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Per Diem Power Plant Operator Jobs in Ridgecrest, CA

Nuclear Engineer

Inyokern, CA

$97K - $117K/yr

... powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and associated Department of Energy ... safe and reliable nuclear plant operation. What to Expect Assume significant technical ...

Nuclear Engineer

Ridgecrest, CA

$97K - $117K/yr

... powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and associated Department of Energy ... safe and reliable nuclear plant operation. What to Expect Assume significant technical ...

Nuclear Engineer

Onyx, CA

$93K - $112K/yr

... powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and associated Department of Energy ... safe and reliable nuclear plant operation. What to Expect Assume significant technical ...

HVAC Technician

CA · On-site

$32 - $36/hr

... control panels to power source. * Installs air and water filters in completed installation ... operating pressure. * Observes pressure and vacuum gauges and adjust controls to insure proper ...

Per Diem Power Plant Operator information

See Ridgecrest, CA salary details

$20

$44

$63

How much do per diem power plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for per diem power plant operator in Ridgecrest, CA is $44.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.86 and $58.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a per diem power plant operator?

A Per Diem Power Plant Operator is a power plant worker who fills in on an as-needed basis rather than working a fixed, full-time schedule. They are responsible for monitoring and maintaining plant equipment, ensuring efficient and safe operations. This role often requires flexibility, as shifts may vary based on demand. Per diem operators typically have prior experience and relevant certifications to operate and troubleshoot power generation systems.

What does a typical work schedule look like for a per diem power plant operator?

As a Per Diem Power Plant Operator, your work schedule is typically flexible and based on the plant's staffing needs, which may include covering shifts during peak demand, staff absences, or special maintenance projects. Shifts can vary, often including nights, weekends, and holidays, requiring adaptability to irregular hours. You may be called in at short notice, so being responsive and available is important in this type of position. This flexible schedule allows you to gain experience in different plant operations and settings, helping you build valuable skills for long-term career growth.

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

To thrive as a Per Diem Power Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of power plant operations, mechanical and electrical systems, and adherence to safety protocols, often backed by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with Distributed Control Systems (DCS), SCADA, and relevant certifications like EPA or ASME Boiler certifications are commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate clearly with team members are distinguished soft skills in this role. These qualities are essential to ensure efficient, safe, and compliant operations in a dynamic, shift-based work environment.

What cities near Ridgecrest, CA are hiring for Per Diem Power Plant Operator jobs?

Cities near Ridgecrest, CA with the most Per Diem Power Plant Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Per Diem Power Plant Operator job openings in Ridgecrest, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,363 per year, or $44.4 per hour.

CBA Aircraft Mechanic II - Power Plants (F-18)

V2X

China Lake, CA

$51.06/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


V2X rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 449 rated engineering


Job description

Overview

Working across the globe, V2X builds smart solutions designed to integrate physical and digital infrastructure from base to battlefield. We bring 120 years of successful mission support to improve security, streamline logistics, and enhance readiness. Aligned around a shared purpose, our $4.5B company and 16,000 people work alongside our clients, here and abroad, to tackle their most complex challenges with integrity, respect, responsibility, and professionalism.


Responsibilities

Perform scheduled/unscheduled O-Level maintenance on specific applicable squadron T/M/S aircraft airframe, ordnance, power plants, corrosion control and painting, and related systems hired to maintain. Perform flight line essential services as directed to daily Flight Schedule. The Aircraft Mechanic II maintains/repairs aircraft engine systems, structures and structural components of moderate difficulty, maintains and repairs aircraft components flight controls, power plants and related systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, fuel systems, mechanical components, applies technical knowledge of airframe and power plant systems in determining equipment malfunctions. Mechanic II’s apply required expertise in restoring equipment condition and or operation and applies comprehensive technical expertise to solve moderate to complex problems by interpreting technical documentation such as; blueprints, applicable T/M/S specific maintenance manuals and directives.

Engine Turn and Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) designated Tech personnel shall be at a minimum Level II Mechanic at the China Lake site. Pt. Mugu shall work in accordance with the Ground Operating Procedures. The Tech receives technical guidance, as required, from supervisor or higher-level technician, will occasionally be required to lead teams through more complex aircraft relevant tasks, and may be required to make entries in aircraft logs and records. Level Mechanics II shall be able to correctly prioritize workload to maintain schedules and maintenance standards on assigned projects. Routine lifting in excess of OSHA standards is required. Routine ordnance loading will require team lifts of ordnance items up to 167 pounds’ load share per team member, in accordance with standard USN procedures.

