Distributed Control System Operator Jobs in New Jersey

Located in Sayreville, New Jersey, the Red Oak Power Facility is an 805-megawatt natural gas-fired combined-cycle power plant featuring Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology. The facility includes three Siemens-Westinghouse 501FD2 gas turbines, three Foster Wheeler heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs), and a 277-megawatt Toshiba steam turbine. It provides reliable and efficient power to the region.

Opportunity Summary

The Auxiliary Operator plays a vital role in operating and maintaining the Red Oak Power Facility, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable plant performance. Key responsibilities include monitoring and operating plant equipment, troubleshooting operational issues, analyzing performance data, and collaborating with operations and maintenance personnel to optimize plant reliability. This position supports water chemistry programs, coordinates maintenance activities, and ensures compliance with all applicable environmental, safety, and operating procedures while contributing to the continuous improvement of plant operations.

Your scope of responsibility as Auxiliary Operator will include the following primary functions:

• Communicate plant issues to the Shift Lead and/or Operations Manager, ensuring they are informed of unusual conditions, damaged equipment, and job progress relevant to facility operations.
• Operate and maintain three Siemens-Westinghouse 501FD2 gas turbines, three Foster Wheeler heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs), one Toshiba steam turbine, and associated auxiliary equipment to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable plant operation.
• Make informed operational decisions based on plant procedures, environmental regulations, safety protocols, and operating data to maintain compliance and reliability.
• Monitor and operate the Distributed Control System (DCS) to support plant operations.
• Read and record operating data from meters, gauges, and automated devices, including temperature, vibration, pressure, and fluid levels, to verify operating conditions.
• Conduct periodic visual and auditory inspections of equipment to detect malfunctions or the need for repairs, adjustments, or lubrication.
• Utilize PI ProcessBook to review and analyze data, identifying performance or reliability issues with plant equipment.
• Perform water sampling on the HRSG cycle and cooling water systems to maintain proper water chemistry within established control limits.
• Collaborate with operators and the water treatment vendor to monitor the overall chemistry program and implement necessary adjustments.
• Operate the demineralized water system in accordance with OEM and plant procedures, ensuring water quality meets acceptable standards.
• Monitor chemical inventory levels and coordinate the ordering and delivery of required chemicals.
• Enter work requests and purchase requests into the plant's computerized maintenance management system (MP2) to facilitate maintenance activities.
• Coordinate contractor activities as needed to support the repair and maintenance of plant equipment.
• Diagnose mechanical malfunctions or failures in plant operating equipment and recommend corrective actions.
• Read, understand, and comply with all regulatory procedures, facility safety programs, and environmental permits.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Operations 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 Auxiliary Operator reports to the Operations Manager and receives general direction from plant management. This position may provide operational guidance to maintenance personnel and works collaboratively with all plant personnel to support safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical requirements include standing for extended periods of time, 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 Auxiliary Operator works a rotating 12-hour shift schedule, alternating between days and nights to support continuous 24/7 operations and ensure seamless shift transitions. 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 $32.09 to $45.00 per hour, along with eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Core Qualifications and Skills

We are seeking a skilled Operator with a foundation in power generation operations, along with a proven ability to support team success and consistently meet performance standards.

• An Associate degree in Power 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. Relevant industry or military experience may be considered in lieu of education.
• Must possess and maintain a valid New Jersey Black Seal High Pressure Boiler Operator License or greater.
• Minimum of two years of experience in power plant operations is preferred, with knowledge of combined-cycle power generation systems being highly desirable.
• Experience monitoring and maintaining water chemistry, including water treatment systems, chemical handling, sampling, and analysis.
• Working knowledge of gas turbine and steam turbine operations, steam generation systems, and auxiliary plant equipment.
• Ability to interpret piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), operating procedures, and process control systems to support safe and efficient plant operations.
• Knowledge of industrial safety practices, hazard recognition, environmental compliance, hazardous waste management, and OSHA regulations.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate in a team-oriented operating environment.
• 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.