Lead Control Room Operator (CRO)

NAES; City of Rensselaer (NY); On-site; USD 103,000 - 112,000; Full time

Job summary

NAES seeks a Lead Control Room Operator for the Empire Generating Facility in New York. You will guide O&M staff, oversee startup/shutdowns and maintenance of two GE Frame 7FA.03 gas turbines, HRSGs, and the D11 steam turbine, ensuring safe, compliant operations.

You will analyze alarms and data, coordinate preventive tasks, and mentor technicians to maximize reliability while working a rotating 12‑hour schedule.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate degree in Power Plant Technology, engineering technology, or related discipline preferred.
• Experience with GE Frame 7FA and D11 equipment preferred.
• Ability to lead and mentor O&M personnel.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Valid US driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Direct and assist with operation, startup, shutdown, inspection, and maintenance of Empire's GE Frame 7FA.03 turbines, HRSGs, D11 steam turbine, RO systems, and related equipment.
• Evaluate operating conditions using alarms, trends, process parameters, and performance data.
• Oversee inspections, functional testing, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and minor repairs.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and controls issues; coordinate corrective work.
• Mentor and coordinate O&M Technicians in daily activities.
• Coordinate maintenance with contractors and vendors to maximize equipment availability and reliability.
• Maintain CMMS documentation and plant logs for history and parts usage.

Skills

Leadership

Troubleshooting

Communication

Technical mentorship

Maintenance coordination

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in Power Plant Technology or related field

Tools

GE Frame 7FA/ D11 equipment

CMMS

Job description

The Empire Generating Facility is a combined-cycle power plant that utilizes two General Electric (GE) Frame 7FA.03 gas turbines and a General Electric D11 extraction-point steam turbine in a 2x1 configuration. This setup provides a total capacity of 635 megawatts. By integrating gas and steam turbines, the plant maximizes efficiency, ensuring a reliable and substantial power output.

Opportunity Summary

The Lead Control Room Operator (CRO) supports the safe, efficient, and dependable operation of Empire Generating Facility by providing hands-on technical guidance across combined-cycle equipment and systems. This position coordinates daily operational and maintenance activities, supports troubleshooting, inspections, and preventive and corrective maintenance, and provides technical guidance and mentoring to O&M Technicians. The Lead CRO also collaborates with plant personnel, contractors, and vendors to help maximize equipment availability, reliability, and overall facility performance.

As Lead CRO, your primary responsibilities include:

• Direct and assist with the operation, startup, shutdown, inspection, and maintenance of Empire's two GE Frame 7FA.03 gas turbines, HRSGs, GE D11 steam turbine, Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems, and related balance-of-plant and auxiliary equipment.
• Evaluate operating conditions by reviewing equipment status, alarms, trends, process parameters, and performance data, responding appropriately to abnormal or changing conditions.
• Conduct and oversee equipment inspections, functional testing, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and minor repairs to support dependable combined-cycle operations.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and controls-related problems, coordinating corrective work to restore equipment and limit downtime.
• Serve as a technical resource for PLCs, distributed control systems (DCS), instrumentation, electrical equipment, wiring, and related control components.
• Verify equipment is properly operated, maintained, and returned to service in compliance with plant procedures, safety practices, and environmental requirements.
• Guide O&M Technicians in daily activities by providing technical assistance, mentoring, and coordination of maintenance and operational work.
• Organize and distribute preventive and corrective maintenance assignments, review completed work, and help ensure established safety and workmanship standards are met.
• Act as a key resource for the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), supporting accurate documentation of work orders, equipment history, identified issues, parts usage, and completed maintenance.
• Review and maintain operating logs and plant documentation, ensuring equipment conditions, abnormal events, and maintenance activities are recorded accurately and in a timely manner.
• Work with plant personnel, contractors, and vendors to coordinate maintenance needs, support equipment availability, and improve overall plant reliability.
• Assist plant management with daily operating and maintenance priorities and other activities that contribute to safe, efficient, and reliable facility performance.

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 Lead CRO reports to the Operations and Maintenance Manager and takes general direction from other plant management. Additionally, this position will coordinate with all other plant personnel to ensure safe and reliable plant operations.

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

The Lead CRO works a rotating 12-hour shift schedule, alternating between days and nights to support continuous 24/7 operations. This position will require extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, and holidays as needed to support plant operations and business needs and may also require callout availability. Depending on the position, on-call status may or may not apply.

Compensation

This position offers a base pay rate ranging from $49.32 to $54 per hour along with eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Required Qualifications and Operations Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent is required; an Associate degree in Power Plant Technology, engineering technology, or a related discipline is preferred. Comparable technical or industry experience may substitute for additional education.
• Extensive practical experience in combined-cycle power generation, with a background operating and maintaining gas turbines, HRSGs, steam turbines, and supporting auxiliary equipment; experience with GE Frame 7FA and D11 equipment is preferred.
• Proven ability to lead and support O&M personnel through technical guidance, work coordination, and hands-on mentoring.
• Advanced working knowledge of power plant equipment and operations, including startup, shutdown, troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of turbine-generators, pumps, valves, and associated mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
• Comprehensive understanding of gas and steam turbine operation, CEMS, electrical equipment, process controls, P&IDs, and operating parameters associated with combined-cycle generation.
• Ability to interpret and use blueprints, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, technical manuals, and other plant documentation for troubleshooting and maintenance activities.
• Solid knowledge of power plant safety requirements and work practices, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), OSHA regulations, and applicable environmental requirements.
• Effective troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities, supported by strong verbal and written communication, technical documentation, and basic mathematical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with contractors and vendors while coordinating maintenance activities and supporting safe, reliable work execution.
• 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 serve clients across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors throughout North America and internationally, supporting the full life cycle of power generation and other industrial facilities.

NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are based on merit and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, USERRA-protected status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.