Plant Operations Assistant Jobs in Ridgefield, CT

The Towantic Energy Center is a cutting-edge power generation facility in Oxford, CT, has a 785 MW capacity. This dual-fuel plant utilizes gas and employs a 2x1 combined cycle setup. It includes two high-efficiency GE 7HA.01 combustion turbine generators and a single GE D602 steam turbine. This facility showcases modern electricity generation, combining technologies for reliable and sustainable power delivery to the region.

Opportunity Summary

The Maintenance Mechanic at Towantic Energy Center plays a critical role in ensuring reliable and efficient plant operations. This position supports preventive, predictive, and routine maintenance programs while utilizing the CMMS to collect and analyze maintenance data. Responsibilities include troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining critical mechanical equipment, including pumps, valves, compressors, HRSG auxiliaries, and combustion and steam turbine support systems, to ensure safe and reliable performance during routine operations, outages, and planned shutdowns. Working collaboratively with plant personnel, the Maintenance Mechanic promotes plant reliability and oversees contractors to ensure work is performed safely and to quality standards.

Your scope of responsibility as Maintenance Mechanic includes the following primary functions:

• Participate in the plant’s preventive, routine, and predictive maintenance programs by performing scheduled tasks, utilizing computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), and collecting and analyzing trending data to improve reliability and support operational decisions.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose mechanical equipment issues, applying timely and effective resolutions.
• Maintain, repair, and overhaul plant mechanical systems and components, including pumps, valves, fans, blowers, gearboxes, compressors, HRSG auxiliaries, and combustion and steam turbine support equipment. Support planned shutdowns and repairs by inspecting equipment, diagnosing issues, and performing necessary tasks safely and efficiently.
• Collaborate with team members to execute maintenance tasks, share knowledge, and enhance overall plant performance, reliability, and safety.
• Assist in developing and refining preventive maintenance procedures to ensure they are comprehensive and effective.
• Coordinate and support outage-related mechanical work on combustion turbines, steam turbine systems, HRSG equipment, and plant auxiliaries, ensuring efficient resource allocation and minimizing operational disruptions.
• Set up and operate machine shop tools to perform precise machining tasks, ensuring proper alignment and balance of equipment.
• Operate and maintain combined-cycle power-generating facility equipment, including GE 7HA.01 combustion turbines, HRSG systems, and steam turbine auxiliaries, while ensuring compliance with plant procedures.
• Install piping, conduit, and other components to support plant system upgrades and modifications.
• Read and interpret meters, gauges, and instrumentation to monitor operating conditions, including temperature, vibration, pressure, flow, fluid levels, and water chemistry parameters.
• Maintain spare parts inventory and plant documentation, including operating manuals, technical references, diagrams, and maintenance records, to ensure reliability and accessibility.
• Supervise contractors and outside technicians to ensure repairs and upgrades adhere to safety protocols and quality standards.
• Complete additional tasks as assigned by the Maintenance Manager or Plant Manager, demonstrating flexibility and commitment to 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 Maintenance Mechanic reports directly to the Maintenance Manager and receives general direction from other plant management. This role involves interfacing with contractors and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) personnel to ensure necessary support and coordination.

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 Maintenance Mechanic works a Monday through Thursday 4x10 schedule following completion of the probationary period. During the probationary period, this position follows a Monday through Friday 5x8 day-shift schedule to support training and onboarding while ensuring consistent plant operation and support during regular business hours.

This position will also 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.

Compensation

This position offers a base pay rate of $58.59 per hour.

Core Qualifications and Skills

We are looking for a skilled Mechanic with experience in power generation operations and maintenance, coupled with a proven ability to contribute effectively to team success and consistently meet performance standards.

• An Associate degree in Plant Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Process Technology, or a related field is preferred. Alternatively, equivalent technical training in industrial maintenance or instrumentation and control is beneficial, though not required. Relevant industry or military experience may also be considered.
• Hands-on experience in power-generating facility maintenance, preferably at a combined-cycle power plant as a power plant mechanic, millwright, or in an equivalent role.
• Comprehensive understanding of combined-cycle power plant operations, including preventive and predictive maintenance programs, with the ability to maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and overhaul mechanical systems and balance-of-plant equipment such as pumps, valves, compressors, fans, blowers, HRSG auxiliaries, combustion turbine support systems, steam turbine systems, and other critical equipment.
• Strong commitment to safety protocols and compliance with industry regulations, ensuring quality, safety, and operational standards during maintenance, outages, and repair activities.
• Proficient in assembling, disassembling, adjusting, and aligning mechanical equipment, and skilled in operating precision measuring instruments, diagnostic equipment, and fabrication tools such as drill presses, milling machines, welding equipment, and rigging tools.
• Capable of reading and interpreting meters, gauges, and instrumentation to monitor operating conditions, including temperature, vibration, pressure, flow, fluid levels, and water chemistry parameters, while collecting and analyzing equipment performance data.
• Strong team player with proven ability to collaborate on maintenance activities, share technical knowledge, and supervise contractors and technicians to ensure adherence to quality and safety standards.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively coordinate with operations, maintenance personnel, contractors, and plant management, and accurately document maintenance activities and equipment history.
• 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.