Maintenance Planner

Situated in Niles, Michigan, the Niles Energy Center is a state-of-the-art 1.08-gigawatt gas-fired combined-cycle power facility that delivers reliable, efficient power to the regional grid. Anchored by two high-efficiency GE 7HA.02 gas turbines and a steam turbine generator, the plant maximizes output while minimizing emissions through the use of advanced heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs) and a low-NOx auxiliary boiler. As a modern example of cleaner thermal generation, the facility supports grid stability and contributes to the transition toward more sustainable energy solutions.

Opportunity Summary

The Maintenance Planner plays a key role in ensuring reliable operation of the combined-cycle facility by developing and executing maintenance schedules for critical equipment, including GE 7HA.02 gas turbines, HRSGs, and high-voltage systems. This position oversees preventive maintenance programs, outage planning, and reliability initiatives while managing the plant’s CMMS, spare parts inventory, and vendor relationships. The role also supports budgeting, training, and emergency response efforts, helping the plant achieve safe, efficient, and continuous performance.

Your scope of responsibility as Maintenance Planner will include the following primary functions:

Maintenance Planning, Execution, and Reliability

- Conduct regular planning meetings with Plant Management and stakeholders—including staff, contractors, suppliers, and service providers—to review work requirements and align maintenance plans.

- Develop and implement maintenance schedules for combined-cycle equipment, including GE 7HA.02 gas turbines, the steam turbine generator, HRSGs, generators, condensers, and balance-of-plant systems, per OEM recommendations and operational needs.

- Plan and coordinate major outages; set priorities; create schedules, allocate resources, track milestones, and update stakeholders.

- Oversee preventive maintenance and inspections—based on run hours, duty cycles, and OEM guidelines—to maximize equipment life, availability, and reliability.

- Lead reliability initiatives through reliability-centered maintenance (RCM), addressing recurring issues and supporting Root Cause Analyses (RCAs) to implement corrective actions.

- Establish and execute contingency maintenance priorities during forced outages to ensure rapid recovery and minimal downtime.

- Oversee maintenance and operation of high-voltage systems—including generators, transformers, switchgear, and auxiliary systems—ensuring safe and reliable distribution.

- Support I&C performance by overseeing control loop tuning, optimization, and troubleshooting to improve responsiveness, stability, and efficiency.

Systems, Inventory, and Vendor Management

- Administer the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS – Maximo) to manage work orders, preventive maintenance, asset history, and inventory.

- Ensure accurate data entry and use CMMS reports for trend analysis, schedule optimization, and reliability improvement.

- Maintain records of inspections, maintenance activities, and performance metrics; generate reports for management review.

- Manage inventory of critical spare parts—including turbine hot gas path components, HRSG parts, electrical spares, and consumables—to support continuous operations.

- Coordinate with OEMs, contractors, and vendors to procure parts, schedule specialized work, and obtain technical guidance.

- Prepare detailed scopes of work for RFIs, RFPs, and vendor bid packages.

Budgeting, Training, and Emergency Response

- Assist in preparing the annual maintenance budget, monitor costs, and identify cost-effective solutions without compromising safety or reliability.

- Provide training and mentorship for Mechanical, Electrical, and I&C staff; maintain Plant Training Qualifications and update technical manuals as needed.

- Collaborate with Operations to plan isolations and project conditions for maintenance, including developing and executing lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) procedures.

- Support plant leadership in developing and executing emergency response plans for unplanned events—such as turbine trips, HRSG failures, transformer issues, or natural disasters—ensuring coordinated recovery and minimal downtime.

- Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned by plant management.

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 Maintenance Planner reports to the O&M Manager and receives general direction from the Plant Manager. This position also coordinates with all plant personnel to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the plant and its related processes.

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 Maintenance Planner works a standard Monday to Friday day shift schedule, ensuring consistent plant operation and support during regular business hours.

This position will also occasionally necessitate extended working hours and flexible shifts as needed, including weekends and holidays, in response to schedules, workload demands, and plant conditions. Periodic callouts or “On call” status will also be required.

