Entry Level Automation Engineer Jobs in California

La Paloma Power Facility is located approximately 40 miles west of Bakersfield in McKittrick, California, and operates as a 1,022 MW natural gas-fired combined cycle power plant. Utilizing ABB GT24 combustion turbines, ABB HRSGs, and an ABB VAX 16 steam turbine, the facility delivers efficient and reliable power generation. Its strategic location and proven technology support a dependable electricity supply while maintaining compliance with stringent environmental regulations.
Opportunity Summary
The Plant Engineer, entry level supports the safe, reliable, efficient, and compliant operation of La Paloma Power Facility. This position assists with monitoring plant performance, improving equipment reliability, supporting outage activities, and participating in continuous improvement initiatives while helping maintain compliance with applicable NERC Reliability Standards and regulatory requirements.
Working with Operations, Maintenance, contractors, and compliance personnel, the Plant Engineer I supports plant performance, operational troubleshooting, and control systems while developing expertise in reliability, controls, and compliance.
Your scope of responsibility as Plant Engineer includes the following primary functions:
Engineering Performance & Reliability

• Assist with tracking forced outages, derates, and loss of generation events, supporting Root Cause Analyses (RCA) and reporting activities.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of combustion turbines, HRSGs, steam turbine systems, and balance-of-plant equipment to identify opportunities for improving reliability and efficiency.
• Support the analysis of plant heat rate, operating data, and performance trends to identify operational and maintenance improvement opportunities.
• Assist with the evaluation, maintenance, and optimization of the plant's Distributed Control System (DCS), turbine control systems, PLCs, and instrumentation systems.
• Support control system modifications, alarm management, operator graphics updates, and automation improvement projects.
• Participate in condition monitoring programs, including vibration analysis, thermography, oil analysis, and performance monitoring activities.
• Assist with maintaining plant instrumentation and measurement systems, including calibration programs and process monitoring equipment.
• Support investigations involving equipment failures, plant incidents, and operational issues, assisting in identifying root causes and corrective actions.
• Maintain engineering documentation, technical drawings, configuration records, and plant files to ensure information remains accurate and current.
• Coordinate with OEM representatives, contractors, vendors, and engineering support personnel on technical issues and plant improvement activities.
• Assist with outage planning, contractor coordination, and project execution to support safe and efficient completion of maintenance activities.
• Participate in reliability studies, engineering evaluations, and performance improvement initiatives to enhance plant availability and long-term asset performance.
• Support capital projects, plant modifications, and Management of Change (MOC) activities while ensuring compliance with established procedures.
• Assist with NERC compliance activities, documentation, and audit readiness efforts, while supporting NAES Safety, Environmental, and Regulatory Compliance Programs.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned to support the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the 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 Plant Engineer reports to the Plant Manager. The Plant Engineer coordinates with the Operations and Maintenance Managers, Compliance Manager and Administrative Supervisor as needed in the daily operation of the plant. Maintains a positive relationship with NAES Corporate Engineering Support Services. The Plant Engineer will coordinate with operations and maintenance employees concerning regulatory matters.
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 Plant Engineer works a standard Monday to Friday day shift schedule, ensuring consistent plant operation and support during regular business hours. 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.
Some travel may be involved to participate in Manager, Owner, User Group, or other offsite meetings.
Compensation
This position offers an annual base salary ranging from $120,000 to $140,000 and includes eligibility for an annual performance bonus.
Professional Expertise & Qualifications
We are seeking a Plant Engineer with a passion for excellence in plant operations and maintenance, a work history demonstrating progressively increasing responsibilities, and prior experience in a power plant environment.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline is required. Relevant power generation, industrial, or military experience may be considered in lieu of education on a year-for-year basis.
• One (1) to two (2) years of engineering experience in power generation, industrial operations, manufacturing, military service, internships, co-op programs, or a related technical environment.
• Basic knowledge of power plant operations, maintenance, engineering, and reliability principles, preferably within a combined-cycle, utility, or industrial facility.
• Familiarity with equipment performance analysis, plant operating data, heat rate, reliability metrics, and Root Cause Analysis (RCA) methodologies.
• Working knowledge of plant control and automation systems, including Distributed Control Systems (DCS), PLCs, instrumentation, and process control applications.
• Familiarity with NERC Reliability Standards, regulatory compliance programs, audit processes, or related utility and industrial compliance requirements.
• Basic understanding of condition monitoring techniques, instrumentation systems, calibration programs, and data acquisition systems, including vibration analysis, thermography, oil analysis, CEMS/DAHS, and plant historian applications such as OSIsoft PI.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations, safety programs, and industry standards applicable to power generation or industrial facilities.
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, prepare technical reports, and work effectively with Operations, Maintenance, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• 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.