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Contract Power Plant Operator Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Power Plant Operator (Outside) Duration: Until June 2027 with possibility of extension Schedule: 7/7 rotation, 12 hours per day Location: Gregory, Texas This opportunity is suited to a technically ...

Operate, inspect, and monitor power plant equipment (e.g., gas turbines/generators and associated ... create a contract or guarantee promotion. * The position is a DOT PHMSA covered position and ...

Operate, inspect, and monitor power plant equipment (e.g., gas turbines/generators and associated ... create a contract or guarantee promotion. * The position is a DOT PHMSA covered position and ...

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Contract Power Plant Operator information

See Texas salary details

$12

$20

$36

How much do contract power plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract power plant operator in Texas is $20.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $23.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract power plant operator?

A Contract Power Plant Operator is a skilled professional responsible for monitoring, maintaining, and operating power generation equipment on a temporary or project-based basis. They ensure the plant runs efficiently and safely by performing routine inspections, troubleshooting issues, and adhering to operational procedures. Contract operators may work at various facilities, including power plants, industrial sites, or energy production locations, depending on the employer's needs. Their role often requires flexibility, technical expertise, and adherence to strict safety and environmental regulations.

What does a contract power plant operator do?

A typical shift for a Contract Power Plant Operator involves monitoring and adjusting equipment in the control room, performing routine inspections, and responding to system alarms or malfunctions. Operators may also be responsible for documenting plant performance, coordinating with maintenance personnel, and ensuring all regulatory and safety protocols are followed. Shifts can vary depending on the employer—many power plants operate on 24/7 schedules, requiring operators to work nights, weekends, or rotating shifts. Working as a contractor can mean adapting to different plant environments and teams, which provides valuable experience across various operational settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract power plant operator?

To thrive as a Contract Power Plant Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, operational knowledge of power generation systems, and usually a relevant technical diploma or certifications such as EPA or NERC. Familiarity with SCADA systems, control room instrumentation, and plant safety protocols is essential. Effective problem-solving, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and within a team are important soft skills for this role. These skills ensure that operators can manage plant efficiency, respond to emergencies quickly, and maintain strict compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

What are the most commonly searched types of Power Plant Operator jobs in Texas?

The most popular types of Power Plant Operator jobs in Texas are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Power Plant Operator jobs in Texas look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Power Plant Operator jobs in Texas are:

What cities in Texas are hiring for Contract Power Plant Operator jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Contract Power Plant Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Power Plant Operator job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,341 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Experienced Combustion Turbine Power Plant Operator

Siemens Energy, Inc.

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Siemens Energy rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 88 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

119th of 499 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

A Snapshot of Your Day
As a Plant Operator, you will play a critical role in the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of a combined cycle power generation facility consisting of combustion turbines, steam turbines, HRSGs, and auxiliary systems. You will monitor plant performance, operate and troubleshoot equipment through both field and control systems, and ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and operational procedures. Working closely with Control Room Operators, Operations Supervisors, and maintenance teams, you will support plant reliability while contributing to continuous improvement and operational excellence. This role requires rotating shift work, including nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency response when required.
How You'll Make an Impact
  • Safely operate and monitor combined cycle power plant equipment, including combustion turbines, steam turbines, HRSGs, generators, transformers, switchgear, and auxiliary systems to maximize plant performance and reliability.
  • Execute plant operating procedures, equipment clearances (LOTO), confined space permits, hot work permits, and other safety processes while maintaining compliance with environmental and regulatory requirements.
  • Utilize DCS, PLC, and plant monitoring systems including Siemens T3000, Ovation, Allen Bradley, and PI systems to analyze data, troubleshoot equipment issues, and optimize plant operations.
  • Perform inspections, rounds, water chemistry testing, equipment alignments, preventive maintenance activities, and corrective actions to ensure safe and efficient plant operation.
  • Support plant maintenance, outage activities, performance testing, incident investigations, procedure development, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Train and mentor operators, complete required qualification programs, and promote Siemens Energy's safety culture through active participation in HSE programs and initiatives.
What You Bring
  • High School Diploma or equivalent required; technical degree, power plant technology certification, or related education preferred.
  • 8+ years of experience as a Plant Operator in a power generation facility; combined cycle combustion turbine experience preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of power plant equipment including HRSGs, combustion turbines, steam turbines, generators, transformers, switchgear, instrumentation, controls, and electrical systems.
  • Ability to interpret P&IDs, electrical and mechanical drawings, technical manuals, and operating procedures.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), along with strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
Applicants must be legally authorized for employment in the United States without need for current or future employer-sponsored work authorization. Siemens Energy employees with current visa sponsorship may be eligible for internal transfers.
About the Team
Gas Services
Our Gas Services division offers Low-emission power generation through service and decarbonization. Zero or low emission power generation and all gas turbines under one roof, steam turbines and generators. Decarbonization opportunities through service offerings, modernization, and digitalization of the fleet.
Who is Siemens Energy?
At Siemens Energy, we are more than just an energy technology company. With ~100,000 dedicated employees in more than 90 countries, we develop the energy systems of the future, ensuring that the growing energy demand of the global community is met reliably and sustainably. The technologies created in our research departments and factories drive the energy transition and provide the base for one sixth of the world's electricity generation.
Our global team is committed to making sustainable, reliable, and affordable energy a reality by pushing the boundaries of what is possible. We uphold a 150-year legacy of innovation that encourages our search for people who will support our focus on decarbonization, new technologies, and energy transformation.
Find out how you can make a difference at Siemens Energy: https://www.siemens-energy.com/employeevideo
Rewards
  • Career growth and development opportunities; supportive work culture
  • Company paid Health and wellness benefits
  • Paid Time Off and paid holidays
  • 401K savings plan with company match
  • Family building benefits
  • Parental leave
https://jobs.siemens-energy.com/jobs
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Siemens Energy and Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, transgender, sex stereotyping, order of protection status, protected veteran or military status, or an unfavorable discharge from military service, and other categories protected by federal, state or local law.
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