Operations Technician Jobs in Michigan

INTRODUCTION

Located in Niles, Michigan, the Niles Energy Center is a modern 1.08-gigawatt gas-fired combined-cycle facility that provides reliable, efficient power to the regional grid. Powered by two high-efficiency GE 7HA.02 gas turbines and a steam turbine generator, the plant optimizes output and reduces emissions using advanced heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs) and a low-NOx auxiliary boiler. As a model of cleaner thermal generation, the facility supports grid stability and the transition to more sustainable energy.

Opportunity Summary

The Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Technician supports the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the Niles Energy Center by performing field-based monitoring, operations, maintenance, and safety tasks in coordination with the Control Room Operator. Responsibilities include assisting with equipment start-up, shutdown, troubleshooting, and routine operation outside the control room, while ensuring compliance with environmental and safety protocols. Ideal for a versatile, hands-on technician, this role offers a dynamic environment with opportunities to contribute across plant operations and maintenance.

Your scope of responsibility as O&M Technician will include the following primary functions:

• Support the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the power generation facility by performing field-based monitoring, operations, maintenance, and safety tasks in coordination with the Control Room Operator.
• Receive comprehensive handover from the outgoing O&M Technician, covering special instructions and any irregular operating conditions. Examine logs and inspect equipment following lockout/tagout protocols.
• Monitor and operate boilers, gas and steam turbine generators, auxiliaries, and balance-of-plant systems from outside the control room. Perform start-up, shutdown, and routine operating tasks in accordance with established procedures and under the guidance of the Control Room Operator.
• Prepare equipment for service following operating procedures and safety protocols. Conduct operating tests and inspections on assigned equipment to verify proper functioning and prevent downtime.
• Identify, report, and address abnormal or faulty conditions within guidelines to prevent equipment damage or hazards. Maintain accurate logs of operational activities, equipment status, and noted abnormalities.
• Continuously oversee emissions control systems to ensure regulatory compliance and promptly alert the Control Room Operator if deviations occur.
• Collect water samples and conduct chemical tests (e.g., pH, conductivity) per facility requirements and lab safety protocols.
• Safely manage hazardous chemicals and execute transfer operations, responding to spills or leaks swiftly and in accordance with emergency response guidelines.
• Control electrical breakers and switches as instructed, performing lockout, and tagging procedures to isolate equipment safely for maintenance.
• Conduct scheduled reliability and operational tests on critical equipment—including lube oil pumps, turbine valves, trip systems, fire protection, and chemical safety apparatus—to verify proper function and readiness as directed.
• Perform routine maintenance, minor repairs, equipment calibration, and troubleshooting on plant machinery, instrumentation, and electrical systems. Assist maintenance teams during planned and unplanned outages to ensure safe, efficient task completion.
• Assist in troubleshooting and inspecting programmable logic controllers (PLCs), plant control systems, and distributed control systems (DCS) to ensure proper automation functioning.
• Oversee contractor and vendor activities onsite and provide status updates to the Control Room Operator as needed.
• Ensure work areas remain tidy and organized by conducting regular housekeeping duties across the facility.
• Maintain accurate documentation using Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) for work orders, including spare parts usage, reordering, and maintenance tracking.
• Perform additional duties as directed by control room staff and plant management to support effective plant operations.

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 O&M Technician reports to the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Manager and takes direction from the Plant Manager. They collaborate closely with operations and maintenance personnel, occasionally providing guidance to ensure the facility operates safely and reliably.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical requirements include standing for extended periods, 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 O&M Technician follows a rotating 7 days on / 7 days off schedule, alternating between night shift during one 7-day work period and day shift during the next. 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 $35.00 to $45.00 per hour, along with an annual performance bonus.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

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

• Ability to understand procedures and instructions specific to the area of assignment as would be acquired in four years of high school, with a preference for an Associate degree in power plant technology or a similar technology or engineering degree; experience may be considered in lieu of education.
• Proven experience in technician roles within power generation, with hands-on operation and maintenance of combustion turbines, auxiliary systems, combined cycle gas turbines, and start-up, operation, and shutdown of boilers, turbines, and balance-of-plant systems outside the control room.
• Proficient with basic hand tools and routine plant maintenance tasks, with the ability to diagnose and repair mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems. This includes hands-on experience disassembling and reassembling critical components such as pumps, valves, and turbine-generators.
• Skilled in interpreting microprocessor-based control systems, Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS), and complex technical documentation—including blueprints, electrical schematics, and piping & instrumentation diagrams—while maintaining accurate records to ensure regulatory compliance and drive performance improvements.
• Thorough understanding of safety protocols, including Lock-Out-Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures, OSHA standards, and environmental compliance requirements.
• Proven leadership and teamwork, coordinating cross-functional teams, contractors, and vendors to optimize resources and meet operational goals.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and administrative skills, with the ability to convey technical information clearly and collaborate effectively.
• Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Associates or better in Power Plant Technology or related field
• Technical/other training or better
• High School or better

SKILLS

• Safety & Compliance Standards (OSHA/NFPA/EPA)
• O&M - Operations & Maintenance
• Mechanical Maintenance
• Mechanical Aptitude
• Power Plant Operations
• Power Plant Fundamentals
• Power Generation
• HRSG - Heat Recovery Steam Generator
• Steam Turbine O&M
• Combustion Turbine O&M
• Gas Turbine O&M
• Safety Policies and Procedures Management
• Water Treatment
• Water and Steam Chemistry
• Hazardous Waste Management
• P&ID - Piping & Instrumentation Design

BEHAVIORS

• Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
• Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject
• Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.