Plant Operator

Direct Energy Business; Nipton (CA); On-site; USD 61,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

NRG Energy is seeking an experienced operator to oversee and maintain plant equipment in Nipton, CA. The role involves operating steam generators, solar fields, and turbines, with responsibilities for monitoring systems, logging data, and communicating clearly with team members.

The candidate should have strong electrical/mechanical fundamentals and a track record of safe operation in a power facility, with opportunities for advanced training and career progression.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of electrical or mechanical fundamentals (single craft journeyman skills).
• Basic knowledge of operational characteristics of equipment and control devices in power facilities.
• Ability to read, write and understand English; follow safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Oversees safe, efficient, reliable operation of all plant equipment.
• Operates steam generator, solar field, steam turbines and plant auxiliaries during routine and emergency conditions.
• Monitors data via instruments and recording devices; maintains shift logs.
• Troubleshoots and diagnoses operational problems; refers issues to maintenance when needed.
• Assists in corrective, preventive and emergency maintenance as qualified.
• Participates in regulatory training and self-directed learning to advance to Control Operator.

Skills

Electrical knowledge

Safety compliance

Team collaboration

Clear communication

Attention to detail

PC proficiency

Education

Electrical/mechanical fundamentals (single craft journeyman skills)

Job description

Date: Sep 23, 2026

Location: Nipton, CA, US, 92364

Company: NRG

As an NRG employee, we encourage you to take charge of your career and development journey. We invite you to explore exciting opportunities across our businesses. You’ll find that our dynamic work environment provides variety and challenge. Your growth is key to our ongoing success—take the lead in shaping your career development, goals and future!

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Oversees the safe, efficient, reliable, and environmentally sound operation of all plant equipment.
• Properly operates all equipment related to the steam generator, solar field, steam turbines, and plant auxiliary equipment during routine, abnormal, and emergency conditions.
• Thoroughly understands and executes the equipment LOTO procedure.
• Monitors and records data available through the use of various instruments, recording charts, annunciator systems, computer platforms, and other monitoring devices.
• Utilizes and professionally maintains shift logbooks following protocol.
• Communicates information clearly both orally and written. Follows required communication protocols for two-way radio, telephone, and face to face communication.
• Troubleshoots and provides diagnosis to either solve operational problems or provide thorough information in referring the problem to the maintenance group.
• Generates and reviews work requests for execution of equipment repair.
• Assists in corrective, preventive, and emergency maintenance for which they are qualified to safely and efficiently perform, to include the use of tools, equipment, and company vehicles.
• Actively participates in all required regulatory training and demonstrates the initiative to engage in self-directed training and study required to advance to the position of Control Operator.
• Assists in training other Operators.
• Performs any and all other technical and administrative duties associated with operating and maintaining a power facility.
• Performs work independently and/or in work crews.
• Works rotating shifts to include night shifts and weekends and is available for overtime as needed.

Qualifications

• Proven experience with a multitude of electrical/construction projects and knowledge of basic IT equipment.
• Understanding of general workplace safety and the ability to follow safety standards as well as help the company improve upon the standards in place.
• Ability to excel in a collaborative, cross-functional and geographically diverse organization.
• Maturity, professionalism and excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing with superiors and colleagues.
• High energy, developed interpersonal skills and a strong work ethic.
• Detail-oriented with an ability to synthesize complex analysis, approach new challenges with creativity and summarize information in a manner that supports key decision makers.
• Demonstrated proficiency in research, highly technical equipment and engineering.
• Excellent hands on abilities with strong technical skills
• Ability to operate personal computer with technical proficiency of standard business software
• Ability to read, write and understand English
• Knowledge of applicable safety and environmental regulations

Competencies

• Demonstrates proactive enthusiasm for solving problems and adding value to the company.
• Maintains a current level of professional knowledge.
• Focuses on personal growth and development by actively seeking feedback and responding with action.
• Ability to establish and maintain a positive and professional working relationship with all individuals.
• Communicates openly and honestly.
• Demonstrates professional behavior at all times.
• Is a strong team player and willing to assist others when necessary.

Education/Experience

• Demonstrated knowledge of electrical or mechanical fundamentals (single craft journeyman skills) such as electrical measurements, control circuits, hydraulics and solid state theory application and pneumatics.
• Basic knowledge of operational characteristics of equipment and associated control devices installed in power facilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of electrical or mechanical fundamentals (single craft journeyman skills) such as electrical measurements, control circuits, hydraulics and solid state theory application and pneumatics.
• Basic knowledge of operational characteristics of equipment and associated control devices installed in power facilities.

Physical Requirements

• Employee may be required to work long periods at a computer terminal.
• Employee may be required to work rotating shifts. Employee will be required to work overtime.
• Employee will be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) which includes but not limited to: fire resistant uniforms, steel-toed EH rated work boots, hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, fall protection and other job specific PPE.
• Employee may be required to lift up to 35 pounds, climb stairs and ladders, work at high elevations and in extreme weather conditions both hot and cold.

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/Vet/Disability. Level, Title and/or Salary may be adjusted based on the applicant's experience or skills.

Official description on file with Talent.

We support the use of AI tools to help you prepare for your interview (e.g., practicing responses, researching the role, or refining your resume). However, during interviews and assessments, we expect responses to reflect your own thinking, experience, and communication. Use of AI to generate or read answers in real time, complete assessments, or misrepresent your qualifications is not permitted and may impact your candidacy.

The base salary range for this position is: $60,800 - $91,200* *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.

Nearest Major Market: Riverside

Nearest Secondary Market: Los Angeles