Shall have authority to direct Level I work center personnel to accomplish specific maintenance actions as required to accomplish maintenance tasking in accordance with Department of Labor Skill Code definitions (responsible for providing guidance and technical expertise to lower level technicians throughout all aircraft modifications and/or maintenance efforts.) Shall receive technical guidance, as required, from supervisor or higher-level technician, will occasionally be required to lead teams through more complex aircraft relevant tasks.

All Airframe/Power Plants mechanics may be required to become Plane Captain certified IAW a government approved certification process for each T/M/S applicable to their background experience and/or documented equivalent training to the applicable T/M/S they cross train to support.


Qualifications
  • High school graduate or equivalent. Specialized training courses are desirable.
  • Shall have completed their appropriate T/M required/Series Navy Skill Specialty Class "C" school.
  • Shall have minimum of five years USN/USMC/USCG O-Level CNAFINST 4790.2 (series) aircraft maintenance support experience.
  • Shall have not less than three years T/M aircraft maintenance experience for the T/M/S aircraft hired to maintain.
  • Shall have been previously designated as a CDI, QAR, or CDQAR
  • Thorough knowledge of the specific T/M required/Series aircraft hired to maintain for mechanical component troubleshooting, repair procedures and replacement of parts.
  • Broad knowledge of aircraft sheet metal/structural modifications and repair
  • Basic knowledge of electrical theory.
  • Thorough knowledge of aircraft unique tools such as test equipment, torque wrenches, dial indicators, micrometers, T/M/S specific IMRL equipment, sheet metal brakes and sheers.
  • Working knowledge of technical publications, CNAFINST 4790.2 (series) and NALCOMIS aircraft maintenance applications.
  • Shall have a valid driver's license.
  • Must be eligible to qualify for and able to maintain a U.S. DoD secret level clearance.
  • Candidates must have been released from military service with an Honorable Discharge to meet minimum qualifications.

Salary $51.06

  • Benefits include the following:
  • Healthcare coverage
  • Retirement plan
  • Life insurance, AD&D, and disability benefits
  • Wellness programs
  • Paid time off, including holidays
  • Learning and Development resources
  • Employee assistance resources
  • Pay and benefits are subject to change at any time and may be modified at the discretion of the company, consistent with the terms of any applicable compensation or benefit plans.

At V2X, we are deeply committed to both equal employment opportunity, including protection for Veterans and individuals with disabilities, and fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We ensure all individuals are treated with fairness, respect, and dignity, recognizing the strength that comes from a workforce rich in diverse experiences, perspectives, and skills. This commitment, aligned with our core Vision and Values of Integrity, Respect, and Responsibility, allows us to leverage differences, encourage innovation, and expand our success in the global marketplace, ultimately enabling us to best serve our clients.

Qualifications:
  • High school graduate or equivalent. Specialized training courses are desirable.
  • Shall have completed their appropriate T/M required/Series Navy Skill Specialty Class "C" school.
  • Shall have minimum of five years USN/USMC/USCG O-Level CNAFINST 4790.2 (series) aircraft maintenance support experience.
  • Shall have not less than three years T/M aircraft maintenance experience for the T/M/S aircraft hired to maintain.
  • Shall have been previously designated as a CDI, QAR, or CDQAR
  • Thorough knowledge of the specific T/M required/Series aircraft hired to maintain for mechanical component troubleshooting, repair procedures and replacement of parts.
  • Broad knowledge of aircraft sheet metal/structural modifications and repair
  • Basic knowledge of electrical theory.
  • Thorough knowledge of aircraft unique tools such as test equipment, torque wrenches, dial indicators, micrometers, T/M/S specific IMRL equipment, sheet metal brakes and sheers.
  • Working knowledge of technical publications, CNAFINST 4790.2 (series) and NALCOMIS aircraft maintenance applications.
  • Shall have a valid driver's license.
  • Must be eligible to qualify for and able to maintain a U.S. DoD secret level clearance.
  • Candidates must have been released from military service with an Honorable Discharge to meet minimum qualifications.

Salary $51.06

  • Benefits include the following:
  • Healthcare coverage
  • Retirement plan
  • Life insurance, AD&D, and disability benefits
  • Wellness programs
  • Paid time off, including holidays
  • Learning and Development resources
  • Employee assistance resources
  • Pay and benefits are subject to change at any time and may be modified at the discretion of the company, consistent with the terms of any applicable compensation or benefit plans.

At V2X, we are deeply committed to both equal employment opportunity, including protection for Veterans and individuals with disabilities, and fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We ensure all individuals are treated with fairness, respect, and dignity, recognizing the strength that comes from a workforce rich in diverse experiences, perspectives, and skills. This commitment, aligned with our core Vision and Values of Integrity, Respect, and Responsibility, allows us to leverage differences, encourage innovation, and expand our success in the global marketplace, ultimately enabling us to best serve our clients.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

What V2X employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About V2X

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

1945