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Power Plant Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NAES Corporation

Power Plant Engineer

Aquasco, MD

Plant Engineering & Reliability * Monitor plant performance, including combustion turbines, steam ... Power plant environment that may involve entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas ...

NAES

Power Plant Engineer

MD · On-site

Plant Engineering & Reliability * Monitor plant performance, including combustion turbines, steam ... Power plant environment that may involve entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas ...

NAES Corporation

Power Plant Engineer

Aquasco, MD · On-site

$145K - $175K/hr

Plant Engineering & Reliability * Monitor plant performance, including combustion turbines, steam ... Power plant environment that may involve entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas ...

NAES

Power Plant Engineer

Mckittrick, CA · On-site

Engineering Performance & Reliability * Track forced outages, derates, and loss of generation ... Power plant environment that may involve entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas ...

NAES Corporation

Power Plant Engineer

Mckittrick, CA · On-site

Engineering Performance & Reliability * Track forced outages, derates, and loss of generation ... Power plant environment that may involve entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas ...

NAES Corporation

Power Plant Engineer

Mckittrick, CA · On-site

$140K - $165K/hr

Engineering Performance & Reliability * Track forced outages, derates, and loss of generation ... Power plant environment that may involve entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas ...

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Power Plant Engineering information

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How much do power plant engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for power plant engineering in the United States is $35.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.61 and $36.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by power plant engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Power plant engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining equipment reliability, adhering to stringent safety and environmental regulations, and managing unplanned outages. Addressing these issues requires strong troubleshooting skills, effective preventive maintenance programs, and continuous learning to stay updated with evolving technologies and standards. Collaboration with operations, maintenance, and environmental teams is essential to ensure smooth plant operation and compliance, making communication and teamwork key components of the role.

What type of engineers work at a power plant?

Power plants employ various engineers, including mechanical, electrical, chemical, and control systems engineers, who design, maintain, and operate plant equipment and systems. These engineers often require specialized knowledge of power generation processes, safety standards, and may hold relevant certifications or licenses. Their roles ensure efficient, safe, and reliable power production.

What is the difference between Power Plant Engineering vs Power Plant Operations?

AspectPower Plant EngineeringPower Plant Operations
Primary FocusDesign, development, and maintenance of power plant systems and infrastructureDay-to-day running, monitoring, and control of power plant functions
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in power systems or electrical engineeringTechnical training, operational certifications, and experience
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, engineering labs, and project sitesControl rooms, plant floors, and maintenance areas
Industry UsageUsed by engineers involved in planning, designing, and upgrading power plantsUsed by plant operators and technicians managing daily operations

Power Plant Engineering focuses on designing and maintaining power plant systems, requiring engineering credentials and working mainly in design and planning environments. Power Plant Operations involves managing daily plant functions, requiring operational skills and certifications. Both roles are essential in the power industry but serve different functions within the plant lifecycle.

What is power plant engineering?

Power Plant Engineering is a specialized field of engineering focused on the design, operation, maintenance, and improvement of power plants, which generate electricity from various energy sources such as fossil fuels, nuclear, hydro, and renewables. Power plant engineers work to ensure efficient, reliable, and safe power production while meeting environmental and regulatory standards. They are involved in tasks such as selecting equipment, optimizing processes, troubleshooting operational issues, and implementing new technologies.

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

To thrive as a Power Plant Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering, often with a relevant engineering degree and professional licensure (such as a PE). Familiarity with SCADA systems, power plant simulation software, and industry-specific safety standards is crucial. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills help engineers manage operations and troubleshoot issues efficiently. These competencies ensure reliable plant performance, regulatory compliance, and the safe, efficient generation of power.
More about Power Plant Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Power Plant Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Power Plant Engineering job openings:
What states have the most Power Plant Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Power Plant Engineering jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Power Plant Engineering jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Power Plant Engineering jobs are:
Power Plant Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Power Plant Engineering job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,624 per year, or $35.9 per hour.

