. Strict smoking restrictions apply in and around the facility.

Fitness for Duty

All personnel will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program, which includes a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening.

Work Schedule

This position will also 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 will also be required.

Compensation

This position offers a base pay rate ranging from $50.00 to $54.00 per hour, along with eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Core Qualifications and Skills

We are seeking a qualified Electrical Technician with hands-on experience in power generation operations and maintenance. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong technical aptitude, a commitment to safety, and a track record of contributing effectively within a team environment to support reliable plant performance.

• Ability to understand and follow procedures related to electrical systems, typically demonstrated by a high school diploma or equivalent. An associate degree in electrical technology, power plant electrical systems, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent industry or military electrical experience may also be considered.
• Progression from Journeyman Electrician, military equivalent, or Senior-level role, with strong experience in power generation or heavy industrial environments and the ability to serve as a technical authority.
• Extensive experience with high-voltage systems up to 230kV, including maintenance and troubleshooting of substation and switchyard equipment, with solid knowledge of safety and regulatory standards.
• Advanced ability to troubleshoot and repair complex electrical systems, including generators, transformers, protective relays, and control circuits supporting unit operation and synchronization.
• Experience commissioning and calibrating instrumentation and control systems, including temperature, pressure, and flow devices.
• Strong background in preventive and predictive maintenance programs, using diagnostic tools such as meggers and relay test equipment.
• Proven capability in leading electrical isolations (LOTO), switching, and system restoration, while supporting safety training and best practices.
• Proficiency with CMMS, digital tools, and data systems for documentation, tracking performance, and supporting reliability improvements.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills, with the ability to interpret technical procedures and provide actionable recommendations.
• Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver's license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.

About NAES

NAES Corporation is a leading provider of operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities. We have built a reputation as a reliable partner for clients in North America and internationally, offering services across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. Our growing family of companies allows us to address the entire life cycle of power generation and other industrial plants.

NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We prioritize selecting employees based on merit and competence, seeking individuals of the highest quality, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other form of discrimination prohibited under applicable local, state, and federal law.