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Local Power Plant Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

$100 - $125/hr

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Local Power Plant information

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 Tennessee?

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

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Local Power Plant jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Local Power Plant job openings:

Infographic showing various Local Power Plant job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Senior Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy

Knoxville, TN • On-site

$84K - $129K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Sargent & Lundy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

121st of 453 rated engineering


Job description

Description

This will be a full-time (5 days/week) on-site position at TRISO-X Fuel Fabrication Facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

Our electric power generation clients are updating and replacing the power plant control systems with new digital control systems. This is expanding work in the Instrumentation and Controls Engineering group.  

You will work on major process controls engineering projects for upgrades and modifications to nuclear power plants in the following areas:

  • Digital Systems -- PLC, DCS, Touchscreen displays, network switches and control systems
  • Functional Requirement and Procurement Specifications for instrumentation and control systems for nuclear power plants
  • Process instrumentation replacement evaluation reports and nuclear modification packages
  • Mechatronics, Control Systems for pumps, valves, heat exchangers, steam turbines and reactors to improve the functionality of the client's plant
  • Attend client meetings and perform site walkdowns to ensure the client is satisfied with our work product
  • Provide guidance as a mentor in the development of less experienced nuclear instrumentation and controls design engineers
Qualifications

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

Essential skills and experience:

  • BS degree in engineering from an ABET accredited program.
  • A minimum of 5 years of experience in design engineering for process control systems; Experience in design engineering for nuclear power plant control system is preferred
  • Experience with controls system design including applications for low and medium voltage distribution systems and controls for equipment including but not limited to turbines, pumps, feedwater control, and data displays.
  • Experience with power plant instrumentation and controls systems design for either BWR of PWR reactors, including DCS for turbine, control, feedwater control, and data display.
  • Technically knowledgeable of available equipment and proven pre-engineered systems to execute systems design
  • Experience in reviewing design drawings created by others.
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$84,762 - $129,498Transparency 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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