Hickory Run Energy Station is a 1,000-megawatt natural gas power plant located about 45 miles northwest of Pittsburgh. This state-of-the-art facility includes two Siemens SGT6-8000H gas turbine generators and two heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs) for enhanced efficiency. A Siemens steam turbine generator further optimizes performance, making it a highly efficient power generation site.

Opportunity Summary

The Plant Engineer at Hickory Run Energy Station performs engineering functions safely, reliably, and efficiently, in full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures. The incumbent provides mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering support for combined-cycle power plant operations and maintenance. Additionally, the Plant Engineer administers the plant’s Capital Project Program and Management of Change (MOC) Program. The incumbent leads investigations into technical issues or incidents and participates in inspections and repairs during forced and scheduled outages. The Plant Engineer also provides technical support for plant and process improvements, supports reporting tasks, and performs other engineering and management functions as assigned.

Your scope of responsibility as Plant Engineer includes the following primary functions:

Engineering Performance & Reliability

Assist in the investigation of plant problems, incidents, accidents, and unusual events, providing analyses, recommendations, reports, and appropriate follow-up plans. Analyze equipment failures, determine root causes, recommend recovery plans, and implement cost-effective solutions to prevent recurrence. Monitor forced and planned outages or other loss of generation, including completing required internal and external reporting (e.g., GADS reporting). Coordinate with engineering firms to discuss field changes, and with manufacturer sales representatives, service personnel, and vendors to discuss new or modified equipment, resolve problems, and exchange information. In collaboration with Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Managers, interface with Siemens Energy regarding equipment performance and Long Term Program Contract (LTPC) activities. Administer the plant’s Capital Project program, including budget development and control (e.g., cost-benefit analysis), project identification, work scope development, preliminary design, cost estimation, bid preparation and evaluation, and monitoring contractor work to ensure compliance. Develop and administer contracts and work scopes for external contractors performing maintenance or inspections, ensuring maximum efficiency in the use of plant and contractor personnel. Provide technical support to plant personnel in decisions involving minor modifications to plant systems, scheduling repairs to avoid system interference, programming techniques to implement new functions, and actions to resolve equipment failures. Make recommendations involving equipment purchases; development or revision of operating procedures; system operating changes; design modifications; and the modification or replacement of plant equipment. Maintain frequent internal contact with plant operations and maintenance personnel to resolve problems, provide technical support, and exchange information. Provide technical input for operation and maintenance training programs, and assist with environmental testing, data collection, and reporting. Interface with other managers on Maximo, PI, Asset360, chemical treatment, and other project programs as required. Perform other tasks as assigned by the Plant Manager to contribute to overall plant efficiency and effectiveness.

NERC

Responsible for the oversight, administration and coordination of all plant Operator and Owner NERC accountabilities. Must be familiar with all NERC standards and requirements in order to:

Implement and maintain the Plant’s NERC Internal Control Program (ICP). Understand and interpret regulatory requirements (know where to obtain information and interpret requirements to be applied at the plant level). Monitor NERC websites for new regulations and requirements that are applicable to the plant. Analyze large amounts of technical data and structure such information for the purposes of clearly documenting and demonstrating compliance with all applicable NERC Reliability Compliance standards. Coordinate efforts with NAES NERC to complete Reliability Standard Audit Worksheets (RSAWs) for the plant. Provide responses that are accurate, technically competent, and given with consideration to represent the stakeholders in a proper manner during compliance visits. Ensure that plant NERC Reliability procedures and policies are kept up to date with requirements. Provide training to plant personnel on updated or new NERC procedures and requirements.

NAES Safe

Safety is a core value at NAES, and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to remain mentally alert and work safely at all times. Employees must also adhere to all safety warnings and posted signs while on company property. Additionally, they are required to follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Adherence to these safety responsibilities is one of the key factors in the evaluation of each employee’s performance.

Working Relationships

The Plant Engineer reports to the Plant Manager. The Plant Engineer coordinates 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 and maintenance employees concerning regulatory matters.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical requirements include standing for extended periods of time, 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 may require the use of protective equipment, which can include hard hats, safety glasses, and 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 will 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 Plant Engineer works a standard Monday-to-Friday day shift, providing consistent plant support during regular business hours. After qualification, the schedule will transition to a 9x80 with on-call coverage every fourth weekend.

This position will occasionally necessitate extended working hours and flexible shifts as needed, including weekends and holidays, in response to schedules, workload demands, and plant conditions. Once qualified "On call" status will be required on a rotating basis shared with other members of Plant Management.

Some travel may be involved to participate in Manager, Owner, User Group, or other offsite meetings.

Compensation

This position offers an annual base salary ranging from $110,000 to $155,000 and includes eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Professional Expertise & Qualifications

We are seeking a Plant Engineer with a passion for excellence in plant operations and maintenance, a work history demonstrating progressively increasing responsibilities, and prior experience in a power plant environment.

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field from a college or university accredited by the U.S. Department of Education is required. Relevant industry or military experience may be considered in lieu of education. Minimum of 3 years’ engineering experience in an operating facility, with demonstrated proficiency in operations and maintenance, preferably within the power generation or power-related industry. Proven ability to lead root cause analysis (RCA) investigations, analyze equipment failures, and implement cost-effective solutions to prevent recurrence and optimize plant performance. Strong understanding of high- and medium-voltage systems, including protective relay systems, as well as condition monitoring techniques such as vibration analysis, thermography, and oil analysis. Proficiency in analyzing and optimizing control systems performance, including DCS and PLC systems, and associated networking infrastructure; experience with Siemens T3000 DCS and Allen Bradley PLCs is a plus. Expertise in 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, along with applicable safety statutes, regulations, and principles for maintaining a strong safety program. Familiarity with NERC regulatory requirements for operating facilities, including experience supporting compliance activities such as documentation, audits, and reporting. Excellent writing and analytical skills, with the ability to present facts, conclusions, and recommendations effectively in written communications. 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, and engineering services for energy facilities. We have built a reputation as a reliable partner for clients in North America and internationally, offering services across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. Our growing family of companies allows us to address the entire life cycle of power generation and other industrial plants.

NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We prioritize selecting employees based on merit and competence, seeking individuals of the highest quality, 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 form of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state, and federal law.