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Power Plant Operator Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

General Worker/Operator

Athens, AL · On-site

$13 - $15.75/hr

This is our entry level position in which you will work in many areas of the plant. A great ... Demonstrate ability to use power tools safely and hand tools with training * Works efficiently and ...

Forklift Operator

Decatur, AL · On-site

$16 - $18.75/hr

This Forklift Operator is responsible for properly loading, unloading, storing, verifying, and shipping materials in plant. The incumbent will also ensure the shipment of customer samples and ...

Production Operator

Madison, AL · On-site

$15 - $18.25/hr

... Operator on Day and Night shift. Sanoh America offers a very comprehensive benefit package that ... WORKING CONDITIONS 1. Plant floor. 2. Overtime of varying levels may be required with this position.

LIGHT Assembly II

Arab, AL · On-site

$21/hr

WILL Train Assembly OR Machine Operators **Will Have Plant Tour To See YOURSELF Full Time 40 HOURS ... Powered by ApplicantStack Hiring Automation Software Privacy Policy | Terms of Use

IC&E Technician III

Decatur, AL

$33K - $42K/yr

Through wholesale power operations and its retail businesses, Calpine serves customers in 22 states ... Optimize plant preventative maintenance program to meet OEM recommendations, regulatory ...

IC&E Technician III

Decatur, AL · On-site

$35K - $45K/yr

Through wholesale power operations and its retail businesses, Calpine serves customers in 22 states ... Optimize plant preventative maintenance program to meet OEM recommendations, regulatory ...

ASSEMBLERS II

Arab, AL · On-site

$21/hr

... OR Machine Operators Will Have Plant Tour To See YOURSELF Full Time 40 HOURS = 570 wk OT is ... Powered by ApplicantStack Hiring Automation Software Privacy Policy | Terms of Use

OS & CI Engineer

Athens, AL · On-site

$76K - $101K/yr

Lead plant-wide continuous improvement projects using Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem ... Coach operators, supervisors, and cross-functional teams on continuous improvement tools and daily ...

OS & CI Engineer

Athens, AL

$76K - $101K/yr

Lead plant-wide continuous improvement projects using Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem ... Coach operators, supervisors, and cross-functional teams on continuous improvement tools and daily ...

Forklift Operator

Decatur, AL

$14 - $16.50/hr

This Forklift Operator is responsible for properly loading, unloading, storing, verifying, and shipping materials in plant. The incumbent will also ensure the shipment of customer samples and ...

LITE Manufacturing

Arab, AL

$14 - $17.25/hr

Have Plant Tour *Then Start INTERVIEW: Call M-F 8am to 5pm 256-640-8181 * Jeans, T-Shirt with Full ... Assembly / Machine Operators / Packaging * 40 hours = 570 * Add 1 Saturday = 740 * BENEFITS: Medial ...

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Showing results 1-20

Power Plant Operator information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$18

$41

$59

How much do power plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for power plant operator in Decatur, AL is $41.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.17 and $55.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is being a Power Plant Operator worth it?

Power Plant Operators manage and control the systems that generate electricity, requiring technical skills and often certifications. The job offers stable employment with competitive wages, but it involves shift work and safety risks due to high-voltage equipment and hazardous environments.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Power plant operators typically do not earn $2000 a day; their salaries are usually lower, often ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 annually. High-paying jobs that can reach or exceed $2000 daily include specialized roles such as certain surgeons, corporate executives, or highly experienced consultants, but these are not related to power plant operations. Achieving such high daily earnings generally requires advanced skills, certifications, and significant experience in specialized fields.

What are Power Plant Operators?

Power Plant Operators are professionals responsible for controlling, monitoring, and maintaining the equipment that generates electric power in power plants. They ensure that the plant runs efficiently, safely, and within regulatory standards by adjusting controls, reading meters, and responding to abnormalities or emergencies. Their duties often include starting or stopping equipment, troubleshooting issues, and performing routine inspections and maintenance. Operators may work with a variety of energy sources, including coal, natural gas, nuclear, or renewable resources. This role requires technical knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure.

What does an operator do at a power plant?

