O&M Plant Technician Lead (Outside)

AEP; Oregon (OH); On-site; USD 66,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power (AEP) is seeking a highly skilled plant operator to manage gas/oil-fueled generating units, turbines, HRSGs, and related equipment. You will lead startup, operation, and shutdown activities and direct outside personnel to ensure safe and efficient plant performance.

You will develop operating procedures for abnormal conditions, troubleshoot complex systems, monitor chemistry and environmental compliance, and coordinate with the Production Optimization Group to align

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; associate degree in a technical field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education, apprenticeship, military training, and experience considered.

Responsibilities

• Operate and start-up, run, synchronize and shut down turbines and related equipment safely.
• Monitor alarms and abnormal conditions and take appropriate actions.
• Maintain boiler water chemistry and plant chemistry; collect samples and analyze data.
• Coordinate with Production Optimization Group to obtain dispatch orders and confirm status.
• Lead maintenance and outage planning; supervise crews to ensure safety and efficiency.

Skills

Leadership

Safety awareness

Team coordination

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree in a technical field

Tools

DCS

P-GADS

TAPIS

Business Objects

Turbine Tool

Job description

Job Summary

Perform in a safe and efficient manner highly skilled work necessary in the operation and maintenance of gas/oil fueled electric generating unit composed of gas/steam turbines, generators, boilers/heat recovery steam generator (HRSGs), transformers, pumps, condensers, switchyard, and related auxiliary equipment. Operate the plant in startup, shutdown, steady state mode and abnormal conditions. Direct the work of outside operators, support personnel and contractors. Participate and direct others in development of operating procedures for abnormal operating conditions. Perform highly technical and skilled work in the checking, inspecting, repair, maintenance, installation and construction of plant equipment and structures. Perform and direct others in the troubleshooting of complex problems. Perform highly technical and skilled work in conjunction with troubleshooting the malfunctions and controls logic of electrical and electronic systems, digital control systems, communication systems, instruments and control systems, interlocks, computers, annunciator systems and recorders Perform technical work in chemical analyses, industrial hygiene and environmental testing and calculations related to the operating efficiency of power plant equipment. Perform and be responsible for environmental reporting and compliance with environmental and OSHA regulations. Conduct tests, surveys and layout work on plant projects. Communicate and coordinate activities affecting safe and efficient operation of plant in an often distracting and multitasking environment. Prepare and participate in development plans for lower classification employees and provides effective feedback. Provide leadership among peers and acts as exemplary representative of company in the community.

Job Description

What you will be doing

• Demonstrate ethical behavior and show strong leadership in safe and healthy work behaviors and environmental stewardship. Adhere to proper operating practices and procedures designed to prevent injury, illness, and environmental noncompliance. Observe and comply with governmental and company environmental, safety and health regulations. Demonstrate a strong work ethic, integrity, and willingness to work and communicate effectively with all AEP employees and contractors.
• Perform and direct other personnel to start-up, operate, control, synchronize and shutdown turbines, generators, condensers, boiler/heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs), boiler feed pumps, exciters, transformers, switchyard, and auxiliary equipment safely and efficiently. Operate valves, pumps and controls from the control room and remote locations as needed. Take appropriate actions in the event of abnormal plant equipment conditions and in accordance with plant guidelines for out-of-spec parameters. Monitor controlling, indicating, and recording devices, compare results with established standards and adjust as required to operating conditions. Enter and review data in the logbook.
• Monitor and respond to alarms and unusual conditions to ensure proper operation of equipment within established standards and report irregular and abnormal operating conditions to supervision.
• Perform and direct other personnel to maintain and monitor proper boiler water chemistry and other plant cycle chemistry by reviewing operational data and collecting and analyzing samples. Analyze data such as chemical test results, conductivity, pH, flow, and temperature readings, etc. and make appropriate adjustments. Direct others to make appropriate adjustments. Maintain and operate the water treatment plant.
• Communicate with corporate Production Optimization Group (POG) to obtain dispatch orders, confirm status and abnormal conditions. Regulate the unit(s) output in accordance with requirements and plant conditions.
• Perform and direct other personnel to monitor, inspect, install, remove, test, adjust, calibrate, troubleshoot and repair electrical, electronic, instrumentation and plant controls systems and components. Conduct electrical system interlock and circuit breaker trip checks to determine proper operational performance. Conduct interlock tests and performs functional tests on control systems and instrumentation. Perform control system monitoring and program modifications using a computer interface terminal. Use elementary, schematics, wiring and controls diagrams to locate, troubleshoot and repair control systems involving electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic components. Use electrical and instrumentation test equipment to troubleshoot and calibrate plant equipment.
• Perform and direct others in mechanical maintenance work including equipment alignment and rebuilds, and the use of machine shop and portable machining equipment. Perform and direct repairs of rotating equipment, valves, actuators, piping, etc.
• Perform and direct others in predictive and preventive maintenance work by inspecting, monitoring, lubricating, and testing plant equipment to determine conditions such as wear, corrosion, and deposits. Perform inspections and corrective maintenance activities on plant equipment and components. Conduct chemical tests and inspections to ensure proper operation of the plant. Maintain tools, equipment, and work areas in clean and orderly fashion. Perform predictive maintenance data analyses and make recommendations toward addressing potential equipment liabilities. Assist in developing program requirements for predictive maintenance program.
• Use work management systems to initiate, retrieve, approve, and update work orders, material requests, budget and variance reporting, PM's and time entry, etc. Use various applications and software programs such as DCS, P-GADS, TAPIS, PI, etc. to extract data, analyze trends and report status to ensure plant reliability and efficiency.
  

