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Steam Plant Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Power Plant Engineer

Aquasco, MD · On-site

$145K - $175K/hr

The station features a diverse configuration that includes seven gas turbines and two steam ... Opportunity Summary The Plant Engineer at Chalk Point Generation Station provides engineering ...

The station features a diverse configuration that includes seven gas turbines and two steam ... Opportunity Summary The Plant Engineer at Chalk Point Generation Station provides engineering ...

The station features a diverse configuration that includes seven gas turbines and two steam ... Opportunity Summary The Plant Engineer at Chalk Point Generation Station provides engineering ...

... repairs in steam, oxygen, vacuum and other medical gases. Request assistance from plumbers ... First Grade Stationary Plant Engineer License from the State of Maryland. * Universal CFC ...

Balance of Plant Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$110K - $240K/yr

Role Summary Designs and analyzes the balance of plant (BOP)-turbine, generator, condenser ... Familiarity with steam turbine-generator systems and associated auxiliaries. * Nuclear and/or navy ...

Plant Engineer III

Lanham, MD · On-site

$24 - $50/hr

... repairs in steam, oxygen, vacuum and other medical gases. Request assistance from plumbers ... First Grade Stationary Plant Engineer License from the State of Maryland. * Universal CFC ...

Ten (10) years experience as a steam engineer/mechanical engineer/project manager or journeyman mechanic with field experience in either maritime or industrial plant (construction, operation, or ...

Association for Facilities Engineers (AFE) - Certified Plant Engineer (CPE) United States Coast Guard Third Assistant Engineer License (Steam, Motor, or Gas Turbine vessels, any horsepower) U.S.

Association for Facilities Engineers (AFE) - Certified Plant Engineer (CPE) * United States Coast Guard Third Assistant Engineer License (Steam, Motor, or Gas Turbine vessels, any horsepower) * U.S.

Chief Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$145K - $185K/yr

The Chief Engineer will serve as the senior technical authority responsible for all aspects of ... steam, and other utilities * Conduct regular inspections of all physical plant equipment and ...

The Chief Engineer will serve as the senior technical authority responsible for all aspects of ... steam, and other utilities * Conduct regular inspections of all physical plant equipment and ...

The Chief Engineer will serve as the senior technical authority responsible for all aspects of ... steam, and other utilities * Conduct regular inspections of all physical plant equipment and ...

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Steam Plant Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$47K

$113.1K

$162K

How much do steam plant engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for steam plant engineer in Washington is $113,116.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,900.00 and $135,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a steam plant engineer?

Steam plant engineers are professionals responsible for operating, maintaining, and repairing boilers and other equipment that generate steam for heating, power, or industrial processes. They monitor system performance, ensure safety protocols are followed, and perform inspections to prevent breakdowns. Steam plant engineers often work in power plants, large commercial facilities, and factories, playing a crucial role in ensuring efficient and safe steam production.

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

To thrive as a Steam Plant Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical or electrical engineering, thermodynamics, and plant operations, typically supported by an engineering degree and relevant licensure. Proficiency in using SCADA systems, boiler controls, and maintenance management software is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable steam plant operations.

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

Steam Plant Engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining equipment reliability under continuous operation, managing unexpected system failures, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Addressing these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills, staying current with preventive maintenance protocols, and effective communication with both operations and maintenance teams. Continuous training and collaboration with colleagues help engineers stay prepared for emergencies and improve the overall efficiency and safety of the plant.

What is the difference between Steam Plant Engineer vs Boiler Operator?

AspectSteam Plant EngineerBoiler Operator
CredentialsEngineering degree or technical certification, boiler operation licenseBoiler operation license, technical training
Work EnvironmentPower plants, industrial facilities, energy sectorsPower plants, manufacturing plants, industrial sites
Job ResponsibilitiesDesign, maintain, and optimize steam systems; oversee plant operationsOperate and monitor boilers; perform routine maintenance

While both roles involve working with steam systems, the Steam Plant Engineer typically has a broader engineering background and focuses on system design and optimization, whereas the Boiler Operator primarily manages daily boiler operations and maintenance. Both roles are essential in power and industrial plants, but the engineer often holds more advanced credentials and responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Steam Plant Engineer jobs in Washington?

