Lead Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Technician

Middlesex Generating is a landfill gas-fired cogeneration plant in Sayreville, NJ, featuring a 17-megawatt (MW) combined-cycle facility. The plant operates two Solar Tarus T60 gas turbines, an Elliott steam turbine, and a Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG) to optimize power generation.

About the role

As a Lead Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Technician, you will support the safe and reliable operation of the 17 MW landfill gas-fired combined-cycle facility. This hands-on leadership role involves advanced troubleshooting, maintenance coordination, mentoring O&M Technicians, and ensuring overall plant reliability and performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the startup, shutdown, operation, inspection, and maintenance of Solar Taurus T60 gas turbines, Elliott steam turbine, HRSG, landfill gas systems, and associated auxiliary equipment.
• Monitor plant operating parameters, equipment condition, alarms, trends, and performance data; identify abnormal conditions and initiate corrective actions.
• Perform and coordinate equipment inspections, operating tests, preventive maintenance, minor repairs, and troubleshooting to maintain safe and reliable plant operation.
• Diagnose mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and control-system issues and coordinate repairs to minimize equipment downtime.
• Provide advanced troubleshooting support for PLCs, plant control systems, instrumentation, electrical systems, and associated wiring and components.
• Ensure plant equipment is operated, maintained, and prepared for service in accordance with established procedures, safety requirements, and environmental standards.
• Provide day-to-day functional direction and technical support to O&M Technicians, including mentoring team members and coordinating maintenance activities.
• Prioritize and assign preventive and corrective maintenance work, inspect completed work, and ensure maintenance activities meet safety and quality expectations.
• Serve as a subject matter resource for the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), ensuring accurate documentation of work orders, maintenance history, equipment issues, spare-parts usage, and completed work.
• Maintain and review operating logs and plant records, ensuring abnormal events, equipment conditions, and maintenance activities are documented accurately and promptly.
• Coordinate with plant personnel, contractors, and vendors to support maintenance activities and overall plant reliability.
• Support plant management with day-to-day operating priorities and other activities necessary to maintain safe, efficient, and reliable plant performance.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate degree in Power Plant Technology, engineering technology, or a related field preferred. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of additional education.
• NJ Gold Seal preferred; candidates without a Gold Seal must be eligible to obtain one within six months of employment.
• Significant hands-on power generation experience, preferably with gas turbines, steam turbines, HRSGs, landfill gas or similar fuel systems, and combined-cycle equipment.
• Demonstrated leadership experience providing technical direction, coordinating work, and mentoring technicians.
• Journeyman-level knowledge of plant operations and mechanical systems, including equipment startup/shutdown, troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of pumps, valves, turbine-generators, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and electronic systems.
• Working knowledge of gas and steam turbine operations, CEMS, electrical systems, process controls, piping and instrumentation diagrams, and plant operating parameters.
• Ability to read and troubleshoot using blueprints, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, technical manuals, and other plant documentation.
• Strong understanding of plant safety practices, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), OSHA requirements, and applicable environmental standards.
• Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, communication, technical writing, and basic mathematical skills.
• Experience coordinating contractors and vendors and supporting maintenance planning and execution.
• Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.

Working Conditions

• Physical requirements include 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 involving confined spaces, 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.
• Use of protective equipment, including 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.

Schedule

Standard Monday to Friday day shift schedule. Extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, holidays, and on-call availability may be required to support plant operations and business needs.

Pay

Base pay rate ranging from $45 to $55 per hour, with eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

About the company

NAES Corporation is a leading provider of operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities. We serve clients across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors throughout North America and internationally, supporting the full life cycle of power generation and other industrial facilities.