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Power Plant Engineer Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

Engineer - Plant *First Grade*

Seaford, DE · On-site

$28.26 - $43.81/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Plant Engineer Position Summary Operates, maintains and repairs stationary mechanical equipment ... power systems, and all ancillary plant equipment to provide for utilities such as light, heat, air ...

Engineer - Plant *First Grade*

Seaford, DE · On-site

$28.26 - $43.81/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Plant Engineer Position Summary Operates, maintains and repairs stationary mechanical equipment ... power systems, and all ancillary plant equipment to provide for utilities such as light, heat, air ...

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Showing results 1-20

Power Plant Engineer information

See Delaware salary details

$22

$35

$60

How much do power plant engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for power plant engineer in Delaware is $35.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.65 and $36.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a power plant engineer do?

A power plant engineer maintains day-to-day operations in a power plant. Their main duties involve conducting operational tests, providing preventative maintenance on machines, inspecting thermal systems, and working closely with other plant personnel. This job requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering. Many engineers earn a more specialized degree in chemical, electrical, or nuclear engineering depending upon their industry. Additional qualifications for a power plant engineer include experience working as part of a team, communication skills, and strong analytical abilities.

What does a power plant engineer do?

A Power Plant Engineer is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and optimization of power generation facilities. Their duties include overseeing equipment such as turbines, boilers, and generators to ensure efficient and safe production of electricity. They also perform regular inspections, troubleshoot issues, and implement safety protocols. In addition, Power Plant Engineers may work on upgrading systems to improve energy efficiency and comply with environmental regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a power plant engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Power Plant Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering, strong problem-solving abilities, and a relevant engineering degree or certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, plant management software, and safety compliance standards is typically required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and attention to detail help you collaborate effectively and ensure plant operations run smoothly. These skills and qualifications are crucial for maintaining safe, efficient, and reliable power generation.

What are some common challenges power plant engineers face in their daily work, and how can they prepare for them?

Power Plant Engineers frequently encounter challenges such as ensuring equipment reliability, troubleshooting unexpected failures, and maintaining compliance with safety and environmental regulations. They often need to respond quickly to operational issues, coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, and adapt to technological upgrades. To prepare, engineers benefit from staying updated on industry best practices, participating in ongoing training, and developing strong problem-solving and communication skills. Proactively engaging in preventive maintenance and collaborating closely with operations and maintenance teams can also help mitigate many common issues.

What is the difference between Power Plant Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectPower Plant EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Electrical, or Power Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; PE license optional but beneficial
Work EnvironmentPower plants, energy facilities, industrial sitesManufacturing, design firms, industrial plants, energy sectors
Industry UsageSpecific to energy generation and power productionBroad engineering applications across industries
Job FocusDesign, operation, and maintenance of power generation systemsDesign, analysis, and manufacturing of mechanical systems

Power Plant Engineers specialize in energy generation systems within power plants, focusing on operation and maintenance. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, working across various industries on mechanical systems. While both roles require similar credentials, their work environments and job focuses differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Power Plant Engineer jobs in Delaware?

For Power Plant Engineer jobs in Delaware, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Power Plant Engineer jobs in Delaware look for?

The top searched job categories for Power Plant Engineer jobs in Delaware are:

What are popular job titles related to Power Plant Engineer jobs in DE?

For Power Plant Engineer jobs in DE, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Power Plant Engineer job openings in Delaware as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,688 per year, or $35.9 per hour.

Power Plant Operator I - Wilmington

Christiana Care Health Services

Wilmington, DE • On-site

$33.92/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


ChristianaCare rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 129 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

158th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Job Details

Do you want to work at one of the Top 100 Hospitals in the nation? We are guided by our values ofLoveandExcellenceand are passionate about delivering health, not just health care. Come join us at ChristianaCare!

