Plant Specialist
NRG Energy · Nipton · $76,600–$125,400 (stated in the posting)
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Job Purpose:
Provide support for process improvements, performance monitoring, root cause analysis, support engineering initiatives, project activities, and operations and maintenance functions to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient plant performance.
The Plant Electrical Specialist’s primary responsibility is to support overall plant reliability. The incumbent is expected to possess both theoretical and practical knowledge of a wide range of electrical systems and protective equipment. In this role, the individual will provide advanced technical expertise to resolve issues of an electrical nature.
Additionally, the incumbent will serve as a project manager for assigned projects and programs of varying scope and complexity.
Essential Functions:
- Provide technical support to Plant Operations and Maintenance for electrical systems, including breakers, MCCs, switchgear, relays, VFDs, UPS, batteries, motor drives, transformers, and cathodic protection.
- Promote and monitor compliance with safety and environmental programs.
- Lead and support NERC compliance efforts at the Ivanpah plant.
- Coordinate activities, schedules, and work scopes; develop work packages; and oversee third-party inspectors, contractors, and vendors.
- Ensure plant equipment reliability through technical and financial decisions impacting unit availability and cost control.
- Provide oversight and technical guidance on repairs and findings to NRG and contractor crews.
- Develop long-range budgets and schedules; contribute to station-wide repair budgets based on inspection findings.
- Collaborate with plant staff, corporate leadership, peers, and third parties to improve program and project execution.
- Perform field inspections, measurements, and equipment walkdowns; prepare detailed reports.
- Deliver technical support, testing, and inspection expertise to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient plant operation.
- Optimize equipment performance to meet key performance indicators.
- Support strategic overhaul planning to maximize equipment life and minimize downtime.
- Apply predictive and preventive maintenance techniques; analyze process variables for trends and performance.
- Collect and analyze thermography data for electrical and mechanical equipment; recommend corrective actions.
- Conduct root cause analysis of equipment failures and develop preventive measures.
- Proactively identify and resolve problems using independent judgment.
- Assist in training personnel on system operations within areas of expertise.
- Provide technical input for due diligence and new projects.
- Participate in internal and external user groups; implement industry best practices.
- Develop, review, and update station procedures, technical instructions, and documentation.
- Support economic justification, and material specifications for projects and modifications; implement approved changes.
- Work effectively in a team environment as a leader, member, or facilitator.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements:
- High School Graduate
- Possess a valid driver’s license.
- 5-7 Years Power Plant or Industrial Plant experience in an electrical capacity.
- Deep knowledge and understanding of electrical troubleshooting, and repair methods.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Associate degree in Electrical Engineering or Engineering Technology.
- Licensed or Certified Electrician with hands-on experience in power plant environments.
- Electrical background in structured, mission-critical settings (military experience highly valued).
- Proficiency in electrical systems installation, troubleshooting, repair, and compliance with industry standards.
- Strong leadership skills and ability to thrive in a disciplined, team-oriented environment.
- Six Sigma Certification (or equivalent process improvement expertise).
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Ability to train and direct peers, employees, and contractors clearly and consistently.
- Proficient in reading and interpreting technical information, prints, charts, graphs, and gauge scales; skilled in troubleshooting and repairing equipment and systems.
- Strong risk management skills with sound judgment in resource utilization.
- Solid knowledge of root cause analysis and technical report writing.
- Proficient in PC use, Windows, and Microsoft Office applications, with emphasis on spreadsheets, scheduling, and word processing.
- Experienced with ERP/CMMS and plant data historian systems (e.g., SAP, PI).
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Physical Requirements / Working Conditions:
- Combination of office and industrial environments.
- Must be able to wear required PPE, including hard hats, safety glasses, face shields, hearing protection, respirators, fall protection harnesses, and other gear as needed.
- Extensive computer use requiring manual dexterity and prolonged sitting for tasks such as preparing budgets, work scopes, and outage schedules.
- Perform equipment inspections involving climbing ladders over 20 feet, stairways over 100 feet, kneeling, bending, and walking on uneven surfaces such as grating and loose rock.
- Operate mobile equipment (e.g., zoom booms, scissor lifts) to access elevated areas, including positioning equipment and riding in baskets during operation.
- Work in compartments where temperatures may exceed 100°F.
- Carrying materials and standing for extended periods.
- Domestic travel may be required.
The base salary range for this position is: $76,600 - 125,400 *The base salary range above represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. The range listed is just one component of the total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonus, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards. In addition the position may be eligible to participate in the benefits program which include, but are not limited to, medical, vision, dental, 401K, and flexible spending accounts.
(Management reserves the right to change, rescind, add, or delete the duties and responsibilities of positions within the job classification at any time.)
NRG Energy is committed to a drug and alcohol-free workplace. To the extent permitted by law and any applicable collective bargaining agreement, employees are subject to periodic random drug testing, and post-accident and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing. EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability. Level, Title and/or Salary may be adjusted based on the applicant's experience or skills.
Official description on file with Talent.