Power Plant Operator Level 3

Northrop Grumman; United States; On-site; USD 73,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Overtime eligibility

Job summary

Northrop Grumman in Palmdale, CA seeks a Power Plant Operator Level 3 to ensure safe, reliable operation of central utility systems 24/7. The role includes monitoring chillers, boilers, water systems, and BMS alarms, with preventive maintenance and regulatory compliance.

You will coordinate with Facilities Maintenance and Engineering teams, perform required inspections, and support emergency response activities while advancing critical site infrastructure.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and 4+ years operating industrial, utility, or central plant systems.
• Must obtain/maintain California Water Distribution Operator Grade D2 within 12 months.
• Must obtain/maintain California Water Treatment Operator Grade T1.
• Experience with chillers, boilers, water treatment, and central plant equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor central plant equipment including chillers, boilers, and pumps.
• Perform routine inspections, rounds, and equipment readings.
• Monitor Building Management System (BMS) alarms and notifications.
• Support water treatment and distribution operations, including sampling and documentation.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance as assigned.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and control system issues.
• Maintain accurate operational logs and records.
• Coordinate with Facilities Maintenance, HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, BMS, Environmental, and Engineering teams.

Skills

Reading mechanical drawings

CMMS proficiency

Shift work

Security clearance eligibility

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

California Water Distribution Operator Grade D2 License

California Water Treatment Operator Grade T1 License

Tools

Building Management Systems (Niagara/Rockwell)

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Description

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman is looking to hire a Power Plant Operator Level 3 to our team of diverse professionals at our Palmdale, CA location!

The Power Plant Operator Level 3 is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the site's central utility systems, including chillers, boilers, air compressors, water treatment systems, water distribution systems, and associated building automation controls. This position plays a critical role in supporting 24/7 site operations and ensuring compliance with all regulatory, environmental, and operational requirements. Operators are responsible for monitoring equipment performance, responding to alarms, performing preventive maintenance activities, conducting required inspections and rounds, supporting troubleshooting efforts, and maintaining continuous operation of critical infrastructure systems.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor central plant equipment including chillers, boilers, cooling systems, air compressors, pumps, and utility distribution systems.
• Perform routine inspections, operational rounds, and equipment readings.
• Monitor and respond to Building Management System (BMS) alarms and notifications.
• Support water treatment and water distribution operations, including sampling, testing, documentation, and regulatory compliance activities.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance activities as assigned.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and control system issues.
• Maintain accurate operational logs, reports, and records.
• Support emergency response activities related to utility infrastructure.
• Coordinate with Facilities Maintenance, HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, BMS, Environmental, and Engineering teams.
• Follow all safety procedures, lockout/tagout requirements, confined space requirements, and company policies.
• Maintain compliance with all applicable federal, state, local, and company regulations.
• Ability to complete other tasks assigned to support the greater Facility’s needs.

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with minimum of 4 years of experience operating industrial, commercial, utility, or central plant systems.
• Ability to obtain and maintain both of the following certifications within the first 12 months of employment: California Water Distribution Operator Grade D2 License.
• California Water Treatment Operator Grade T1 License.
• Experience with chillers, boilers, air compressors, water systems, or similar industrial equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical, electrical, and process control drawings.
• Basic computer proficiency and ability to utilize computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
• Ability to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and emergency call-outs as required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain US Government Secret Clearance.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required program accesses.

Preferred Qualifications

• Possess both of the following certifications: California Water Distribution Operator Grade D2 License.
• California Water Treatment Operator Grade T1 License.
• Experience with Building Management Systems (Niagara, Rockwell, or similar platforms).
• Experience operating large industrial utility plants or central utility plants.
• State water certifications above D1/T1.
• Trade certifications related to power plant, mechanical systems, HVAC, controls, or water operations.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to climb ladders, stairs, and access elevated equipment.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in industrial environments, including exposure to heat, noise, mechanical equipment, and outdoor weather conditions.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Critical Role Statement

This position supports critical site infrastructure that provides heating, cooling, compressed air, water treatment, water distribution, and utility services necessary for site operations. Operators are expected to maintain a high level of technical competency, regulatory

Primary Level Salary Range: $72,600.00 - $121,000.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives.

In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO.

U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

We are a pioneering company. With careers across all areas: air, cyber, land, sea and space – our 90,000 employees work as one to defend and define the future. Northrop Grumman careers and internships are as varied as your interests, with a lifetime of potential that will give you every opportunity to do your best work. Working together with people from many backgrounds, personal passions and disciplines, we share a drive to push the boundaries of science, technology and engineering to meet the ever evolving needs of our customers worldwide.