ChristianaCare is looking for a full-time Certified Power Plant Operator I in Wilmington, Delaware to operate multiple high-pressure boilers/steam plant and auxiliary equipment such as plant air compressors, fuel and feed water systems. To operate multiple refrigeration machines and chiller plants including auxiliary equipment such as cooling towers, condenser and chilled water pumps and chemical treatment systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Operates steam generation plant for heating, dietary, humidification, laundry processes and sterilization. The ability to maintain steam systems at required pressures and temperatures.
  • Operates and monitors various chiller plants and related equipment/systems.
  • Monitors and reports any alarms associated with ATS, Emergency Generator and medical gas panels.
  • Monitors gauges and meters to determine operating condition of power plant.
  • Reports and logs about unusual conditions.
  • Maintains a clean and safe workstation.
  • Performs all aspects of operator maintenance.
  • Performs chemical tests for water in boiler systems, chiller plants and maintains appropriate chemical levels.
  • Starts and stops boilers, chillers and related equipment as needed for load transfer or maintenance reasons.
  • Cleans condenser tubes on chillers as scheduled prior to cooling season.
  • Loads/unloads auxiliary equipment record data (e.g., hours of operation, temperatures, pressure, fuel consumption).
  • Maintains adequate oil levels in storage tanks for proper operation of power plant equipment.
  • Assists boiler room maintenance personnel in equipment repair, replacement and modification.
  • Assists in the take down and repair of boilers for annual inspection.
  • Participate in certification exercises, shop meetings and other activities required to gain information and instructions that will keep the Power Plant operating effectively and efficiently.
  • Performs assigned work safely adhering to established departmental safety rules and practices. Reports to supervisor in a timely manner of any unsafe activities, conditions, hazards or safety violations that may cause injury to oneself, other employees, patients and visitors.
  • Performs all duties in accordance with the Power Plant Operator list of responsibilities for each designated shift.

Hours: Rotating Shifts - Mandatory overtime if needed to maintain plant coverage

Education and Experience Requirements:

High School Graduate or Equivalent.

Current Driver License.

Stationary Engineering License (preferred).

One (1) year previous experience in operation of high-pressure steam plant (preferred).

Special requirements:

A City of Wilmington Fireman's License, or any higher level of License (1st, 2nd or 3rd class Engineers license) if assigned and scheduled to work alone at the Wilmington Hospital. This license is not required for the Christiana Hospital Campus.

Other City and State Stationary Engineering Licenses such as the City of Philadelphia Engineer Class "A" license, Maryland Engineering License or New Jersey Engineering License may be considered.

Must be able to successfully demonstrate the ability to complete the Christiana Care Stationary Engineer Exam within the first 90 days of employment. This Exam is consistent with the Wilmington Fireman's & 3rd Class Engineering License Exams.

Physical demands:

Strenuous work associated with direct power plant systems repair including operating chain falls and large wrenches, climbing cooling towers, boiler tops, ladder work and bending and stooping over equipment.

Working conditions:

Exposure to hot, high-pressure steam, pressurized hot water, oils, grease, hot surfaces, chemical fumes, soot, dust, heat and noise. Exposure to burns, scalds, eye and ear hazards and falls.

ChristianaCare Offers:
  • Collaborative and team focused environment
  • Full Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, etc.
  • 403(b)
  • Generous paid time off
  • Incredible Work/Life benefits including annual membership to care.com, access to backup care services for dependents through Care@Work, retirement planning services, financial coaching, fitness and wellness reimbursement, and phenomenal discounts through several vendors for hotels, rental cars, theme parks, shows, sporting events, movie tickets and much more!

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

This position has a starting rate of $33.92 per hour, regardless of prior experience. After six months of continuous employment, the hourly rate will automatically increase to $37.78 per hour. After one year of continuous employment, the hourly rate will automatically increase to $41.63.This pay rate/range represents ChristianaCare's good faith and reasonable estimate of compensation at the time of posting. The actual salary within this range offered to a successful candidate will depend on individual factors including without limitation skills, relevant experience, and qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements.

Christiana Care Health System is an equal opportunity employer, firmly committed to prohibiting discrimination, whose staff is reflective of its community, and considers qualified applicants for open positions without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, disability, pregnancy, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Post End Date

Aug 29, 2026

EEO Posting Statement

ChristianaCare offers a competitive suite of employee benefits to maximize the wellness of you and your family, including health insurance, paid time off, retirement, an employee assistance program. To learn more about our benefits for eligible positions visithttps://careers.christianacare.org/benefits-compensation/


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About ChristianaCare

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

ChristianaCare is one of the country's most dynamic health care organizations, centered on improving health outcomes, making high-quality care more accessible and lowering health care costs. ChristianaCare includes an extensive network of outpatient services, home health care, urgent care centers, three hospitals (1,299 beds), a free-standing emergency department, a Level I trauma center and a Level III neonatal intensive care unit, a comprehensive stroke center and regional centers of excellence in heart and vascular care, cancer care and women's health. It also includes the pioneering Gene Editing Institute and was rated by IDG Computerworld as one of the nation's Best Places to Work in IT. ChristianaCare is a nonprofit teaching health system with more than 260 residents and fellows. It is continually ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a Best Hospital. With the unique CareVio data-powered care coordination service and a focus on population health and value-based care, ChristianaCare is shaping the future of health care.

Industry

Outpatient health care

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Wilmington, DE, US

Year founded

1888