Plant Engineer

NAES; Warren (OH); On-site; USD 128,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

NAES is seeking a Plant Engineer to lead reliability initiatives, oversee outages, and drive improvements for the Lordstown Energy Center. You will work with plant personnel and external partners to optimize performance and ensure regulatory compliance.

The role requires experience with combined-cycle operations, DCS/PLC systems, predictive maintenance, and strong analytical communication skills. This on-site position offers a competitive salary and pathway for career growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering preferred; related experience may be considered.
• Experience with combined-cycle plant operations and reliability improvements.
• Knowledge of NERC/compliance and plant documentation is valuable.

Responsibilities

• Lead investigations into outages and equipment failures, and implement corrective actions.
• Monitor turbines, HRSGs, and balance-of-plant systems to optimize performance.
• Develop procedures and records for reliable, compliant plant operation.
• Coordinate with vendors, OEMs, and contractors on field modifications.

Skills

Root cause analysis

Plant performance evaluation

Predictive maintenance

Vibration analysis

Data/measurements analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

OSIsoft PI System

CEMS/DAHS

DCS/PLC instrumentation

Job description

The Lordstown Energy Center is a natural gas-fired combined-cycle power plant featuring two Siemens SGT6-8000H combustion turbines, NEM triple-pressure reheat heat recovery steam generators, and a Siemens SST6-5000 condensing steam turbine. The facility also includes advanced air-cooled generators, a 14-cell cooling tower, and emissions control systems designed to support efficient, reliable power generation while serving the regional grid.

Opportunity Summary

The Power Plant Engineer supports the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of Lordstown Energy Center through technical leadership in plant performance, equipment reliability, engineering programs, and regulatory compliance. This position investigates outages and equipment failures, develops reliability improvements, supports control and condition-monitoring programs, manages capital projects, and administers assigned NERC compliance responsibilities. The Plant Engineer works closely with plant personnel, Corporate Engineering, OEMs, contractors, and engineering firms to resolve technical issues and improve long-term performance.

Your scope of responsibility as Plant Engineer includes the following primary functions:

Engineering Performance & Reliability

• Track forced outages, generation losses, equipment failures, incidents, and abnormal operating conditions; lead root cause investigations, complete required reporting, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Monitor combustion turbines, HRSGs, the steam turbine, and balance-of-plant equipment to evaluate heat rate, efficiency, operating trends, and overall plant performance.
• Evaluate DCS, PLC, instrumentation, and measurement systems to ensure reliable operation, accurate data acquisition, proper calibration, and effective performance monitoring.
• Implement predictive and condition-monitoring techniques, including vibration analysis, thermography, and oil analysis, to identify developing equipment issues and support proactive maintenance.
• Develop engineering procedures, work practices, drawings, technical documentation, and configuration-control records to support accurate and consistent plant operations.
• Coordinate with plant personnel, OEMs, engineering firms, vendors, and contractors to resolve technical issues, implement field modifications, and develop effective scopes of work.
• Conduct equipment reliability studies and design reviews to identify improvements that enhance availability, capacity, efficiency, and long-term asset performance.
• Manage assigned capital improvement projects in accordance with approved scope, budget, schedule, technical specifications, and contractual requirements.
• Support NAES safety, environmental, and regulatory programs while performing additional duties as assigned by the Plant Manager.

NERC Compliance & Program Administration

• Oversee assigned Operator and Owner responsibilities associated with applicable NERC Reliability Standards and plant compliance requirements.
• Administer the plant's NERC Internal Control Program (ICP), monitor regulatory changes, interpret applicable standards, and maintain current compliance procedures.
• Prepare technical documentation and compliance evidence, including Reliability Standard Audit Worksheets (RSAWs), required to demonstrate adherence to applicable NERC standards.
• Collaborate with NAES NERC personnel and plant leadership to coordinate compliance activities, audits, reviews, and regulatory visits.
• Deliver training and technical guidance to plant personnel regarding new or revised NERC procedures, standards, and compliance responsibilities.

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 Plant Engineer reports to the Plant Manager and works closely with plant leadership, Operations and Maintenance personnel, Corporate Engineering, and external technical partners to support daily operations, regulatory compliance, and long-term asset performance.

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 Plant Engineer works a standard Monday to Friday day shift schedule. 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.

Some travel may be involved to participate in Manager, Owner, User Group, or other offsite meetings.

Compensation

This position offers an annual base salary ranging from $128,000 to $160,000 and includes eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Engineering Experience And Technical Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline preferred. Equivalent industry or military experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
• Demonstrated knowledge of combined-cycle power plant operations, maintenance, engineering practices, and generating equipment is required.
• Proven experience investigating forced outages, equipment failures, and generation losses through root cause analysis and development of cost-effective reliability improvements is preferred.
• Practical familiarity with NERC compliance programs, Reliability Standards, documentation, and audit requirements within an operating power generation facility is highly desirable.
• Technical proficiency with DCS, PLC, plant instrumentation, measurement systems, and control-system performance analysis is important for success in this role.
• Strong understanding of predictive maintenance and condition-monitoring techniques, including vibration analysis, thermography, and oil analysis, is expected.
• Hands-on exposure to real-time plant performance software such as OSIsoft PI System, along with familiarity with CEMS/DAHS applications, is preferred.
• Working knowledge of environmental regulations, OSHA requirements, safe work practices, and programs supporting a strong plant safety culture is necessary.
• Effective analytical and communication skills are required, including the ability to evaluate technical information and clearly present findings, recommendations, and corrective actions.
• 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.