Lead Plant Operator

NRG Energy; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 103,664 - 155,496; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental benefits

401K plan

Annual bonus

Job summary

NRG Energy in Rockford is seeking a Senior Operations and Maintenance Technician. This key position involves overseeing plant operations, maintaining Siemens V84.3A2 turbine systems, and training operators. Candidates should have extensive experience with natural gas plants and strong mechanical and electrical skills. Additional responsibilities include compliance with safety regulations and operation of maintenance systems.

The position offers a competitive salary ranging from $103,664 to $155,496, with comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and 401k options.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of direct experience in operations and/or maintenance of natural gas power plants.
• Demonstrated experience with Siemens V84.3A2 combustion turbine platform.
• Must possess the ability to read and interpret technical drawings and schematics.

Responsibilities

• Monitor, operate, and maintain equipment in the power plant operations.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance ensuring maximum efficiency.
• Train and mentor plant operators on operational practices.

Skills

Mechanical systems knowledge

Electrical systems knowledge

Instrumentation skills

Troubleshooting abilities

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

SAP

Computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS)

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Summary

Rockford Generation is seeking an experienced Senior Operations and Maintenance Technician with a minimum of 7 years of hands‑on experience operating and maintaining simple cycle natural gas power plants. The ideal candidate will possess direct, demonstrated experience with the Siemens V84.3A2 combustion turbine platform. In this senior role, the technician will serve as a key technical resource for the management team – planning and executing maintenance activities, training plant operators (including remote operations), covering shifts as needed, and acting as the primary on‑call contact for plant issues. This position also carries primary responsibility for the station’s SAP activities including purchase requisitions, inventory management and preventative maintenance program.

Job Functions

Operations

• Monitor, operate, and maintain all equipment associated with natural gas simple cycle power plant operations, with specific expertise on Siemens V84.3A2 turbine T3000 DCS platforms.
• Execute startup, shutdown, and routine operational procedures for combustion turbine systems in accordance with OEM guidelines and plant procedures.
• Troubleshoot and resolve operational issues promptly to minimize downtime and maintain unit availability.
• Serve as the primary on‑call contact for plant staff – available during off‑hours and expected to be the first call when issues arise at the facility.
• Ensure the continued development of the NRG Generation box, safety over production and environment over production philosophies.
• Work collaboratively with plant management and operators to achieve plant goals and the safe operation of the units.

Maintenance & Repairs

• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on combustion turbine and auxiliary equipment, ensuring maximum efficiency and reliability.
• Conduct routine inspections and calibration of machinery to meet operational and OEM standards.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and OEM manuals specific to the Siemens V84.3A2 platform.
• Hands‑on experience with pumps, compressors, heat exchangers, fuel systems, turbine control and FM200 fire protection systems.
• Assist management team with outage planning, scheduling, and procurement of parts and services.
• Collaborate with engineering teams for equipment upgrades, modifications, and life extension activities.

Training & Leadership

• Train and mentor plant operators in safe, efficient, and compliant operating practices for combustion turbine systems.
• Develop and deliver training on individual systems at the facility to expand operator knowledge.
• Provide technical guidance and subject matter expertise to support the management team.
• No direct reports; functions as a senior individual contributor and technical lead.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow strict safety protocols and environmental regulations to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal standards.
• Serve as the station’s primary SAP leader responsible for activities including purchase requisitions, inventory management and preventative maintenance program; NERC compliance contact for the station; maintain program documentation and ensure all applicable NERC reliability standards are met.
• Participate in safety drills, hazard assessments, and emergency response procedures.
• Maintain accurate documentation of operating logs, maintenance records, safety inspections, and compliance reports.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate’s degree or certification in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Maintenance, or related field a plus.
• Military technical training or equivalent industrial experience strongly valued.
• 7+ years of direct experience in operations and/or maintenance of simple cycle natural gas power plants.
• Demonstrated hands‑on experience with the Siemens V84.3A2 combustion turbine platform is required.
• Familiarity with NERC reliability standards is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proficiency in mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation systems related to combustion turbine power generation.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, P&IDs, schematics, and OEM documentation.
• Strong knowledge of hazards associated with natural gas power generation and the safety precautions required for safe plant operations.
• Adherence to all safety practices, procedures, and site security requirements at all times.
• Proficient in remote operations technology and procedures; able to operate and troubleshoot plant systems from off‑site.
• Skilled in using computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and operational data systems.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office and technical reporting tools.
• Basic math skills and strong verbal communication skills; proficient with power and precision tools.
• Ability to work independently without direct supervision and cooperatively across cross‑functional teams.
• Willingness and availability to respond to plant calls outside of normal working hours.

Work Environment

• Personal protective equipment including hard hats, safety shoes, safety glasses, hearing protection, and other PPE must be worn as required.
• Work with hazardous materials may be required.
• Work is predominantly performed at plant facilities, to include indoor and outdoor environments.
• All employees must always observe facility security requirements.
• Must be able to work in elevated areas and confined spaces.
• Must be able to work rotating or night shifts as necessary to cover when operators are absent.

Physical Abilities

• Must be able to work on feet for extended periods, including stair and ladder climbing.
• Must be able to routinely carry up to 50 pounds.

The base salary range for this position is: $103,664 – $155,496. The base salary range above represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. The range listed is just one component of the total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonus, short‑ and long‑term incentives, and program‑specific awards. In addition the position may be eligible to participate in the benefits program which include, but are not limited to, medical, vision, dental, 401K, and flexible spending accounts.

NRG Energy is committed to a drug and alcohol‑free workplace. To the extent permitted by law and any applicable collective bargaining agreement, employees are subject to periodic random drug testing, and post‑accident and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing. EOE AA M/F Protected Veteran Status/Disability. Level, Title and/or Salary may be adjusted based on the applicant’s experience or skills.