Lead Maintenance Technician

NAES; New Milford (NJ); On-site; USD 80,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

NAES, Gilbert Generating Station, is seeking a Lead Maintenance Technician to provide technical leadership for mechanical and electrical maintenance of the combined-cycle and simple-cycle units, and related balance‑of‑plant systems.

The role coordinates preventive, predictive, corrective, and outage maintenance, mentors staff, and partners with Operations, Engineering, and OEM representatives to sustain safe, reliable operation.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in power plant technology or related field.
• Experience maintaining gas turbines, steam turbines, generators, and balance-of-plant systems.
• Strong safety culture, OSHA/LOTO knowledge.
• Experience administering preventive, predictive, corrective, and outage maintenance programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead Mechanical and Electrical Maintenance Technicians in safe maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of plant equipment.
• Oversee preventive, predictive, corrective, and outage maintenance programs to maximize reliability and availability.
• Plan and coordinate maintenance during outages, including contractor oversight and resource management.
• Mentor maintenance personnel and drive continuous improvement.
• Maintain CMMS work orders and technical documentation for regulatory compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Troubleshooting

Outage planning

CMMS

LOTO safety

Education

Associate degree in power plant technology

Tools

CMMS

MCCs

Electrical testing tools

Job description

The Gilbert Generating Station, located on a 232-acre site along the Delaware River in Hunterdon County, features a 288 MW four-on-one natural gas combined-cycle unit and a 152 MW oil/gas-fired simple-cycle peaking turbine. Originally commissioned in the 1920s as a coal-fired facility, the plant was converted to oil in 1970 and later transitioned to natural gas, reflecting its evolution in response to changing energy demands and fuel availability.

Opportunity Summary

The Lead Maintenance Technician provides technical leadership for the mechanical and electrical maintenance of the Gilbert Generating Station's combined-cycle unit, simple-cycle peaking unit, and associated balance-of-plant systems. This role coordinates preventive, predictive, corrective, and outage maintenance activities; mentors maintenance personnel; and partners with Operations, Engineering, and contractors to support the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the plant.

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

• Lead and coordinate Mechanical and Electrical Maintenance Technicians in the safe maintenance, troubleshooting, testing, and repair of plant equipment supporting combined-cycle and simple-cycle operations.
• Oversee preventive, predictive, corrective, and outage maintenance programs to maximize equipment reliability, availability, and performance.
• Provide technical leadership for the maintenance and repair of gas turbines, steam turbines, HRSGs, generators, switchgear, transformers, pumps, valves, compressors, heat exchangers, and other balance-of-plant equipment.
• Plan and coordinate maintenance activities during planned and forced outages, ensuring personnel, contractors, materials, and equipment are effectively utilized.
• Serve as the primary maintenance liaison between Operations, Engineering, contractors, OEM representatives, and Plant Management to support maintenance planning, equipment reliability, and continuous improvement.
• Direct complex maintenance activities, including equipment installation, precision alignment, balancing, electrical testing, system restoration, and commissioning.
• Coordinate equipment isolation, electrical switching, and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) activities while ensuring compliance with plant procedures, engineering standards, and safety requirements.
• Analyze equipment performance and failure trends, lead root cause investigations, and implement corrective actions that improve equipment reliability and asset life.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to maintenance personnel while promoting safe work practices, quality workmanship, and continuous skill development.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, technical documentation, and CMMS work orders to support planning, regulatory compliance, and operational readiness.
• Perform other duties, special projects, and assignments as directed to support safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations.

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 Maintenance Technician reports to the Maintenance Manager, oversees the Combustion Turbine Technicians, and coordinates maintenance activities with plant personnel, contractors, and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) representatives.

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 of $58.83 per hour, increasing to $65.37 per hour upon successful completion of the probationary period, plus eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Technical Competencies And Leadership Qualifications

• Associate degree in power plant technology, industrial maintenance, mechanical technology, mechanical engineering technology, or a closely related technical field is preferred. Equivalent military or industrial maintenance experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
• Advanced knowledge of power plant mechanical and electrical systems, with hands‑on experience maintaining combined‑cycle and simple‑cycle generating equipment in a utility or heavy industrial environment.
• Comprehensive understanding of combined‑cycle and simple‑cycle power generation equipment gained through maintenance or operations experience supporting gas turbines, steam turbines, generators, and balance‑of‑plant systems.
• Proficient in the maintenance, repair, troubleshooting, and testing of mechanical and electrical equipment, including pumps, motors, valves, heat exchangers, compressors, generators, switchgear, transformers, motor control centers (MCCs), and associated plant systems.
• Demonstrated experience administering preventive, predictive, corrective, and outage maintenance programs using CMMS applications, equipment condition data, and maintenance history to improve equipment reliability, availability, and maintenance planning.
• Experience planning, coordinating, and leading maintenance activities, including outages, contractor oversight, work prioritization, and cross‑functional coordination to support safe and reliable plant operations.
• Thorough knowledge of industrial safety, electrical safety, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), OSHA, environmental requirements, and applicable regulatory standards, with a demonstrated commitment to promoting a strong safety culture.
• Proven leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to mentor maintenance personnel, troubleshoot complex mechanical and electrical equipment issues, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• 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 by applicable local, state, and federal law.