NAES Corporation

Control Room Operator (CRO)

Houston, TX

Full-time

About This Job

The Remote Operating Center (ROC) in Houston, Texas, serves as a centralized hub for operating, controlling, and optimizing energy assets across multiple locations. Strategically positioned in one of the nation’s leading energy corridors, the ROC leverages advanced technologies to enhance operational efficiency, ensure reliability, and support real-time decision-making.

Opportunity Summary

The ROC Control Room Operator is responsible for remotely operating power plants across the United States from the Houston, Texas facility, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient plant performance. This role involves executing real-time control of various turbine technologies, performing startup and shutdown procedures, responding to dispatch orders, and coordinating on-site support to maintain operational stability. By managing critical power generation processes and optimizing plant performance, this position plays a key role in supporting grid reliability and efficient energy delivery.

Primary Functions

Your scope of responsibility as an ROC Control Room Operator includes the following primary functions:

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Remotely Operate Power Plants - Start, stop, and control power generation processes across multiple facilities in the United States from the ROC in Houston, Texas.

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Operate Plant Systems - Ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operations by continuously adjusting system parameters and responding to operational needs.

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Respond to Dispatch Orders - Execute commands from electrical, steam, and fuel dispatchers, ensuring compliance with load demands and operational directives.

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Coordinate On-Site Response - Dispatch and direct on-call site personnel when remote plant starts, or operational issues require on-site intervention.

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Log Operational Events - Document plant operating conditions, equipment status, and any upset conditions in the official Operating Log in accordance with procedures.

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Emergency Response Operations - Perform emergency shutdowns, load adjustments, and other critical actions to protect equipment and maintain service reliability.

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Ensure Regulatory Compliance - Operate plants in accordance with NERC, environmental, and safety regulations, maintaining compliance with all applicable guidelines.

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Decision-Making & Troubleshooting - Analyze system trends and alarms, diagnosing plant issues within established procedures while escalating complex issues as needed.

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Optimize Plant Performance - Communicate observations and recommendations for operational improvements to the ROC Manager and site teams.

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Maintain Effective Communication - Relay plant status updates, issues, and recommendations to site personnel, ROC team members, and management to support effective decision-making.

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Training & Development - Progress through the ROC training program and demonstrate increasing proficiency in plant operations, control systems, and emergency protocols.

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Periodic Site Visits - Travel to remotely operated plants as required for training, site inspections, or operational support.

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Operate Multiple Technologies - Control and adjust various turbine technologies, including but not limited to LM2500, LM5000, LM6000, Alstom, Westinghouse, and FT4/FT8 units.

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Adhere to Standardized Procedures - Follow established operational protocols and decision-making frameworks to ensure consistency and reliability in plant operations.

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Perform Additional Duties - Assist with other technical and non-technical tasks as assigned, supporting process improvements, documentation, and overall operational efficiency.

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 CRO reports to the Operations Manager and responds to directions from the Operations Manager, and Plant Manager. The CR0 gives direction to other personnel as it pertains to the reliable operations of the facility.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

This position is primarily based in a Remote Operating Center, an office environment. Work involves extended periods of sitting while performing computer- and controls-based tasks, with occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds. However, travel to power plants will periodically be required.

While on-site in a power plant environment, duties may include standing for extended periods, climbing stairs and ladders, and working from elevated platforms and walkways. The role may also require entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas, and handling hazardous materials, with exposure to fumes, extreme temperatures, high heat near equipment, noise, and varying outdoor weather conditions. Some tasks necessitate the use of protective equipment such as hard hats, safety glasses, respirators, and ear protection. Strict smoking restrictions apply in and around the facility.

Fitness for Duty

All employees will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program. This program includes post-offer physical examination and drug screening and post-employment random drug screening.

Work Schedule

This position follows a 7-on, 7-off schedule with 12-hour rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Extended hours and shift variations may be also required based on workload, schedules, and plant conditions. Periodic "on-call" status is also required.

Compensation

Initial starting compensation will range from $40 to $50 per hour and will include an annual performance bonus.

Job Qualifications

We are seeking a skilled Operator with experience in power generation operations and a proven ability to work collaboratively while consistently meeting performance standards.

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Ability to understand procedures and instructions related to the assigned area, typically acquired through four years of high school. An Associate degree in power plant technology, a related technical field, or engineering is preferred. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of education on a year-for-year basis.

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Must successfully complete the Remote Operating Center (ROC) Control Room Operator qualification card.

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At least five years as a Control Room Operator or in a similar role within a power generation or industrial facility, with a strong focus on control room management and system operations.

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A background in the direct operation of simple cycle large-frame gas turbine power plants and familiarity with LM2500, LM5000, LM6000, Alstom, Westinghouse, and FT4/FT8 is highly desirable.

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Strong understanding of plant equipment, systems, and operational procedures, including turbine generators, combustion turbines, and heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs).

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Theoretical and practical knowledge of combustion and steam turbine operations, closed-system steam generation, industrial safety, hazardous waste management, and plant parameter inspection and recording.

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Experience in water chemistry control, including water analysis, water treatment facility operations, and chemical handling requirements.

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Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience, with the ability to guide and develop team members effectively.

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Proven ability to enforce safety and environmental regulations while ensuring team compliance.

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Excellent verbal and written communication skills to convey information effectively to management and team members.

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Must possess a valid and unrestricted driver's license, ensuring 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.