What we are looking for

• High school diploma or GED required. Associate degree in a technical field preferred. Equivalent combination of formal education, apprentice training, military technical training, and power generation experience will be considered.
• Minimum 7 years of power generation operations, maintenance, instrumentation & controls, electrical, or mechanical experience with demonstrated ability to lead work activities and provide technical guidance to others.

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

$47.59 - $61.87

Physical Demands

The 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

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.

“Knowing that I am part of team that is making the power grid safer and more reliable gives me a real sense of responsibility and enthusiasm for coming to work every day.”

Exhibits a good fundamental understanding of turbine and generator sets. Will act as an associate coordinator reporting to a senior coordinator, principle coordinator, or superintendent. Could work alone if experience supports activities. Will network throughout the system east and west to increase exposure and experience. Must be able to understand and participate in the following, project development, resource allocations, and specific duration expectations. Must provide guidance for supervision and craft personnel. Can assist in the planning and development of work packages and outage plans with the project lead and planners. Must continually look for opportunities to increase knowledge and technical skills and increase level of proficiency in the inspection procedures, inspection documentation and use of visual examinations during required large steam turbine generator set overhauls. Become familiar with computer programs (Work Management System/ Passport/ Turbine Tool/ Business Objects). Must be able to work safely and follow directions.

Supervise Technical crews in maintenance tasks required for power plant processes; assist in planning and coordinating outage related activities; respond to plant trouble and perform/assist in plant process system equipment troubleshooting. Plan and schedule work assuring a safe and efficient flow of activities. Lead crews in a manner that is supportive of and consistent with AEP’s Generation cultural pillars and Leadership framework. Assure all work will be performed in accordance with Company safety rules and practices.

Responsible for the performance of routine chemical analyses and testing. Perform more complex activities with instruction and monitoring by more senior personnel such as, trending, troubleshooting, problem solving, and data collection. Follow established procedures requiring the application of fundamental scientific knowledge and skills in a safe, effective, and efficient manner. Monitor boiler water quality by use of standardized tests, operate and monitor plant sewage treatment plant (plant specific), operate and monitor plant water treatment facility, operate and monitor cooling tower chemistry (plant specific), monitor drinking water (plant specific), monitor scrubber chemistry (plant specific). Conduct sampling and perform tasks associated with federal and state laws associated with water and wastewater. Understand and follow site specific permits and obtain state licensing as required. Participate in continuous improvement activities.

AEP offers generous time off, competitive pay, and educational opportunities to help employees advance their careers.

Our culture is purpose-driven and team-oriented: we combine innovation with a customer-first focus to deliver reliable energy and brighter futures.