Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Technician

NAES; Kirtland (NM); On-site; USD 83,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

NAES is seeking an O&M Technician for the Saddle Butte West natural gas-fired plant near Kirtland, NM. You will support commissioning and ongoing operation, monitoring Jenbacher engine generators and plant equipment to maximize safety, reliability, and performance.

The role includes startup/shutdown, routine inspections, preventive maintenance, CMMS logging, and collaboration with EPC teams, with a 12‑hour rotating shift schedule and potential on‑call duties.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree preferred.
• Hands-on experience operating and maintaining reciprocating engine power generation equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, blueprints, and schematics.
• Valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor Jenbacher engine‑generator units and auxiliary systems per procedures.
• Perform preventive maintenance and minor repairs on mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and control systems.
• Conduct routine inspections, testing, and condition monitoring to ensure safe operation.
• Prepare equipment for maintenance and follow LOTO and other safety procedures.

Skills

Startup/shutdown

Troubleshooting

Mechanical systems

Electrical systems

Instrumentation

LOTO safety

CMMS

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in power plant technology or related field

Tools

CMMS

Job description

Saddle Butte West is a greenfield natural gas-fired reciprocating engine power plant under development near Kirtland, New Mexico, in San Juan County. The facility will be constructed in three phases, with commercial operation targeted for December 2026, late 2027, and mid-2028, increasing generating capacity to approximately 60 MW. Upon completion, the plant will include sixteen Jenbacher J620 and J624 engine-generator units, providing reliable, flexible generation to enhance regional grid reliability.

Opportunity Summary

The Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Technician supports the safe, reliable, and efficient commissioning and operation of the Saddle Butte West generating facility. This hands‑on role assists with startup readiness during plant construction and transitions into operating, monitoring, troubleshooting, and maintaining Jenbacher reciprocating engine‑generator units and balance‑of‑plant equipment to maximize safety, reliability, and plant performance.

As O&M Technician, your responsibilities specific to the Pre‑Commissioning Phase include:

• Monitor construction progress and verify that equipment installations align with OEM specifications, engineering drawings, and site safety protocols.
• Conduct construction quality assurance (QA) walkdowns and collaborate closely with Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractors to resolve installation discrepancies.
• Participate in classroom, OEM, and hands‑on training to become proficient in plant equipment, operating procedures, and site safety requirements.
• Assist with equipment inspections, system walkdowns, mechanical completion activities, and pre‑operational testing to prepare plant systems for commissioning.
• Document inspections, testing results, and punch‑list items to support system turnover and operational readiness.
• Work with commissioning personnel, contractors, vendors, and plant staff to safely complete startup readiness activities and support the transition to commercial operation.

Your scope of responsibility as O&M Technician will include the following primary functions:

• Perform startup, shutdown, operation, and monitoring of Jenbacher reciprocating engine‑generator units and auxiliary systems in accordance with established operating procedures.
• Monitor plant performance and operating parameters, identify abnormal conditions, and implement corrective actions within established guidelines.
• Perform routine inspections, operational testing, condition monitoring, and minor repairs to maintain safe and reliable plant operation.
• Prepare equipment for maintenance and follow established safety procedures, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and other safe work practices.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance, inspections, testing, and repairs on reciprocating engines, generators, pumps, valves, compressors, cooling systems, and other mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, control, and balance‑of‑plant equipment.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and control system issues to restore equipment reliability and optimize plant performance.
• Serve as a technical specialist in an assigned discipline—Instrumentation & Controls (I&C), Mechanical, or High Voltage/Substation Maintenance—performing advanced troubleshooting, testing, repair, and maintenance while cross‑training across disciplines to support safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations.
• Maintain accurate operating logs, equipment history, inspection, maintenance, repair, performance, and commissioning records using the plant’s Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Collaborate with plant personnel, contractors, vendors, and commissioning teams to safely and efficiently complete operational, maintenance, and commissioning activities.
• Promote a strong safety culture by complying with all plant safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements while supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the safe, reliable, and efficient commissioning and operation of the facility.

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 O&M Technician reports to the Operations and Maintenance Manager and takes general direction from 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 O&M Technician works a rotating 12‑hour shift schedule, alternating between days and nights to support continuous 24/7 operations. This position may occasionally require extended hours, flexible schedules, weekends, holidays, and periodic on‑call duty to support plant operations, workload demands, and plant conditions.

Compensation

This position offers a base pay rate ranging from $39.52 to $55.36 per hour, along with eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Core Qualifications and Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent required. An associate degree in power plant technology, engineering technology, or a related technical field is preferred. Relevant industry or military experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
• Specialized expertise, with demonstrated advanced knowledge and hands‑on experience in one of the primary technical tracks: Mechanical, Instrumentation & Controls (I&C), or High Voltage/Substation Maintenance.
• Hands‑on experience operating and maintaining reciprocating engine power generation equipment or other power generation or heavy industrial systems.
• Proficient in equipment startup, shutdown, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and repair of mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and control systems.
• Working knowledge of reciprocating engine systems, generators, auxiliary equipment, process controls, electrical systems, and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
• Ability to inspect, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain engines, pumps, valves, compressors, cooling systems, and other balance‑of‑plant equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematics, procedures, and equipment documentation.
• Working knowledge of OSHA requirements, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), environmental regulations, and safe work practices applicable to power generation or industrial facilities.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills, with the ability to work effectively with plant personnel, contractors, vendors, and commissioning teams.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to identify equipment issues, implement corrective actions, and support continuous improvement.
• 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.