Chalk Point Generation Station, located in Aquasco, Maryland, is a major power generation facility with a total capacity of approximately 1618 MW. The station comprises nine units, including seven gas turbines, and two steam turbines. This configuration allows the station to effectively meet regional energy demands.

Opportunity Summary

The 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: 

Track forced outages and loss of generation, conducting root cause analysis as necessary, and fulfilling internal and external reporting requirements. Coordinate with external contacts, including engineering firms and equipment manufacturers, to discuss field changes, resolve issues, and exchange information effectively. Monitor overall plant performance, including combustion and steam turbines and the Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG). Analyze heat rate and efficiency trends, recommending operational enhancements to maximize plant profitability. Oversee the maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of electrical systems, including transformers, switchgear, motor control centers, and distribution panels, ensuring optimal performance and adherence to safety standards. Evaluate and optimize control systems performance, ensuring efficient operation of plant equipment, including Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC). Conduct regular testing and calibration of protective relays, circuit breakers, and other electrical protection devices to ensure reliable operation and compliance with plant safety protocols and regulatory requirements. Implement condition monitoring techniques such as vibration analysis, thermography, and oil analysis to assess the health and performance of critical equipment. Manage instrumentation and measurement systems across the plant to ensure accurate and reliable data acquisition, including equipment calibration and maintenance. Collaborate with operations and maintenance teams to design and implement electrical system upgrades, including modifications to power distribution, control systems, and electrical equipment, to improve plant reliability and efficiency. Develop and communicate work practices and procedures to keep site drawings and documentation up to date, ensuring accuracy. 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 the use of plant and contractor personnel. 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, ensuring adherence to all safety standards.

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 all other site Management 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 $135,000 to $165,000 and will include an annual performance bonus.

Job Qualifications 

Individual who has a passion for excellence in plant operations and maintenance. Work history will demonstrate progressively increasing responsibilities with at least three years of directly related experience in a power plant environment. 

Bachelor's degree Electrical Engineering or a related field is required. Relevant work experience may substitute education on a year-for-year basis. Demonstrated understanding and proficiency in power plant operations, maintenance, or engineering, including operations and maintenance components. Highly desirable: Previous experience in root cause analysis and reporting of forced outages and loss of generation. Proficiency in analyzing and optimizing control systems performance, including DCS and PLC systems. Strong understanding of condition monitoring techniques such as vibration analysis, thermography, and oil analysis. Familiarity with instrumentation and measurement systems, including calibration and maintenance procedures. Ability to analyze equipment failures, identify root causes, and develop effective recovery plans. Proven track record of implementing cost-effective solutions to prevent equipment failures and optimize plant performance. Experience with real-time performance management software such as OSIsoft PI systems for monitoring plant heat rate and efficiency. Experience with Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems/Data Acquisition and Handling Systems (CEMS/DAHS). General knowledge of major environmental legislation concerning air, water, hazardous materials, and waste management. Familiarity with applicable safety statutes and regulations and understanding of principles associated with maintaining a strong safety program. Excellent writing and analytical skills, with the ability to present facts, conclusions, and recommendations effectively in written communications. Must possess a valid and unrestricted driver's license, ensuring it remains in good standing 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.