A power plant operator controls and monitors the equipment that generates electricity, ensuring safe and efficient operation of turbines, generators, and other machinery. They perform routine inspections, respond to alarms, and maintain records, often working in shifts and requiring technical skills and certifications. Their role is essential for maintaining continuous power supply and safety standards.

What Does a Power Plant Operator Do?

As a power plant operator, your duties are to operate and maintain equipment that generates power and regulate these generators to control the output and storage of energy. You also manage the proper flow of electricity and voltage based on consumer demands. At a nuclear power plant, for example, you adjust control rods which generate power, and monitor the reactors, wind turbines, and cooling systems to ensure they operate within specified parameters. At a solar installation, your responsibilities are to monitor heat transfer and position and adjust solar panels or mirrors based on meteorological conditions.

What is the difference between Power Plant Operator vs Boiler Operator?

AspectPower Plant OperatorBoiler Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma; licensing or certification often requiredHigh school diploma; boiler operator license or certification often required
Work EnvironmentPower plants, generating electricity from various sourcesBoiler rooms, manufacturing plants, or power plants
Industry UsageElectricity generation, energy productionSteam generation, heating systems, industrial processes
Job FunctionsOperate and monitor power plant equipment to generate electricityOperate and maintain boilers to produce steam or heat

Both roles involve operating equipment in energy or industrial settings and require similar certifications. Power Plant Operators focus on electricity generation, while Boiler Operators primarily manage steam and heating systems. The choice depends on the specific industry and equipment involved.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Power Plant Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Power Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, operational procedures, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring further technical training or certification. Familiarity with control systems, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) software, and safety protocols is critical for daily operations. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills set top operators apart. These competencies are essential to ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable generation of power in compliance with regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges faced by Power Plant Operators, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Power Plant Operators often encounter challenges such as managing unexpected equipment malfunctions, responding to alarms quickly, and maintaining focus during long shifts, including nights and weekends. New hires can prepare by gaining a solid understanding of plant systems, actively participating in on-the-job training, and developing strong communication skills to coordinate with maintenance and engineering teams. Staying vigilant, adhering to safety protocols, and asking questions when unsure can help new operators adapt more efficiently to the demanding environment.

What is the highest salary for a plant operator?

Power plant operators can earn high salaries, with the top earners making over $100,000 annually, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills, or working in high-demand regions. Factors such as certifications, shift work, and the complexity of the plant can influence salary levels.
What are the most commonly searched types of Power Plant Operator jobs in Decatur, AL? The most popular types of Power Plant Operator jobs in Decatur, AL are:
What job categories do people searching Power Plant Operator jobs in Decatur, AL look for? The top searched job categories for Power Plant Operator jobs in Decatur, AL are:
What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Power Plant Operator jobs? Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Power Plant Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Power Plant Operator job openings in Decatur, AL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $87,187 per year, or $41.9 per hour.
Director, Manufacturing Engineering

Director, Manufacturing Engineering

GE Appliances

Decatur, AL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

At GE Appliances, a Haier company, we come together to make "good things, for life."As the fastest-growing appliance company in the U.S., we're powered by creators, thinkers and makers who believe that anything is possible and that there's always a better way.We believe in the power of our people and in giving them the freedom to explore, discover and build good things, together.

The GE Appliances philosophy, backed by three simple commitments defines the way we work, invent, create, do business, and serve our communities:we come together,we always look for a better way, andwe create possibilities.

Interested in joining us on our journey?

