Mechanical Maintenance Instructor Jobs in Connecticut

INTRODUCTION

Plainfield Renewable Energy (PRE) is a 37.5 MW wood biomass gasification power plant located in Plainfield, CT. Owned by Greenleaf Power and operated by NAES Corporation, the facility uses a single steam turbine and generator to produce renewable energy. PRE is equipped with advanced emissions control technologies, including a high-efficiency baghouse, and scrubbing systems to reduce NOx and sulfur dioxide.

Opportunity Summary

The Mechanical Maintenance Technician at Plainfield Renewable Energy supports the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of a biomass power facility. The technician performs preventive, corrective, and predictive maintenance on mechanical equipment, focusing on biomass systems such as fuel handling conveyors, wood-fired boilers, ash handling systems, and the steam turbine. Using a CMMS, they track work orders, analyze trends, and support maintenance planning. The role ensures mechanical systems operate safely during routine conditions and planned outages, collaborating with operations staff and overseeing contractors to maintain safety and quality.

Your scope of responsibility as Mechanical Maintenance Technician includes the following primary functions:

• Participate in the plant’s preventive, routine, and predictive maintenance programs by completing scheduled work, using CMMS tools, and collecting operational data to support reliability of biomass and steam-cycle systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical issues affecting biomass-specific equipment, including fuel feed conveyors, augers, positive displacement blowers and ash handling systems.
• Maintain, repair, and overhaul a range of mechanical equipment, including pumps, valves, fans, gearboxes, air compressors, and the facility’s steam turbine.
• Interpret assembly drawings, blueprints, and equipment manuals to troubleshoot issues and identify, specify, and order appropriate replacement parts.
• Support boiler outages and maintenance periods by inspecting high-temperature pressure parts, soot blowers, expansion joints, and associated piping for wear, fouling, and thermal fatigue.
• Collaborate with operators and other maintenance personnel to ensure coordinated plant operation, equipment availability, and safety compliance.
• Assist in updating and improving maintenance procedures to reflect actual conditions and manufacturer recommendations, with focus on biomass combustion and steam-generation equipment.
• Coordinate and execute mechanical work during scheduled outages, minimizing downtime while maintaining alignment with scope, schedule, and safety objectives.
• Operate and maintain shop equipment such as lathes, drill presses, band saws, belt sanders and welding equipment to fabricate or refurbish components as needed.
• Install and modify piping, brackets, supports, and mechanical components associated with biomass fuel delivery systems and the steam cycle.
• Monitor and interpret readings from gauges, transmitters, and process indicators related to pressure, temperature, vibration, fluid flow, and steam generation.
• Maintain spare parts inventory for biomass and steam-cycle components and ensure maintenance records, drawings, and technical documentation are accurate and accessible.
• Oversee and guide contractors during mechanical repairs, equipment replacements, and upgrades, ensuring adherence to plant safety practices and technical requirements.
• Complete additional duties as assigned by the Maintenance Manager or Plant Manager.

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 Mechanical Maintenance Technician reports directly to the Maintenance Manager and receives general direction from other plant management. This role involves interfacing with contractors and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) personnel to ensure necessary support and coordination.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical demands include standing for extended periods of time, climbing multiple levels of stairs, climbing ladders over 50 feet in height, entering and exiting equipment cabs, traversing uneven or elevated surfaces, and working inside confined spaces. The role routinely requires lifting up to 50 pounds and performing tasks from elevated platforms or walkways.

Work may be performed in conditions involving dust, wood particles, fumes, high noise levels, and extreme temperatures near operating equipment. Outdoor tasks in all weather conditions are required, including in high-heat environments adjacent to biomass processing systems.

The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory and may include hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, high-visibility clothing, steel-toe boots, flame-resistant clothing (FRC), respirators, and fall protection. Fit testing for respirators may be required. Strict smoking restrictions are enforced in and around the facility to ensure plant safety and environmental compliance.

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 Mechanical Maintenance Technician works a standard Monday to Friday day shift schedule, ensuring consistent plant operation and support during regular business hours. 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. Periodic callouts or “On call” status may also be required.

Compensation

This position offers a base pay rate ranging from $35 to $45 per hour, along with eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Core Qualifications and Skills

We are looking for a skilled Technician with power generation maintenance experience, coupled with a proven ability to contribute effectively to team success and consistently meet performance standards.

• High school diploma or equivalent is required. An Associate Degree in Power Plant Technology or a related technical field, particularly with mechanical or maintenance training, is preferred, but not required.
• Extensive hands-on experience in maintenance at a biomass or similar power-generating facility, preferably as a plant mechanic, millwright, or equivalent skilled trade role. Electrical experience and understanding is a plus.
• In-depth understanding of biomass plant operations and fuel handling systems, with demonstrated ability to perform preventive, corrective, and predictive maintenance on mechanical and balance-of-plant equipment including conveyors, feeders, fans, pumps, valves, air compressors, ash handling systems, and steam turbines.
• Strong commitment to safety practices and environmental regulations, ensuring compliance during all phases of maintenance and repairs, including supervision of contractors to maintain safety and quality standards.
• Skilled in assembling, disassembling, aligning, and repairing mechanical and rotating equipment, with proficiency using precision measuring tools, welding equipment, machining tools, diagnostic instruments, and rigging gear.
• Familiarity with biomass-specific maintenance challenges, such as fouling, corrosion, and material buildup, and ability to respond quickly to mechanical issues affecting fuel flow or steam generation.
• Proficient in reading and interpreting instrumentation and process indicators such as temperature, pressure, vibration, fluid flow, and emissions data, with the ability to assess and respond to abnormal conditions.
• Ability to understand and interpret assembly drawings, blueprints, and use of equipment manuals for troubleshooting and ordering of replacement parts.
• Competent in documenting maintenance activities clearly and accurately, contributing to a comprehensive historical record and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
• Effective collaborator and communicator, able to work with cross-functional teams during outages and daily maintenance activities.
• 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.