For Steam Plant Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Steam Plant Engineer jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Steam Plant Engineer jobs in Washington are:

Infographic showing various Steam Plant Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $113,116 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

Power Plant Engineer

NAES Corporation

Aquasco, MD • On-site

$145K - $175K/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


NAES rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Chalk Point Generation Station, located in Aquasco, Maryland, is a significant contributor to the region’s power supply, with a total generating capacity of approximately 1,618 megawatts. The station features a diverse configuration that includes seven gas turbines and two steam turbines across nine units. This setup provides operational flexibility and reliability, allowing the facility to efficiently respond to changing energy demands throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

Opportunity Summary

The Plant Engineer at Chalk Point Generation Station provides engineering support to optimize plant reliability, performance, and efficiency. This role monitors plant systems, leads root cause investigations, manages engineering and capital projects, supports electrical and control system reliability, and drives continuous improvement initiatives. Working closely with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering teams, the Plant Engineer helps maximize plant availability while ensuring compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.

Your scope of responsibility as Power Plant Engineer will include the following primary functions:

Plant Engineering & Reliability

  • Monitor plant performance, including combustion turbines, steam turbines, and Heat Recovery Steam Generators (HRSG), analyzing heat rate, efficiency, and operating trends to improve plant performance and profitability.
  • Investigate equipment failures, forced outages, and generation losses; perform root cause analyses and implement corrective actions to improve reliability and prevent recurrence.
  • Support investigations of plant incidents, equipment issues, and abnormal operating conditions by developing technical analyses, recommendations, and follow-up plans.
  • Perform condition monitoring using vibration analysis, thermography, oil analysis, and other predictive maintenance techniques to assess equipment health.
  • Maintain and optimize instrumentation, measurement, electrical, and control systems, including protective relays, circuit breakers, transformers, switchgear, motor control centers (MCCs), Distributed Control Systems (DCS), and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC).
  • Collaborate with Operations and Maintenance to develop and implement equipment upgrades and engineering solutions that improve plant reliability, efficiency, and maintainability.
  • Maintain engineering documentation, configuration control, and plant drawings to ensure accurate records and compliance with company standards.

Projects & Continuous Improvement

  • Lead reliability studies, engineering evaluations, and capital improvement projects that increase plant availability, reduce operating costs, and improve long-term equipment performance.
  • Develop scopes of work, manage engineering contracts, coordinate contractors and OEMs, and oversee project execution to ensure quality, schedule, and budget objectives are achieved.
  • Review plant systems and design modifications, recommending cost-effective improvements that enhance operational performance and reliability.

Compliance & Safety

  • Support compliance with NERC reliability standards, environmental permits, and applicable regulatory requirements through engineering documentation, reporting, and audit readiness activities.
  • Promote and actively participate in NAES safety programs, ensuring engineering activities comply with all company policies and regulatory requirements.
  • Coordinate with internal stakeholders, engineering firms, equipment manufacturers, and corporate engineering resources to resolve technical issues and support plant operations.
  • Perform other duties and special projects as assigned in support of safe, reliable, and efficient 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 Plant Engineer reports to the Maintenance Manager and partners with plant management, NAES Corporate Engineering Support Services, and Operations to support daily plant operations and environmental permitting activities.

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. This position will require extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, holidays, and on-call availability as needed to support plant operations and business needs.

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 $145,000 to $175,000 and includes eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Professional Expertise & Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering required; Electrical Engineering preferred. Mechanical, Power Generation, or other closely related engineering degrees will also be considered.
  • Demonstrated engineering experience supporting power plant operations, maintenance, or reliability in a utility or heavy industrial environment.
  • Demonstrated expertise in monitoring plant performance, investigating equipment failures, and performing root cause analyses to improve reliability and availability. 
  • Comprehensive understanding of electrical, instrumentation, and control systems, including DCS, PLCs, protective relays, transformers, switchgear, and motor control centers.
  • Working knowledge of predictive and condition monitoring techniques, including vibration analysis, thermography, and oil analysis.

  • Proven ability to lead engineering studies, capital projects, and contractor activities from planning through execution.

  • Familiarity with plant performance monitoring and data systems, including OSIsoft PI and CEMS/DAHS; experience is preferred.

  • Working knowledge of environmental regulations, NERC reliability standards, and industrial safety requirements applicable to power generation facilities.
  • Strong analytical, technical writing, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to present recommendations and technical information effectively.
  • 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 serve clients across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors throughout North America and internationally, supporting the full life cycle of power generation and other industrial facilities.

NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are based on merit and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, USERRA-protected status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.


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