Some travel may be involved to participate in Manager, Owner, User Group, or other offsite meetings.

Compensation

This position offers a base pay rate ranging from $53.38 to $62.49 per hour, along with an annual performance bonus.

Professional Expertise & Qualifications

We are looking for a results-oriented supervisor with experience in the operations and maintenance of power generating facilities, coupled with a track record of leadership, career development, and operational success.

- An Associate degree in engineering, industrial technology, or a related technical field is preferred. Equivalent combinations of education, relevant industry experience, or applicable military training will be considered in lieu of a formal degree.

- Extensive experience in maintenance planning, procurement, or supervisory roles at a combustion power plant or similar industrial facility is preferred, with a strong grasp of preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance.

- Ability to analyze equipment performance data, identify trends, and apply reliability-focused maintenance strategies to reduce downtime and improve efficiency.

- Solid knowledge of power plant systems—including combustion and steam turbines, HRSGs, generators, and auxiliary systems—is essential for effective scheduling and reliability planning.

- Familiarity with instrumentation, controls, and electrical (IC&E) systems is preferred, along with experience working with Emerson DCS and PLC-based control systems.

- Proficiency with CMMS software such as Maximo is required for managing work orders, tracking inventory, and supporting planning efforts. Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems is a plus.

- Demonstrated ability to coordinate outages and maintenance activities using tools like Microsoft Project and Microsoft Excel, aligning work with operational priorities and budgets.

- Working knowledge of safety standards, environmental regulations, and maintenance best practices is necessary to ensure compliance and support a strong safety culture.

- Strong communication skills are required for effective coordination with plant staff, contractors, and vendors, as well as for developing clear reports, documentation, and work plans.

- 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 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.

Experience

Preferred

- We are looking for a results-oriented supervisor with experience in the operations and maintenance of power generating facilities, coupled with a track record of leadership, career development, and operational success.

- An Associate degree in engineering, industrial technology, or a related technical field is preferred. Equivalent combinations of education, relevant industry experience, or applicable military training will be considered in lieu of a formal degree.

- Extensive experience in maintenance planning, procurement, or supervisory roles at a combustion power plant or similar industrial facility is preferred, with a strong grasp of preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance.

- Ability to analyze equipment performance data, identify trends, and apply reliability-focused maintenance strategies to reduce downtime and improve efficiency.

- Solid knowledge of power plant systems—including combustion and steam turbines, HRSGs, generators, and auxiliary systems—is essential for effective scheduling and reliability planning.

- Familiarity with instrumentation, controls, and electrical (IC&E) systems is preferred, along with experience working with Emerson DCS and PLC-based control systems.

- Proficiency with CMMS software such as Maximo is required for managing work orders, tracking inventory, and supporting planning efforts. Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems is a plus.

- Demonstrated ability to coordinate outages and maintenance activities using tools like Microsoft Project and Microsoft Excel, aligning work with operational priorities and budgets.

- Working knowledge of safety standards, environmental regulations, and maintenance best practices is necessary to ensure compliance and support a strong safety culture.

- Strong communication skills are required for effective coordination with plant staff, contractors, and vendors, as well as for developing clear reports, documentation, and work plans.

Education

Required

- High School or better

Preferred

- Associates or better in Engineering or related field

Licenses & Certifications

Required

- Driver's License

Skills

Preferred

- Leadership

- Power Plant Operations

- Power Plant Fundamentals

- Power Generation

- Gas Turbines

- HRSG - Heat Recovery Steam Generator

- Steam Turbine

- Mechanical Aptitude

- CMMS

- High Voltage

- Budget Preparation

- Electrical Systems

- IC&E - Electric, Instrument &Cnrls

- Safety Statutes and Regulations

- Safety Policies and Procedures

- Safety Plan Creation/Maintenance

- Mechanical Maintenance

Behaviors

Preferred

- Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them

- Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

- Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject

- Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.