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Cogen Jobs (NOW HIRING)

O&M Technician

San Diego, CA

$36.92 - $47.61/hr

The Facility is operated and maintained by DTE San Diego Cogen, Inc., and owned by Rady Children's Hospital. The Production Team Member operates and maintains a Gas Turbine with a Heat Recovery ...

Knowledge of design operation aspects of stationery combustion sources (boilers, generators, fuel storage tanks, gas pipes, Cogen, chillers, cooling towers, etc. * Excellent communication skills both ...

... cogen, turbine generator, lime kiln, steam turbine, gas turbine, Power & Recovery, power manager, power & recovery manager, recovery manager, power area manager, power superintendent, area ...

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Cogen information

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$11

$35

$87

How much do cogen jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for cogen in the United States is $35.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.22 and $47.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Cogen operators?

Cogen operators are professionals who manage and maintain cogeneration (combined heat and power, or CHP) systems. These systems simultaneously produce electricity and useful heat from a single fuel source, increasing energy efficiency. Cogen operators monitor equipment, ensure safe and efficient operation, perform routine maintenance, and troubleshoot issues to optimize system performance. Their work is crucial in industrial, commercial, and utility settings to reduce energy costs and environmental impact.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cogeneration (Cogen) Plant Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cogeneration (Cogen) Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, power plant operations, and relevant safety protocols, often supported by a technical degree or certification in power engineering. Familiarity with Distributed Control Systems (DCS), SCADA systems, and preventive maintenance software is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies are essential for ensuring efficient, safe, and reliable plant performance while minimizing downtime and operational risks.

What are some common challenges faced by Cogen (Cogeneration Plant) Operators, and how can they effectively manage them?

Cogen Operators often face challenges such as balancing electrical and thermal output to meet fluctuating demand, responding quickly to system alarms or unexpected shutdowns, and maintaining equipment efficiency. Effective management includes regular monitoring of control systems, adhering to preventive maintenance schedules, and collaborating closely with maintenance and engineering teams. Operators also benefit from ongoing training to stay updated on safety protocols and technological advancements, which helps prevent downtime and ensures safe, efficient plant operation.

What is the difference between Cogen vs Power Plant Operator?

AspectCogenPower Plant Operator
CredentialsTypically requires HVAC, electrical, or mechanical certificationsRequires power plant operation licenses or certifications
Work EnvironmentIndustrial facilities, energy plants, combined heat and power systemsPower plants, energy generation facilities, utility sites
Industry UsageCommon in combined heat and power (CHP) plants and industrial energy systemsUsed across various power generation facilities including fossil fuel, nuclear, and renewable plants

While both Cogen and Power Plant Operators work in energy production environments, Cogen specialists focus on combined heat and power systems, often requiring specific certifications related to HVAC and mechanical systems. Power Plant Operators oversee the entire operation of power generation facilities, requiring licenses specific to power plant operations. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

More about Cogen jobs
What states have the most Cogen jobs? States with the most job openings for Cogen jobs include:
CoGen Technical Support Associate

CoGen Technical Support Associate

CoolSys

New Philadelphia, PA

$58/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


CoolSys rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 218 rated repair and maintenance companies


Job description

Overview

CoolSys solves the most complex challenges in refrigeration, air conditioning, heating, engineering, and energy management. With over 3,700 associates nationwide, we deliver tailored solutions to help businesses cut costs, improve equipment performance, and reduce emissions.

Our services include HVAC and refrigeration equipment sourcing, installation, repair, maintenance, monitoring, and optimization. We also offer engineering design, energy resilience and consumption optimization, asset recycling, and seamless multi-site rollouts across states.

CoolSys serves over 45,000 customer locations in industries like retail, food service, commercial, data centers, industrial, and pharmaceuticals.

 

No wonder Newsweek named CoolSys one of America’s Greatest Workplaces!

We understand that hiring great people is the foundation of everything we do. Our employee benefits packages include: 

  • Competitive pay: $58-70K
  • Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription coverage. 
  • Paid vacation, holidays, and floating holiday.  
  • 401(K) with Company match. 
  • Company sponsored life insurance, as well as optional AD&D, short and long-term disability. 
  • Tuition reimbursement. 
  • Employee discounts on vehicles, hotels, theme parks, select cell phone bills and so much more. 
  • Pet Insurance. 
  • Legal Plan, and ID Theft Protection. 

Responsibilities
  • Monitor real-time operations of cogeneration units, combustion engines, and auxiliary energy systems via central control interfaces.
  • Identify, log, and classify alarm failures, system deviations, and critical technical alerts.
  •  Analyze operational and performance data and independently determine appropriate response strategies, escalation priorities, and corrective action recommendations.
  •  Lead technical analysis of equipment failures and operational anomalies, providing recommendations to management and engineering teams regarding corrective actions, maintenance priorities, and operational risk mitigation. Assists in executing remote reset protocols or adjustments under the direct guidance of senior engineering staff.
  • Document technical findings and steps taken during the troubleshooting process to build our internal knowledge base.
  • Serve as a technical advisor to clients regarding equipment performance, maintenance planning, and operational optimization. Drafts and deliver clear, timely notifications regarding system outages, active failures, and estimated resolution times.
  • Compile routine operational reports for clients, highlighting uptime, energy production metrics, and maintenance intervals.
  • Analyze performance trends and recommend process improvements to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Utilize technical drawings, manuals, and equipment bills of materials (BOM) to precisely identify and specify replacement parts.
  • Coordinate with vendor networks and dealers to check parts availability, request quotes, and track lead times.
  • Assist the engineering and field service teams in organizing technical kits for scheduled maintenance or emergency repairs.

Qualifications
  • 1-3 years troubleshooting combusting power generation systems and controls.
  • Experience analyzing complex equipment performance issues and developing solutions based on technical knowledge, system data, and operational requirements.
  • Computer skills.
  • Customer skills to communicate issues and advise on solutions.

Join Us

Today, there are 27 different companies that make up the CoolSys family of brandsOur valued employees are at the heart of our continued growth and success. We invite you to be part of that growth! 

Connect with us on Facebook and X 

CoolSys is an EEO/AA Employer. All qualified individuals - Including all ages, colors, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and other characteristics are encouraged to apply.  

Pre-employment background screening (criminal and MVR for driving positions) and drug testing arerequiredfor all positions. CoolSys will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with federal law, state law, or local ordinance. 

Qualifications:
  • 1-3 years troubleshooting combusting power generation systems and controls.
  • Experience analyzing complex equipment performance issues and developing solutions based on technical knowledge, system data, and operational requirements.
  • Computer skills.
  • Customer skills to communicate issues and advise on solutions.
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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