Equipment Operator Jr. - Operator, Equipment Operator

Indiana Michigan Power Company; Rockport (IN); On-site; USD 35,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Benefits package

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

American Electric Power (AEP) in Rockport, IN, seeks an entry‑level Maintenance Technician to support power plant operations. You will perform semi-skilled maintenance, operate tools, and monitor equipment, with a clear path toward becoming an Operations Equipment Operator once competency is achieved.

The role requires an engineering/energy tech associate degree or equivalent experience, plus a valid Indiana driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Entry-level position with progression to Operations Equipment Operator after competency is achieved.
• Education or related experience requirements as listed above.
• Valid State driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Isolate, clean, inspect, and return to service components like strainers and heat exchangers.
• Operate and service portable power tools and equipment; maintain tidy work areas.
• Monitor plant equipment for normal operation and report anomalies.
• Conduct routine maintenance and simple disassembly/reassembly tasks.
• Assist in boiler and auxiliary preparation for operation and removal from service.

Education

Associate degree in engineering, industrial or energy technology

Associate degree in another discipline + 2 years related work experience

High school diploma + 4 years related work experience

High school diploma + 2 years military experience

Tools

None

Job description

Job Posting End Date11-06-2026Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end dateJob SummaryPerform semi-skilled manual work, maintenance and operating duties in connection with power plant operation, as assigned. Job duties may vary, depending on the line-of-progression (Operations,). This is an entry level position with the requirement to progress to an Operations Equipment Operator once competency has been achieved.Job DescriptionWhat You’ll Do: Isolate, clean, open, replace, inspect, close and return to service strainers, heat exchangers and dust collectors.Operate, clean, service and lubricate portable power-driven tools and equipment. Maintain tools, equipment and work areas in a clean and orderly condition. Utilize portable meters, analyzers and equipment to conduct tests and monitoring. Lubricate and check lubrication equipment; adjust packing glands as necessary and perform necessary operative maintenance, using appropriate hand tools. Operate oil filtering equipment.Operate, regulate, adjust, clean and perform minor maintenance on bottom ash and flyash handling equipment, including associated pumps, piping and valves. Monitor and inspect all plant equipment for normal operation. Identify and report abnormal conditions to the proper authority and write work orders.Perform simple disassembly and assembly work, clean and recondition parts, lubricate, bolt, unbolt, wire brush and open and close inspection doors. Prepare equipment work surfaces and areas by removing insulation guards and simple housing; remove pipe covering and insulation and prepare such surfaces for recovering. Erect and remove simple scaffolding and rigging. Perform minor maintenance work on heating and plumbing systems such as repair valves, repair and replace fittings and short sections of piping; clean and replace traps. Load, unload, move and handle materials, supplies and equipment; open boxes, barrels, bags and other materials. Operate material handling equipment includes hoists, fork-lift trucks, skid steer loaders, small tractors and automotive equipment and their associated equipment and perform duties incidental to the operation of such equipment.Perform routine cleaning of plant areas and equipment, including outside areas, as assigned. Clean oil igniters and nozzles.Assist in preparing boilers and auxiliaries for operation and removal from service. Monitor coal feeds mills and burners and observes conditions of fires and furnaces. Hand lance slag in boilers, hand- operating soot blowers, unplugging ash lines, disposing of clinkers and other similar work.Use flow diagrams to identify system piping and equipment and revise these prints as required. Make required equipment checks and assist in performing tests and preparing related reports, graphs and curves.Perform duties in accordance with Company's safety rules, operating regulations and practices and report unsafe conditions and practices. Train for and carry out assignments in firefighting, first aid and other emergency response programs as required.Attend training when required, whether onsite or offsite.Must gain proficiency with software and conduct all Operational Rounds.Note: This position is posted at multiple grade levels and offers a range of opportunities for advancement. The minimum qualifications outlined below apply to the Designer level, with increased educational, skill or experience requirements for higher level Designers.What We're Looking For:Education and work requirements are listed below:Associate degree in engineering, industrial or energy technology;OR associate degree in another discipline and two (2) years of related work experienceOR high school diploma with four (4) years of related work experienceOR high school diploma with two (2) years of related military experienceRelated experience is listed under Principal Accountabilities.Required License(s)/Certification(s) are listed below: Possess a valid State driver's license.As part of the selection process, candidates are required to complete an online pre-employment assessment and achieve a “recommended” result. Additional information and preparation resources can be found in the Employment Test Prep section of our website: https://www.aep.com/careers/testprep/.What You’ll Get:In addition to competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do!At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!Compensation DataCompensation Grade:N005-595Compensation Range:$25.66 - $42.63The Physical Demand Level for this job is: M – Medium Work: Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work.Hear about it first! Get job alerts by email. Log in to your Candidate Home Account today! If you don't have an account, you can create one.It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.