The Plant Manufacturing Engineering Leader is a key factory staff member responsible for the overall performance, development and maintenance of the plant's technical resources and capability (both equipment and personnel). As a newly added plant role and function, the ME Leader will be responsible for building the plant ME organization to include creating and standardizing processes and developing technical capability in our people.PositionDirector, Manufacturing EngineeringLocationUSA, Decatur, ALHow You'll Create Possibilities
  • Lead and develop a high-performing, integrated Manufacturing Engineering organization, including Manufacturing, Facilities Engineering, and Maintenance teams. Set clear objectives, align resources to plant priorities, and drive accountability for results.
  • Own all plant facilities, production equipment, and tooling, ensuring reliability, capability, and alignment with operational needs.
  • Accountable for overall manufacturing performance, including current-state capability, efficiency, and output. Lead implementation of product changes, cost reduction initiatives, and running changes on existing platforms.
  • Partner with Operations to improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) by driving gains in availability, performance, and quality through process and equipment optimization.
  • Establish and execute a robust preventive and predictive maintenance strategy to maximize uptime, extend asset life, and minimize production disruption.
  • Own and drive the plant's hourly labor (base and variable) Jobs Plan. Collaborate with Operations and Lean teams to eliminate waste, improve productivity, and enable efficiency through equipment, tooling, and process improvements.
  • Ensure factory readiness for future product and volume demands, including mix changes, New Product Introduction (NPI), and long-term product evolution. Develop scenario planning ("what-if" analyses) to guide capacity and investment decisions.
  • Provide engineering leadership for NPI programs, ensuring alignment between program requirements and plant capabilities. Drive seamless product launches through effective transition planning, resource readiness, and equipment/tooling ownership.
  • Serve as a key member of the Change Implementation Board (CIB), ensuring all product and process changes align with plant strategy, deliver business value, and are executed effectively.
  • Ensure all projects meet EHS and ergonomic standards, applying Human and Organizational Performance (HOP) principles to prioritize operator safety and system reliability.
  • Own the plant capital and project portfolio ("Run the Plant" funding), including planning, prioritization, and execution. Align investments to strategic goals across Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost.
  • Partner with Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (AME) and Advanced Quality Engineering (AQE) to deliver capital projects and new technology implementations.
  • Champion Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement, embedding principles such as the Appliance Performance System to drive sustainable operational excellence.
  • Act as steward of plant infrastructure and space utilization, ensuring effective layout, capacity, and long-term site planning.
  • Build organizational capability by mentoring, coaching, and developing engineering and maintenance talent. Foster cross-functional collaboration and ensure strong succession planning and timely hiring.
What You'll Bring to Our Team
  • Technical Degree or equivalent experience.
  • Minimum 7+ years in progressive manufacturing leadership roles.
  • Strong operational plant finance background and understanding.
  • Strong understanding of Union Relations and demonstrated experience building relationships with Union leadership.
  • Experience managing large manufacturing and engineering projects.
  • Demonstrated ability to mentor, develop, grow and maintain a skilled engineering team.
  • Fluent with Lean manufacturing principles.
  • Strong communication skills - will be expected to communicate to all levels of the organization. From the plant floor up to executive staff members.
  • Demonstrated ability to take ownership of cross-functional program deliverables and ability to drive decisions based on the overall benefit to the company.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • BS Engineering (IE, ME or EE) or equivalent.
  • Six Sigma certification with strong knowledge of LEAN, DMAIC, workout and other change mechanisms.
  • Demonstrated leadership responsibility in a union manufacturing environment.
  • Lean Manufacturing implementation experience.
Our Culture

Our work is centered on our People and Culture as reflected in our Zero Distance philosophy and we recognize the importance of reaffirming our commitment to inclusion and diversity (I&D). This underscores our commitment to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, connected, and empowered to contribute, while positioning our organization to adapt seamlessly to the evolving needs of our workforce and communities.
This reflects our dedication to creating solutions that: Empower colleagues by fostering an environment where all voices are heard, valued, and encouraged to contribute. Strengthen communities where we live and work. Reinforce a culture of belonging, purpose, and engagement. Reflect the diversity of the communities we serve through our workforce, products, and practices.
By further embedding Zero Distance into our People and Culture framework, we will continue to build a deeply connected organization. We are cultivating a culture of engagement, belonging, and connection, because while attracting new talent remains a priority, retention is a cornerstone of our strategy.

GE Appliances is a trust-based organization. It is important we offer our employees the flexibility they need to do their best work while balancing the needs of the business and individuals. When you join GE Appliances, you will have the opportunity to work with your leader to create a flexible work arrangement that balances the needs of the individual, team, and organization.

GE Appliances is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

GE Appliances participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance or an accommodation to use our website or to apply, please send an e-mail toask.recruiting@geappliances.com