Mgr Power Plant Engineering

CPS Energy

Corpus Christi, TX

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

CPS Energy rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

We are engineers, high line workers, power plant managers, accountants, electricians, project coordinators, risk analysts, customer service operators, community representatives, safety and security specialists, communicators, human resources partners, information technology technicians and much, much more. We are 3,500 people committed to enhancing the lives of the communities we serve.  Together, we are powering the growth and success of our community progress every day!

Open till filled:

 

Power Generation:  Barney Davis Power Station                               Location: Corpus Christi, Tx

Pay Grade

18

Position Summary

Manages, trains, directs and implements all Plant Engineering and instrumentation/controls duties required for the Power Plants. Involved in, but not limited to, Engineering and Technical oversight, planning, direction and coordination of tasks, optimizing equipment, materials, processes and procedures, analysis and evaluation of data and establishment of goals for events as required. Uses Engineering principles to provide Technical support and sound solutions for the Power Plants.

Tasks and Responsibilities
  • Manages plant engineering and instrumentation/controls teams.
  • Analyzes, evaluates operations, maintenance and performance levels in the plant environment to develop programmatic engineering changes to improve plant performance. 
  • Makes recommendations to improve employee health and safety to support a zero accident/incident rate goal.
  • Develops equipment specifications, contractual agreements and performs project management activities such as outage planning and execution.
  • Works closely with Power Generation Central Services team and provides engineering support for operations and maintenance by formulating and implementing technical solutions for improved plant performance.
  • Responds to operations, maintenance and project needs; provides lead role for plant and equipment performance evaluation, optimizes resource use and maximizes reliable power generation and revenue.
  • Directs department activities to support maintenance in troubleshooting the causes of repetitive failures and unusual events such as unit deratings or trips.
  • Identifies and incorporates new ideas and technologies for project development.
  • Recommends economically viable projects.
  • Initiates, implements and completes project work as assigned or otherwise.
  • Conducts employee performance reviews for all direct reports.
  • Mentors and assists in the development of direct reports to assume roles of increasing responsibility.
  • Oversees tests that analyze design, feasibility, operation, equipment condition and performance of the facility.
  • Confers with other Engineers, Management and Plant Personnel to develop mitigation plans, design modifications, operational changes and changes in maintenance practices and/or new system implementation to prevent repetitive failures and/or improve plant performance.
  • Confers with other Engineers and personnel to resolve malfunctions, review system performance, oversee repairs and improvements and review operating characteristics of all plant systems.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
     
Minimum Skills
Minimum Knowledge and Abilities
Professional engineer license.
Extensive experience in power generation operations, maintenance, and engineering.
Extensive experience in power generation projects and programs development and implementation.
Extensive experience with building power generation related engineering dashboards and other analysis tools.
Extensive root cause analysis training and experience implementing in power generation related events.
General knowledge of current CPS Energy accounting methods and principles, Capital and O&M.
Ability to use the plant DCS controls and other operating/monitoring/control systems.
Ability to read, analyze and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports and legal documents.
Ability to manage multiple projects in a highly dynamic environment that requires continuous re-prioritization as determined by operational situations that arise daily.
Ability to delegate assignments to appropriate parties.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Package, including word processing, spreadsheets, database, presentation software, electronic mail and scheduling.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)
  • Advanced degree in Business Administration, Engineering or related field from an accredited university.
  • Proficient working knowledge of SAP system and most SAP transactions.
Competencies
Delivering High Quality Work
Driving Continuous Improvement
Coordinating Project Activities
Displaying Technical Expertise
Driving for Results
Inspiring and Motivating Others
Minimum Education
Bachelors of Science degree in Engineering or related field from an accredited university.
Required Certifications
Working Environment
Indoor work, operating computer, manual dexterity, talking, hearing, repetitive motion. Use of personal computing equipment, telephone, multi-functioning printer and calculator.
Ability to travel to and from meetings, training sessions or other business related events.
Physical Demands
Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.
Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

CPS Energy does not discriminate against applicants or employees. CPS Energy is committed to providing equal opportunity in all of its employment practices, including selection, hiring, promotion, transfers and compensation, to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, veteran status, pregnancy, age, disability, genetic information or any other protected status. CPS Energy will comply with all laws and regulations.

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