Entry Level Instrumentation And Controls Technician Jobs in Bellingham, WA

The Ferndale Generating Station in Ferndale, WA, is a 2x1 combined cycle natural gas power plant that also supplies process steam to a neighboring refinery. It incorporates two GE 7EA combustion turbines paired with a GE steam turbine, collectively generating 270 MW of electricity. This integrated setup exemplifies efficiency and synergy in power generation through its dual turbine configuration and steam supply capability.
Opportunity Summary
The Instrumentation, Controls, and Electrical (IC&E) Technician maintains the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of Ferndale Generating Station by calibrating, testing, troubleshooting, repairing, and installing instrumentation, control systems, and electrical equipment. Supporting a combined-cycle facility that generates electricity and process steam, this position works with electrical systems up to 115 kV, PLC, DCS, SCADA, turbine control, and plant automation systems while collaborating with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering to improve plant reliability and performance.
Your scope of responsibility as IC&E Technician includes the following primary functions:

• Calibrate, test, maintain, troubleshoot, and install plant instrumentation and control systems, including control valves, transmitters, analyzers, CEMS, variable speed drives, fan dampers, motors, and associated field devices.
• Perform corrective, preventive, predictive, and emergency maintenance on plant electrical equipment and distribution systems up to 115 kV, including generators, switchgear, motor control centers, transformers, motors, batteries, chargers, inverters, excitation systems, and associated electrical, signal, and communication systems.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, optimize, and support programming of PLC, DCS, SCADA, turbine control, and associated network and server systems by diagnosing faults and implementing program improvements.
• Calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot combustion turbine, steam turbine, HRSG, and associated control systems, including turbine, combustion, burner management, process steam, and condition monitoring systems.
• Support plant testing, commissioning, system modifications, outages, and capital projects by installing equipment, verifying control functionality, and coordinating activities with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, contractors, and vendors.
• Monitor equipment performance, analyze operational data, and recommend control system and reliability improvements to enhance plant efficiency, availability, and equipment life.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, calibration documentation, plant drawings, equipment files, work orders, and equipment databases, while supporting spare parts inventory management and ensuring test equipment remains calibrated and ready for use.
• Follow all safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements by identifying hazards, implementing corrective actions, and properly handling hazardous materials and regulated waste.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned to support safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations.

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 to the Maintenance Manager and receives general direction from plant management. This role works closely with contractors and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) personnel to coordinate technical support and maintenance activities.
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 IC&E Technician works a standard Monday to Friday day-shift schedule, ensuring consistent plant operation and support during regular business hours. This position may occasionally require extended work hours and flexible shifts, including weekends and holidays, to meet operational schedules, workload demands, and plant conditions. Periodic callouts and on-call duty are also required.
Compensation
This position offers a base pay rate ranging from $56.20 to $58.39 per hour, along with eligibility for an annual performance bonus.
Core Qualifications and Skills

• Associate degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Instrumentation and Control, Electronics Technology, Industrial Electrical Technology, or a related technical field preferred. Equivalent technical training or relevant industrial or military experience will be considered.
• Experience in power generation or other industrial facilities, with knowledge of plant operations, electrical maintenance, safe work practices, and applicable environmental and regulatory requirements.
• Comprehensive knowledge of medium- and high-voltage electrical systems and plant instrumentation, including electrical distribution equipment up to 115 kV, switchgear, motor control centers, motors, transformers, generator excitation systems, CEMS, control valves, transmitters, analyzers, and associated field devices.
• Working knowledge of PLC, DCS, SCADA, turbine control, combustion control, burner management, boiler control, condition monitoring, and associated industrial network and server systems, with the ability to diagnose and troubleshoot control system faults.
• Demonstrated ability to install, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot instrumentation, electrical, and control systems while supporting plant testing, commissioning, outages, and system modifications.
• Proven ability to analyze equipment and control system performance, identify root causes, and recommend improvements that enhance plant reliability, efficiency, availability, and equipment life.
• Experience collaborating effectively with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, contractors, and vendors to safely execute maintenance activities, outages, and capital or improvement projects.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interpret technical drawings, maintain maintenance and calibration records, and communicate technical recommendations effectively.
• 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, engineering, and technical services for the energy industry. We partner with clients across North America and internationally to support power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy facilities throughout their entire life cycle.
NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military or veteran status, USERRA-protected status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local 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.