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Local Power Plant Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Project Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$37 - $40/hr

Prior experience working in manufacturing / plant environment like a power plant. * Taken the FE ... local law. #M1 #LI-NP1 Ref: #192-Precision San Antonio

Project Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$37 - $40/hr

Prior experience working in manufacturing / plant environment like a power plant. * Taken the FE ... local law. #M1 #LI-NP1 Ref: #192-Precision San Antonio

Showing results 21-40

Local Power Plant information

See Colorado salary details

$21

$47

$66

How much do local power plant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for local power plant in Colorado is $47.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.59 and $61.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a local power plant?

Local power plants are facilities that generate electricity for a specific geographic area, such as a city or region. They convert various forms of energy—like natural gas, coal, nuclear, hydro, wind, or solar—into electrical power, which is then distributed to homes and businesses. Local power plants play a crucial role in ensuring a stable and reliable supply of electricity to meet the community’s needs. Their size, capacity, and technology can vary based on local demand and available resources.

What are the typical responsibilities of an operator at a local power plant?

As an operator at a local power plant, you are responsible for monitoring and controlling equipment, performing routine inspections, and responding to any operational issues to ensure the safe and efficient generation of electricity. Your daily tasks often include checking gauges, recording data, and coordinating with maintenance and engineering teams to address any technical problems. This role is critical to maintaining consistent power output and minimizing downtime, directly impacting the reliability and success of the facility. Operators also follow strict safety and environmental protocols, working closely with team members to meet regulatory standards and performance goals.

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

To thrive as a Local Power Plant Operator, you need a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering principles, typically supported by a high school diploma, technical training, or relevant certifications. Familiarity with SCADA systems, PLCs, and maintenance management software is commonly required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable power generation and distribution within the community.

What is the difference between Local Power Plant vs Power Plant Operator?

AspectLocal Power PlantPower Plant Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical trainingHigh school diploma, technical training
Work EnvironmentOn-site at power generation facilitiesOn-site at power plants, monitoring equipment
Industry UsageCommonly used in local or small-scale facilitiesUsed across various power plants for operation and control
Job FocusManaging local power generationOperating and controlling power plant equipment

Both roles involve working in power generation environments with similar credentials and work settings. The main difference is that a Local Power Plant refers to a specific facility, while a Power Plant Operator is a job title for the individual responsible for running the plant's equipment. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers target the right roles in the energy industry.

How do I get a job at a local power plant?

To get a job at a local power plant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring technical training or certifications such as a boiler operator license or electrical certification. Relevant skills include understanding of electrical systems, safety procedures, and the ability to work in a team environment; experience in maintenance or engineering can also be beneficial.

How hard is it to get a job at a local power plant?

Getting a job at a local power plant typically requires relevant technical skills, such as knowledge of electrical or mechanical systems, and often involves completing certifications like a boiler operator or electrical license. Entry-level positions may be accessible with a high school diploma, but higher roles usually demand experience or specialized training, and the hiring process can be competitive depending on the location and the company's needs.

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

The most popular types of Power Plant jobs in Colorado are:

Infographic showing various Local Power Plant job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,795 per year, or $47 per hour.

Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy

Aurora, CO

$118K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Sargent & Lundy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

122nd of 449 rated engineering


Job description

Description

You will be involved in nuclear power plant systems design, including preparation or review of:

  • Modification packages for operating nuclear power plants
  • Functional mechanical drawings and/or drawings for nuclear power plant systems
  • Engineering analyses and evaluations to support modifications and operation of plant systems
  • Technical specifications and procurement documents for plant equipment
  • Vendor bid evaluations for plant equipment
  • Studies and options evaluations for modifications to operating nuclear power plants

In addition, you will have the opportunity to:

  • Develop engineering cost estimates for small to mid-sized client-requested work scopes
  • Visit client office and/or plant site locations to interface with the client and make presentations related to engineering tasks and status
  • Lead engineering project teams
Qualifications

We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Essential Skills and Experience:

  • BS or MS in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering from an ABET accredited program
  • A minimum of 10 years of experience in the power industry
  • Working knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations that apply to mechanical engineering design of nuclear power plants
  • PE license is beneficial, but not required 
AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy

In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to lead others who use modern tools:

  • You are expected to lead others in taking engineering problems from issue to solution by setting expectations for using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
  • Leaders in these roles often direct automation and process-improvement work, for example, how teams automate calculations, summarize technical documents, or generate design documentation and guiding when and how AI or agentic AI tools are used while ensuring results are checked.
  • Overseeing engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate engineering tasks, with review of automated outputs, is valued but not required.
  • We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other experience in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that enables effective oversight of automation and agentic AI-enabled engineering workflows.
Award-Winning Benefits

At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance
  • Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life & Accident Insurance
  • Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Back-Up Daycare
  • FSA & HSA
  • 401(k)
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Account
  • Merit Scholarship Program
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Corporate Charitable Giving Program
  • Tuition Assistance
  • First Professional Licensure Bonus
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Flexible Work Arrangements
Compensation Range$118,023 - $180,313Transparency StatementSargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.About This Business Unit

Join Sargent & Lundy's Nuclear Power Group and be part of a team driving the future of clean, carbon-free energy. Since 1954, we've been a trusted leader in nuclear engineering, design, and licensing, with expertise spanning small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced reactor technology (ART), and first-of-a-kind commercial reactor restart projects. Our work supports life extensions and digital modernization of existing nuclear plants, coal-to-nuclear conversion initiatives with the Department of State, and international nuclear new-build projects. With a commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability, we provide cutting-edge solutions that power communities worldwide while reducing emissions. Shape the future of global energy with us!

Equal Opportunity

Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Sargent & Lundy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sargent & Lundy is one of the most experienced full-service architect-engineering firms in the world. Founded in 1891, the firm is a global leader in power and energy with expertise in grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear power, and fossil fuels. Sargent & Lundy delivers comprehensive project services--from consulting, design and implementation to construction management, commissioning and operations/maintenance--with an emphasis on quality and safety. The firm serves public and private sector clients in the power and energy, gas distribution, industrial, and government sectors.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1891

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