Power Plant Engineer, Entry Level

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 Entry-Level Power Plant Engineer will assist with the maintenance and monitoring of plant electrical systems, including generators, transformers, and control systems, to ensure reliable power generation. The role involves supporting troubleshooting efforts, updating procedures, and contributing to Battery Energy Storage Systems management. Additionally, you’ll help with NERC compliance tasks, including data maintenance, report preparation, and participating in training and testing activities.

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

Electrical Engineer Responsibilities

• Assist the Operation & Maintenance Team with basic maintenance of plant electrical systems, including generators, transformers, switchgear, and transmission lines, to support reliable power generation.
• Monitor and control the operation of generators and other electrical equipment to help maintain optimal performance and efficiency.
• Support the Operation & Maintenance Team in troubleshooting electrical issues by assisting in diagnosing problems and implementing solutions to reduce downtime and improve productivity.
• Help generate and update electrical and operations procedures, safety policies, and maintenance programs to meet standards set by government energy regulating agencies. Assist in developing and following safety protocols to ensure compliance with electrical codes and regulations.
• Assist with configuring and maintaining control systems like Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems to support efficient plant operation.
• Help analyze data from system monitoring tools to track electrical parameters, identify trends, and suggest improvements.
• Support the integration and maintenance of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and related equipment to aid grid stability and provide backup power.
• Stay updated on industry advancements and best practices in electrical engineering to help enhance plant performance and reliability.

Plant Engineer Responsibilities

• Assist in coordinating with external contractors, engineering firms, and equipment manufacturers to discuss field changes, resolve issues, exchange information, and help prepare reports for the owner. This includes gathering data to support invoicing, long-term service agreements (LTSA), and monthly reports.
• Support basic condition monitoring techniques such as vibration analysis, thermography, and oil analysis to help assess the health and performance of critical equipment.
• Assist with the Management of Change (MOC) Program by helping update work practices and procedures and keeping site drawings and documentation current.
• Help analyze equipment failures by assisting in determining root causes, suggesting recovery plans, and implementing solutions to prevent future issues.
• Support investigations into plant problems, incidents, accidents, and unusual events by providing basic analyses, recommendations, reports, and follow-up plans.
• Assist with outage management by helping to develop and administer contracts and work scope for external contractors and supporting projects to meet budgetary guidelines and contractual obligations.
• Participate in NAES Safety and Regulatory Compliance Programs by following safety protocols and contributing to compliance efforts.

NERC Compliance Responsibilities

• Assist with maintaining the GADS database and performing monthly reviews of GADS data. Support the preparation and submission of Monthly and Quarterly reports, and help track forced outages and loss of generation, including basic root cause analysis and reporting.
• Help analyze technical data and organize it to document and demonstrate compliance with NERC Reliability Compliance standards.
• Provide accurate and clear responses during compliance visits, ensuring proper representation of stakeholders.
• Support the maintenance and updating of plant NERC Reliability procedures and policies.
• Participate in training sessions on updated or new NERC procedures and requirements for plant personnel.
• Assist with PRC-005 maintenance and testing activities, including helping to set the scope for equipment such as relays, control power, CTs, PTs, and battery systems.
• Review test procedures for periodic NERC-required testing, such as MOD-025, MOD-026, and MOD-027. Familiarity with modeling programs is a plus.
• Monitor NERC websites for updates on new regulations and requirements relevant to the plant.

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 $100,000 to $120,000 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.
• Basic knowledge of designing, installing, and maintaining electrical systems, including generators, transformers, switchgear, and transmission lines.
• Familiarity with configuring and maintaining control systems, including Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.
• Developing troubleshooting skills to assist in diagnosing and resolving electrical issues.
• Some experience or understanding of plant engineering, including monitoring plant performance, and performing root cause analysis.
• Introductory knowledge of condition monitoring techniques such as vibration analysis, thermography, and oil analysis.
• Ability to assist in managing instrumentation and measurement systems to ensure accurate data acquisition.
• Awareness of NERC standards and requirements, with a willingness to learn more about NERC compliance.
• Capability to analyze technical data and assist in structuring information to support NERC Reliability Compliance standards.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to learn how to provide training and effectively 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.

Qualifications

Skills

Preferred

Power Plant Operations: Some Knowledge

Power Plant Fundamentals: Some Knowledge

Power Generation: Some Knowledge

Electrical Engineering: Some Knowledge

Engineering: Some Knowledge

NERC: Some Knowledge

DCS – Distributed Control System: Some Knowledge

PLC – Programmable Logic Controller: Some Knowledge

DAS Systems: Some Knowledge

CEMs – Continuous Emission Monitoring: Some Knowledge

O&M – Operations & Maintenance: Some Knowledge

Root Cause Analysis: Some Knowledge

Safety Statutes and Regulations: Some Knowledge

Safety Policies and Procedures: Some Knowledge

Troubleshooting: Some Knowledge

Verbal and Written Communications: Advanced

Behaviours

Preferred

Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

Team Player: Works well as a member of a group

Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking

Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject

Education

Required

Bachelors or better in Engineering or related field

High School or better

Experience

Preferred

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.

Basic knowledge of designing, installing, and maintaining electrical systems, including generators, transformers, switchgear, and transmission lines.

Familiarity with configuring and maintaining control systems, including Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.

Developing troubleshooting skills to assist in diagnosing and resolving electrical issues.

Some experience or understanding of plant engineering, including monitoring plant performance, and performing root cause analysis.

Introductory knowledge of condition monitoring techniques such as vibration analysis, thermography, and oil analysis.

Ability to assist in managing instrumentation and measurement systems to ensure accurate data acquisition.

Awareness of NERC standards and requirements, with a willingness to learn more about NERC compliance.

Capability to analyze technical data and assist in structuring information to support NERC Reliability Compliance standards.

Licenses & Certifications

Required

Driver’s License