Operations & Maintenance Technician

About the Role

The Commonwealth Chesapeake Peaker facility, located just ¾ mile south of the Maryland border, houses seven LM 6000 turbines with a total generating capacity of 315 MW. As an Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Technician you will join a dedicated team responsible for operating and maintaining the plant, performing preventive maintenance, calibration, installation, and troubleshooting of critical equipment with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Instrument/electrical preventive maintenance: calibration, testing, installation, troubleshooting, and repair of process control devices, motors, generators, batteries, transformers, regulators, valves, circuit breakers, disconnecting switches, analog/digital instrumentation, control relays, communication systems, lighting, and auxiliary equipment.
• Mechanical preventive maintenance: calibration, testing, installation, troubleshooting, and repair of aero‑derivative turbines, generators, clutches, motors, pumps, compressors, and auxiliary systems; includes vibration analysis, laser alignment, and oil analysis.
• Instrumentation and controls preventive maintenance: calibration, testing, installation, troubleshooting, and repair of turbine control system (MicroNet), balance‑of‑plant control system (Emerson DeltaV), telemetry/SCADA (GE Harris, OSIsoft Pi), plant servers, networking, updates, and security systems.
• Safely operate vehicles, forklifts, man lifts, cranes, hoists, and welding/cutting tools, using appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Read and interpret complex blueprints, wiring, and schematic diagrams; perform internal and external switching and tagging for mechanical and electrical systems.
• Utilize the Maximo computerized maintenance management system to generate tasks, work orders, requisitions, manage spare‑parts inventory, and maintain accurate logs and pass‑down information.
• Actively participate in the site’s Safety Management, Environmental, EHS Contingency, and Maintenance Plans, ensuring compliance with safety protocols and regulatory agencies.
• When trained, safely fill, shut down, unload, and inspect diesel fuel handling, storage, and distribution systems.
• Maintain high standards of safety and housekeeping in assigned maintenance areas.
• Collaborate with team members to achieve plant goals and ensure thorough information turnover between shifts or project handoffs.
• Develop procedures, reports, log sheets, and checklists.

Major Equipment

• GE LM‑6000 aero‑derivative turbine, controls, and auxiliaries
• Alstom and Brush 50 MW air‑cooled generators, controls, and auxiliaries
• Centrifugal inlet air chillers and controls
• Rotary‑screw chillers and controls
• Fuel‑oil centrifuges
• Air compressors
• Fuel distribution, storage, and unloading systems
• Water‑supply systems, including demineralizers
• Emerson/Control Dynamics distributed control system (DCS)
• Transformers, relays, circuit breakers, and related equipment

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Standing for extended periods; stair and ladder climbing; routinely lifting up to 50 lb.
• Use of protective equipment such as hard hats, safety glasses, air masks, ear protection, chemical suits, hot gloves, and high‑voltage protective gear.
• Potential exposure to hazardous materials; extensive smoking restrictions on‑site.
• Varied work surfaces: tile, concrete, stone/rock, grating, soil, and grass.
• Access to uneven surfaces, ladders, platforms, and confined spaces following site procedures.

Work Schedule

The position follows a rotating 12‑hour shift pattern, alternating between day and night shifts. Extended hours, weekend and holiday work may be required based on schedule, workload, and plant conditions. “On‑call” status rotates on weekends and may be required periodically during the week.

Compensation

Starting hourly rate ranges from $38 to $45, plus an annual performance bonus.

Job Qualifications

• High school diploma (four years of education) required; a two‑year degree/diploma plus three years of related experience preferred.
• Five years of progressively responsible technician experience in a related industry may substitute for the degree requirement.
• Experience with electric generating equipment, turbine generators, and industrial chillers is desired.
• Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of combustion turbine operations, industrial safety, hazardous‑waste management, and plant parameter inspection/recording.
• Proficient in mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, or control systems.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; familiarity with Microsoft Office, CMMS (Maximo), maintenance logs, and procurement systems.
• Ability to work independently, collaborate with others, and devise creative solutions to instrumentation, electrical, and mechanical challenges.
• Valid driver’s license required at all times.

About NAES

NAES Corporation is a leading provider of operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities across North America and internationally. The company serves power generation, oil and gas, and renewable‑energy sectors, offering full‑life‑cycle support for industrial plants. NAES is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and selects employees based on merit and competence without regard to protected characteristics.