Power Plant Automation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

La Paloma Power Facility is located approximately 40 miles west of Bakersfield in McKittrick, California, and operates as a 1,022 MW natural gas-fired combined cycle power plant. Utilizing ABB GT24 combustion turbines, ABB HRSGs, and an ABB VAX 16 steam turbine, the facility delivers efficient and reliable power generation. Its strategic location and proven technology support a dependable electricity supply while maintaining compliance with stringent environmental regulations.

Opportunity Summary

The Plant Engineer supports the safe, reliable, efficient, and compliant operation of La Paloma Power Facility. This position monitors plant performance, improves equipment reliability, supports outage planning, and drives continuous improvement initiatives while helping ensure compliance with applicable NERC Reliability Standards and regulatory requirements.

Working with Operations, Maintenance, contractors, and compliance personnel, the Plant Engineer analyzes equipment performance, resolves operational issues, and supports plant control systems, including the DCS, turbine controls, and instrumentation, while assisting with NERC compliance and audit readiness.

Your scope of responsibility as Plant Engineer includes the following primary functions:

Engineering Performance & Reliability

• Track forced outages, derates, and loss of generation events, conducting Root Cause Analyses (RCA) and supporting internal and external reporting requirements.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of ABB GT24 combustion turbines, ABB HRSGs, ABB VAX 16 steam turbine systems, and balance-of-plant equipment to improve reliability, availability, and efficiency.
• Analyze plant heat rate, operating data, and performance trends, recommending operational and maintenance improvements that maximize plant performance and profitability.
• Support the evaluation, maintenance, and optimization of the plant's Distributed Control System (DCS), turbine control systems, PLCs, and instrumentation systems to ensure reliable and efficient operation.
• Assist with control system modifications, alarm management, operator graphics, and automation improvements to enhance plant performance and operational flexibility.
• Implement and support condition monitoring programs, including vibration analysis, thermography, oil analysis, and performance monitoring techniques to assess equipment health and identify potential failures.
• Manage plant instrumentation and measurement systems to ensure accurate data acquisition, equipment calibration, and reliable process monitoring.
• Investigate equipment failures, plant incidents, process abnormalities, and unusual operating conditions, determining root causes and implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Maintain configuration control, engineering documentation, technical drawings, and plant records to ensure accurate and up-to-date engineering information.
• Coordinate with OEM representatives, engineering firms, contractors, and vendors to resolve technical issues, implement improvements, and support plant projects.
• Develop scopes of work, manage contractor activities, and support outage planning and execution to ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and within budget.
• Perform reliability studies and engineering evaluations to improve plant availability, capacity factor, and long-term asset performance.
• Support capital improvement projects, plant modifications, and Management of Change (MOC) activities to ensure safe and effective implementation of engineering solutions.
• Fully support and participate in NAES Safety, Environmental, and Regulatory Compliance Programs while promoting a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the Plant Manager to support the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the facility.

NERC

Responsible for the oversight, administration and coordination of all plant Operator and Owner NERC accountabilities. Must be familiar with all NERC standards and requirements in order to:

• Implement, maintain, and continuously improve the plant's NERC Internal Control Program (ICP), ensuring compliance with all applicable NERC Reliability Standards.
• Monitor, interpret, and apply new and existing NERC regulatory requirements, maintaining plant compliance procedures, policies, and documentation in accordance with current standards.
• Analyze technical and operational data to develop, maintain, and support compliance evidence, including Reliability Standard Audit Worksheets (RSAWs) and other regulatory reporting requirements.
• Coordinate with NAES NERC Compliance personnel, plant staff, and external auditors during compliance reviews, audits, and site visits, ensuring timely, accurate, and technically sound responses.
• Develop and deliver training to plant personnel on NERC compliance requirements, procedure updates, and regulatory changes to promote ongoing compliance awareness and accountability.

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 Plant Engineer reports to the Plant Manager. The Plant Engineer coordinates with the Operations and Maintenance Managers, Compliance Manager and Administrative Supervisor as needed in the daily operation of the plant. Maintains a positive relationship with NAES Corporate Engineering Support Services. The Plant Engineer will coordinate with operations and maintenance employees concerning regulatory matters.

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 Plant Engineer works a standard Monday to Friday day shift schedule, ensuring consistent plant operation and support during regular business hours. This position will 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.

Some travel may be involved to participate in Manager, Owner, User Group, or other offsite meetings.

Compensation

This position offers an annual base salary ranging from $140,000 to $165,000 and includes eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Professional Expertise & Qualifications

We are seeking a Plant Engineer with a passion for excellence in plant operations and maintenance, a work history demonstrating progressively increasing responsibilities, and prior experience in a power plant environment.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline is required. Relevant power generation, industrial, or military experience may be considered in lieu of education on a year-for-year basis.
• Demonstrated knowledge of power plant operations, maintenance, engineering, and reliability principles, preferably within a combined-cycle, utility, or industrial facility.
• Experience analyzing equipment performance, plant operating data, heat rate, and reliability metrics, conducting Root Cause Analyses (RCA), and implementing solutions that improve reliability, availability, and operational performance.
• Knowledge of plant control and automation systems, including Distributed Control Systems (DCS), PLCs, instrumentation, and process control applications.
• Familiarity with NERC Reliability Standards, compliance programs, audit processes, and regulatory reporting requirements applicable to operating facilities.
• Working knowledge of condition monitoring techniques, instrumentation systems, calibration programs, and data acquisition systems, including vibration analysis, thermography, oil analysis, CEMS/DAHS, and plant historian applications such as OSIsoft PI.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations, safety programs, and industry standards related to power generation facilities, including air quality, water compliance, hazardous materials, and waste management.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, support outage activities, and implement practical engineering solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare technical reports, present recommendations, and effectively collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, OEM representatives, contractors, regulators, and other stakeholders.
• 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.