Senior Operations & Maintenance Engineer

Ormat Technologies, Inc.; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 85,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Ormat Technologies, Inc. is seeking an experienced engineer to provide general engineering support for a battery storage facility. You will develop operation and maintenance procedures, troubleshoot equipment, participate in scheduling and preventive maintenance, and oversee on-site engineers or technicians.

This role requires safety focus and coordination with contractors and vendors. You will have a hands-on role in plant efficiency, performance monitoring, and implementation of field projects

Qualifications

• An engineering degree with at least four years of experience working in a power plant or an equivalent environment.
• Thorough knowledge of operating a power plant or battery storage facility.
• Thorough knowledge and/or background for operating and maintaining mechanical and/or electrical systems; ability to maintain electrical systems is preferred.
• Familiarity with basic internetworking protocol and related remote communication constructs for telemetry with RTUs.
• Knowledge and understanding of PLC‑based instrumentation and control systems; ability to troubleshoot, repair and calibrate is preferred.
• Preferred working knowledge of power electronics within a utility operating environment.
• Proficient in the use of hand tools, power tools and test equipment normally used in a power plant environment.
• Thorough knowledge of plant hazards and safety requirements.
• Computer literate in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel and various other programs.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Must possess a valid state driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Develop plant operation and maintenance procedures and contribute to performance improvements.
• Troubleshoot plant equipment and participate in preventive maintenance and scheduling.
• Supervise engineers or technicians on-site and coordinate with contractors.
• Prepare site budgets and work plans; manage overtime and resource allocation.
• Represent the company with vendors and regulators as assigned.
• Travel to remote sites as needed and operate safely and independently.

Skills

Engineering knowledge

Leadership

Troubleshooting

Safety compliance

Communication

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

PLC programming

SCADA programming

Electrical testing

Job description

Position Summary

This position is responsible for general engineering support including development of plant operation and maintenance procedures, ongoing plant troubleshooting, participation in plant schedule and preventive maintenance, plant safety, plant inventory, plant efficiency, performance monitoring and improvements, development and implementation of various field projects, revenue improvement and cost reduction. Supervision of other engineers or technicians will be required.

Essential Functions

• Thorough understanding of battery operation to include start-up, shutdown and emergency operational actions
• Performs both routine and non-routine preventative and corrective maintenance on plant equipment
• Makes plant rounds, logs equipment operating parameters and adjusts equipment as required
• Coordinates support contractors and internal resources
• Requisitions and assists in ordering and receiving plant materials
• Supervision of other engineers or technicians when on-site
• Represents the Company with vendors and regulators as assigned
• Responsible for scheduling coordinating work efforts as necessary including work assignments and approving overtime for hourly employees
• Preparing and developing site budgets and work plans
• Continuously increases own knowledge by personal independent study
• Implements emergency procedures as assigned
• Implements safety procedures as assigned
• Basic knowledge and experience in PLC programming, SCADA programming and implementation
• Works with contractors and other temporary labor during on‑site activities
• Uses installed and portable test equipment, technical manuals, system drawings and electrical schematics to troubleshoot equipment and systems
• Programs and troubleshoots field equipment
• Must be able to operate a vehicle safely, enter and exit without assistance, remain alert while driving for continuous periods and read and understand maps
• Must be able to travel overnight approximately 25% of the time via air, train or auto

Other Responsibilities

• Must be able to climb ladders, ascend and work off elevated platforms, ladders and walkways
• Must be able to travel to remote work sites and work safely unassisted
• Maintain trend reports on equipment operation for assigned system
• Complete various plant reports
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned

Education, Experience, And Skills Required

• An engineering degree with at least four years of experience working in a power plant or an equivalent environment
• Thorough knowledge of operating a power plant or battery storage facility
• Thorough knowledge and/or background for operating and maintaining mechanical and/or electrical systems; ability to maintain electrical systems is preferred
• Familiarity with basic internetworking protocol and related remote communication constructs for telemetry with RTUs
• Knowledge and understanding of PLC‑based instrumentation and control systems; ability to troubleshoot, repair and calibrate is preferred
• Preferred working knowledge of power electronics within a utility (or similar) operating environment
• Preferred knowledge of utility industry measurement & verification standards; ability to understand engineering design drawings, vendor equipment drawings and technical information
• Proficient in the use of hand tools, power tools and test equipment normally used in a power plant environment
• Thorough knowledge of plant hazards and safety requirements
• Thorough knowledge of computer‑based preventive maintenance programs
• Computer literate in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel and various other programs
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Must possess a valid state driver’s license
• Ability to make effective long‑term and instantaneous decisions
• Ability to solve problems and attention to detail
• Previous experience in supervising other employees, either direct reports or on a project basis
• Use discretion to balance competing priorities
• Familiarity with standard power plant PPE and its proper use
• Available for after‑business‑hours call‑ins
• Will often work independently and be the only company person on site
• May be called upon to travel to other company sites

Physical Requirements

• Occasionally perform heavy lifting up to 75 pounds
• Must be able to frequently climb to and work off elevated platforms, ladders and walkways
• Must be able to work in confined spaces and in harsh weather conditions
• Must be able to wear a variety of protective equipment
• Jobsite duties require sitting and/or standing for long periods of time with moderate bending, stooping, and kneeling
• The ability to work at a computer and computer monitor for long periods of time and stay alert