The La Paloma Power Facility operates as a natural gas-fired combined cycle plant, delivering a capacity of 1,022 megawatts. Utilizing ABB GT24 combustion turbines, ABB HRSGs, and an ABB VAX 16 Steam Turbine, this facility employs reliable technology for efficient energy production. Its strategic location and dependable equipment ensure consistent electricity supply while adhering to stringent environmental regulations, fostering sustainability and growth within the region. (approximately 40 miles west of Bakersfield).

Opportunity Summary

The Instrumentation Controls and Electrical (IC&E) Technician plays a critical role in ensuring the efficient and reliable operation of our power plant. Responsible for a diverse range of tasks including calibrating, testing, maintaining, and troubleshooting instrumentation, control systems, and electrical equipment, the IC&E Technician ensures adherence to safety protocols and industry standards. Collaborating with various departments, installing new equipment, and meticulously documenting maintenance activities, they are essential to minimizing downtime and maximizing the performance of our power facility.

Primary Duties

Calibrates, tests, maintains, troubleshoots, and installs all power plant instrumentation, control systems, and electrical systems. This includes, but is not limited to, control valves, fan dampers, conveyor systems, variable speed drives, motors, battery chargers, inverters, transmitters, various analyzers, shop calibration equipment, and instrumentation specific to natural gas-fired combined cycle plants, such as combustion turbines, HRSGs, and Steam Turbines.

Performs corrective, preventive, predictive, and emergency maintenance on electrical systems in modern power stations, covering 13.8KV and 4160-volt switchgear, motors, control centers, transformers, batteries, inverters, chargers, and main generator and excitation equipment.

Maintains, troubleshoots, and optimizes Allen Bradley PLC systems in the power plant. Performs inspections, diagnoses faults, and fine-tunes PLC programs for efficient operation. Collaborates with engineers to enhance PLC logic for improved performance.

Coordinates with other departments to ensure efficient maintenance operations and minimize downtime.

Installs new equipment and modifications as assigned, ensuring compliance with safety protocols and industry standards.

Maintains, cleans, and properly stores shop equipment and tools, including specialized tools for instrumentation and electrical maintenance.

Keeps detailed logs and records of problems, repairs, or downtime and updates plant drawings, databases, vendor information, calibration information, and other forms of station documentation accurately.

Implements safe working practices, immediately identifies hazards, and recommends and/or implements repairs to maintain a safe working environment.

Assists the Plant Engineer in performing and evaluating plant tests, including tests related to turbine controls, combustion control processes, and boiler control systems.

Works with outside contractors during overhauls or other times, as required, providing technical guidance and oversight on plant instrument and control-related work.

Handles and properly disposes of hazardous waste products such as batteries and fluorescent bulbs in accordance with safety regulations.

Performs other tasks as assigned by management to support the efficient operation of the power facility.

NAES Safe

Safety is a core value of NAES and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to be mentally alert and work safely at all times. Additionally, employees are required to adhere to all safety warnings and posted safety signs whenever on company property. Furthermore, employees must follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each employee’s performance.

Working Relationships

The IC&E Technician reports directly to the Maintenance Manager, while also receiving guidance and instructions from both the Operations Manager and Plant Manager.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical requirements include standing for extended periods of time, stair and ladder climbing and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds. Protective equipment must be worn in the performance of some duties (e.g. hard hats, safety glasses, air masks, ear protection, chemical suits, hot gloves and high voltage protective equipment, etc.). Work with hazardous materials may be required. There are extensive smoking restrictions in and around the facility.

Fitness for Duty

All employees will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program. This program includes a post-offer physical examination and drug screening and post-employment random drug screening. 

Work Schedule

Regular schedule includes 10 hour workdays with rotating day shifts. Position requires extended working hours and varied shifts with the possibility of weekend and holiday work, as required by schedules, work load and plant conditions. "On call" status will periodically be required.

Ability to work scheduled and unscheduled overtime as requested and able to respond to off-hour call-ins when contacted by phone or other means of communication.

Compensation

Initial starting compensation will range from $42.00 to $57.98 per hour, and will include an annual performance bonus.

Job Qualifications

High school education providing foundational understanding of procedures and instructions; an Associate Degree in a technical field, especially with electrical skills, is advantageous. Prior experience in power plants or industrial settings preferred, demonstrating familiarity with operations, safety protocols, and industry-specific equipment. Thorough knowledge and hands-on experience in troubleshooting and repairing electrical systems in modern power stations, covering 13.8KV and 4160-volt switchgear, motors, control centers, transformers, batteries, inverters, chargers, and main generator and excitation equipment. Proficient in maintaining and troubleshooting instrumentation systems specific to natural gas-fired combined cycle plants, including combustion turbines, HRSGs, and Steam Turbines. Understanding of burner management systems, combustion control processes, and boiler control systems for maximizing efficiency and safety during power generation. Hands-on expertise in turbine controls, encompassing start-up, shutdown, and operational adjustments, to ensure peak performance and reliability of steam turbine systems. Familiarity with Allen Bradley PLC and instrumentation, essential for maintaining and optimizing control systems. Skilled in performing routine inspections and preventive maintenance tasks on critical electrical equipment to ensure reliable operation and safety compliance. Comprehensive knowledge and practical experience in troubleshooting and repairing instrumentation used in modern power stations, covering burner management, combustion control, boiler controls, turbine controls, and machine condition monitoring. Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams, contractors, and vendors to coordinate maintenance activities, procure necessary resources, and ensure timely completion of projects, supporting continuous operation of the power facility. Strong writing and analytical skills for presenting facts, conclusions, and recommendations in written communications. Excellent oral communication skills and strong mathematical aptitude for conveying technical information effectively. Must possess and maintain a valid Drivers License at all times.

About NAES

NAES Corporation is the leading provider of operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities. We have established ourselves as a reliable partner for clients in North America and internationally, offering services across power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. Additionally, our growing family of companies enables us to address the entire life cycle of power generation and other industrial plants.

NAES is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. It is the practice of NAES to seek employees of the highest quality and to select individuals on the basis of merit and competence, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other basis of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state and federal law.