San Joaquin Energy operates four distinct facilities in California. These include the Tracy Power Project in Tracy, a 330 MW combined-cycle plant, equipped with GE-7EA combustion turbines and Alstom HRSGs; the Henrietta Peaker Plant located in Lemoore, a 96 MW simple-cycle facility; the Hanford Peaker Plant located in Hanford, a 97 MW simple-cycle facility; and the Malaga Plant in Fresno, which features two LM6000 PC Spring units with a combined output of 96 MW.

Opportunity Summary

The Power Plant Engineer is a critical role responsible for designing, installing, and maintaining essential electrical systems to ensure reliable power generation, integrating renewable energy sources, and optimizing energy efficiency. This position involves configuring and maintaining advanced control systems, conducting regular inspections, troubleshooting issues, and enhancing plant performance and productivity. The role requires collaboration with plant personnel to implement safety protocols, analyze system data, and stay updated on industry advancements, contributing to the continuous improvement of power plant operations.

Your scope of responsibility as Power Plant Engineer will include the following primary functions: 

Electrical Engineer

Design, install, and maintain electrical systems, including generators, transformers, switchgear, and transmission lines, to ensure reliable power generation. Monitor and control the operation of generators and other electrical equipment to maintain optimal performance and efficiency. Develop and implement safety protocols and procedures to ensure compliance with electrical codes and regulations. Troubleshoot electrical issues, diagnose problems, and implement solutions to minimize downtime and maximize productivity. Optimize energy efficiency by fine-tuning electrical systems and implementing energy-saving measures. Integrate renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power into the existing power plant infrastructure. Configure and maintain control systems, including Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, for efficient plant operation. Conduct regular inspections and preventive maintenance activities to identify and address potential electrical failures or hazards. Collaborate with other engineers and plant personnel to ensure cohesive operation and maintenance of the power plant. Analyze data from monitoring systems to track electrical parameters, identify trends, and implement improvements. Design, integrate, and maintain Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) equipment to enhance grid stability and provide backup power. Stay updated on industry advancements and best practices in electrical engineering to continuously improve plant performance and reliability.

Plant Engineer

Track forced outages and loss of generation, conducting root cause analysis as necessary, and fulfilling reporting requirements both internally and externally. Coordinate with external contacts, including engineering firms and equipment manufacturers, to discuss field changes, resolve issues, exchange information, and prepare required reports for the owner. These reports include data to support invoicing, long-term service agreements (LTSA), and the monthly Flash Report. Monitor overall plant performance, including combustion and steam turbines, and the Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG). Analyze plant heat rate and efficiency trends, recommending operational enhancements to maximize profitability for plant owners. Evaluate and optimize the T3000 Siemens digital control system performance, ensuring efficient operation of plant equipment such as Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC). Collaborate with Siemens for upgrades and improvements and manage the T3000 LTSA. Implement condition monitoring techniques such as vibration analysis, thermography, and oil analysis to assess critical equipment health and performance. Manage instrumentation and measurement systems across the plant to ensure accurate and reliable data acquisition, including calibration and maintenance of equipment. Develop and communicate work practices and procedures to keep site drawings and documentation up to date. Responsible for the Management of Change (MOC) Program.  Analyze equipment failures, determine root causes, recommend recovery plans, and implement cost-effective solutions to prevent recurrence. Assist in investigating plant problems, incidents, accidents, and unusual events, providing analyses, recommendations, reports, and follow-up plans. Administer the Configuration Control Program to maintain high-quality documentation and provide updates to the Plant Engineer library and files. Develop and administer contracts and work scope for external contractors to maximize efficiency in plant and contractor personnel usage. Perform reliability studies to maximize plant availability and capacity factors. Review plant design and generate recommendations to reduce overall operational costs. Manage capital improvement projects to meet budgetary guidelines and contractual obligations. Fully support and participate in NAES Safety and Regulatory Compliance Programs.

NERC 

Responsible for the oversight, administration and coordination of all plant Operator and Owner NERC accountabilities. Must be familiar with all NERC standards and requirements in order to: 

Understand and interpret regulatory requirements (know where to obtain information and interpret requirements to be applied at the plant level). Monitor NERC websites for new regulations and requirements that are applicable to the plant. Ability to analyze large amounts of technical data and structure such information for the purposes of clearly documenting and demonstrating compliance with all applicable NERC Reliability Compliance standards. Complete Reliability Standard Audit Worksheets (RSAWs) for the plant. Provide responses that are accurate, technically competent, and given with consideration to represent the stakeholders in a proper manner during compliance visits. Ensure that plant NERC Reliability procedures and policies are kept up to date with requirements. Provide training to plant personnel on updated or new NERC procedures and requirements.

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 Plant Engineer reports to the Plant Manager. The Plant Engineer cooperates with the Operations and Maintenance Managers, Compliance Manager and Administrative Supervisor as needed in the daily operation of the plant. Maintains a positive relationship with NAES Corporate Engineering Support Services. The Plant Engineer will coordinate with operations on matters concerning environmental permits. 

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions 

Physical requirements include the possibility of standing for extended periods of time, stair and ladder climbing and 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.). 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 

This position entails a Monday to Friday work schedule during regular day shift hours. Position requires extended working hours and varied shifts, with the possibility of weekend and holiday work, as required by schedules, workload, and plant conditions. "On call" status will periodically be required. Some travel may be involved to participate in Manager, Owner, User Group, or other offsite meetings. 

Compensation 

Initial starting compensation will range from $125,000 to $150,000 and will include an annual bonus.

Job Qualifications 

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Engineering Regulatory Affairs, or a closely related discipline, with a strong foundation in technical and regulatory principles. Advanced proficiency in designing, installing, and maintaining electrical systems, including generators, transformers, switchgear, and transmission lines. Proficiency in configuring and maintaining control systems, including Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. Strong troubleshooting skills to diagnose and resolve electrical issues promptly. Experienced in plant engineering, with a focus on monitoring plant performance and conducting root cause analysis. Expert in condition monitoring techniques such as vibration analysis, thermography, and oil analysis. Skilled in managing instrumentation and measurement systems, ensuring accurate and reliable data acquisition. Thorough understanding of NERC standards and requirements, with a strong background in NERC compliance. Proficient in analyzing large amounts of technical data and structuring information to demonstrate compliance with NERC Reliability Compliance standards. Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively provide training to plant personnel and represent stakeholders during compliance visits. 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.