Automation Controls Programmer Jobs in Athens, GA

The Franklin Biomass Facility, located in Carnesville, GA, generates 55 net megawatts of clean, renewable energy by converting sustainably sourced wood biomass into electricity. The facility utilizes an advanced Foster Wheeler boiler, along with a hot precipitator and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system, to ensure efficient combustion and reduced emissions. With a single turbine generator, the plant reliably supplies power to the local grid while promoting sustainable energy practices and supporting long-term environmental stewardship in the region.
Opportunity Summary
The Associate Instrumentation, Controls, and Electrical (IC&E) Technician plays an important role in supporting the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the Franklin Biomass Facility. This position assists in the calibration, testing, and troubleshooting of instrumentation, control systems, and electrical equipment essential to plant performance. The IC&E Technician supports PLCs, DCS, SCADA, and turbine control systems integrated with the Foster Wheeler boiler, biomass fuel handling systems, emissions controls (including the hot precipitator and SCR), and the steam turbine generator. By performing preventive and corrective maintenance, this role helps maintain plant reliability, minimizes downtime, and supports compliance with environmental and safety standards.
Your scope of responsibility as Associate IC&E Technician includes the following primary functions:

• Assist in performing calibration, testing, installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of instrumentation and control systems, including PLCs, DCS, control valves, fan dampers, conveyors, fuel feed systems, variable speed drives, transmitters, analyzers, and other biomass-related instrumentation to ensure reliable plant operation.
• Assist in updating and optimizing PLC and DCS logic-based controls-including ladder and P&ID logic-in coordination with engineering and senior technical staff to improve automation and enhance system performance.
• Carry out corrective, preventive, predictive, and emergency maintenance on electrical systems, including switchgear, motor control centers, transformers, motors, batteries, inverters, chargers, generator excitation systems, and variable speed drives.
• Calibrate and maintain precision instruments such as pressure and temperature transmitters and stack CEMS equipment and perform plant wiring repairs and installations using diagnostic tools including Amprobes, multimeters, and oscilloscopes.
• Use DCS and SCADA systems to monitor and support efficient operation of boilers, steam turbine generators, and emissions control systems including SCR and hot precipitators.
• Perform turbine control system calibration and functional checks to ensure efficient start-up, shutdown, and steady-state operation of the steam turbine.
• Assist with testing and tuning of boiler controls, combustion systems, turbine performance, and emissions reduction technologies to optimize plant performance and compliance.
• Work with contractors and vendors during outages and maintenance projects to support technical work, verify results, and ensure adherence to safety requirements.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, calibration data, equipment changes, plant drawings, and vendor documentation.
• Promote a strong safety culture by identifying hazards, following safe work practices, and ensuring proper handling of hazardous materials in accordance with environmental and safety regulations.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities such as root cause analysis (RCA), procedure updates, reliability initiatives, and equipment performance optimization.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the Franklin Biomass Facility.

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 IC&E Technician reports directly to the Maintenance Manager and receives general direction from 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 Associate IC&E Technician works a standard Monday to Friday day shift schedule, ensuring consistent plant operation and support during regular business hours. This position will also 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 will also be required.
Compensation
This position offers a base pay rate ranging from $36 to $41 per hour, along with an annual performance bonus.
Relocation assistance is available for non-local candidates, if needed.
Qualifications and Technical Competencies
We are seeking a Technician with some relative experience in power generation operations and maintenance, who demonstrates reliability, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to teamwork and safe work practices.

• An Associate degree in Plant Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Process Technology, or a related field is preferred. Alternatively, equivalent technical training in industrial maintenance or instrumentation and control is beneficial, though not required. Relevant industry or military experience may be considered in lieu of education.
• Technician level experience within power generation or heavy industrial facilities, with a solid understanding of operations, safety procedures, and maintenance practices.
• Working knowledge of electrical systems, including switchgear, transformers, motors, motor control centers, batteries, inverters, chargers, and generator excitation equipment.
• Proficiency with and ability to maintain and troubleshoot instrumentation and control systems used in biomass-fired power plants, including Foster Wheeler boilers, steam turbines, burner management, combustion control, boiler and turbine controls, emissions controls (SCR and hot precipitators), CEMS, and fuel handling systems.
• Familiar with boiler operations, auxiliary plant equipment, and distributed control systems (DCS), with the ability to interpret process data and assist with system performance improvements.
• Capable of reading and interpreting mechanical and process drawings, wiring diagrams, schematics, and OEM manuals to perform maintenance, and troubleshooting activities.
• Knowledgeable in the use of computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) for planning, scheduling, and tracking maintenance work.
• Proficient with MS Office applications for documentation, reporting, and data entry.
• Experienced working with cross-functional teams, contractors, and vendors to coordinate maintenance activities and support continuous plant operations.
• Strong written and analytical communication skills to clearly document and communicate technical information, findings, and recommendations.
• 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.
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.