Instrumentation and Controls (I&C) Technician

About the role

Major Oak Power Station is a 305‑megawatt lignite‑fired power plant located in Robertson County near Bremond, Texas. The facility uses circulating fluidized‑bed (CFB) combustion technology to control nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, while crushed limestone is injected into the combustion process to reduce sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions.

The Instrumentation and Controls (I&C) Technician supports safe, reliable, and efficient operations by maintaining, calibrating, testing, and troubleshooting plant instrumentation, control systems, and automation equipment. This position supports the CFB boiler, steam turbine‑generator, combustion processes, emissions‑control systems, and auxiliary equipment through preventive and corrective maintenance. The role also provides limited electrical troubleshooting support for instrumentation and control circuits, working closely with Electrical Technicians and other plant personnel to maintain equipment reliability and performance.

Responsibilities

• Calibrate plant instrumentation and control devices, including transmitters, sensors, analyzers, control valves, actuators, and related field equipment, to ensure accurate measurements and reliable process control.
• Maintain programmable logic controllers (PLCs), distributed control systems (DCS), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, and associated automation equipment to support dependable plant operation.
• Troubleshoot instrumentation and control systems associated with the CFB boiler, combustion processes, steam turbine‑generator, boiler protection, burner management, equipment interlocks, and condition‑monitoring systems.
• Monitor the performance of emissions‑monitoring and pollution‑control systems by inspecting, testing, and maintaining associated instrumentation, analyzers, and control components.
• Provide limited electrical troubleshooting and maintenance support for instrumentation and control circuits, control panels, wiring, and related components within the position's scope; coordinate broader electrical repairs with Electrical Technicians.
• Assist with equipment installations, commissioning, outages, control‑system modifications, and capital projects by verifying functionality, supporting testing activities, and coordinating work with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, contractors, and equipment vendors.
• Evaluate equipment performance, process readings, alarm conditions, and control‑system data to identify developing problems, assist with root‑cause investigations, and recommend corrective actions that improve reliability and efficiency.
• Document maintenance activities by completing work orders, calibration records, inspection reports, and other technical documentation, while maintaining applicable drawings, equipment records, and test instruments.
• Follow established safety procedures and environmental requirements, identify workplace hazards, implement appropriate corrective actions, and handle hazardous materials and regulated waste in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Perform other duties, special projects, and technical assignments as needed to support safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations.

Working relationships

The I&C Technician reports directly to the IC&E Manager and receives general direction from plant management. The position works closely with Operations, Maintenance, Electrical Technicians, Engineering, contractors, and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) representatives to coordinate maintenance, troubleshooting, testing, and equipment improvements.

Physical requirements & working conditions

• Standing for extended periods, climbing stairs and ladders, working from elevated platforms and walkways at varying heights, and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Power plant environment that may involve entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas, and handling hazardous materials, with exposure to fumes, extreme temperatures, and noise.
• Work may include high heat near equipment and varying outdoor weather conditions.
• Some duties require protective equipment such as hard hats, safety glasses, eye protection, air masks/respirators, ear protection, chemical suits, flame‑resistant clothing (FRC), hot gloves, high‑voltage protective gear, and fall protection; fit testing for respirators may be required.
• Strict smoking restrictions apply in and around the facility.

Fitness for duty

All personnel participate in the Fitness for Duty Program, which includes a post‑offer physical examination, drug screening, and post‑employment random drug screening.

Work schedule

The I&C Technician works a four‑day, ten‑hour shift schedule. This position may occasionally require extended work hours and flexible shifts, including weekends and holidays, to meet operational schedules, workload demands, and plant conditions. Periodic callouts and on‑call duty are also required.

Compensation

Base pay rate ranges from $35.21 to $49.27 per hour, along with eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Instrumentation and Control, Electronics Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, or a related technical discipline is preferred; equivalent technical training or relevant industrial or military experience will be considered.
• Experience in power generation or a comparable industrial environment, preferably involving instrumentation, process controls, industrial automation, or equipment troubleshooting.
• Working knowledge of industrial instrumentation and control devices, including transmitters, sensors, control valves, actuators, analyzers, and related process‑control equipment.
• Ability to install, calibrate, test, maintain, and troubleshoot instrumentation and control systems in an industrial environment.
• Familiarity with PLC, DCS, and SCADA platforms, including their application to boiler controls, combustion systems, burner management, steam turbine controls, equipment protection, and process monitoring.
• Proficiency in interpreting instrument loop diagrams, electrical and instrumentation schematics, process and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), technical drawings, and equipment documentation.
• Basic knowledge of electrical principles and control circuits, with the ability to perform limited troubleshooting within the position's scope and coordinate more extensive electrical work with Electrical Technicians.
• Skill in evaluating equipment performance, interpreting process data and alarms, identifying potential causes of instrumentation or control‑system failures, and supporting corrective actions.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to maintain accurate technical records and coordinate maintenance activities with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, contractors, and vendors.
• Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver's license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.

About NAES

NAES Corporation is a leading provider of operations, maintenance, engineering, and technical services for the energy industry. We partner with clients across North America and internationally to support power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy facilities throughout their entire life cycle. NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military or veteran status, USERRA‑protected status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.