Plant Engineer

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 plays a vital role in optimizing plant operations through engineering expertise, performance analysis, and project management. This position involves monitoring key plant systems, leading root cause investigations, overseeing electrical and control system maintenance, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The role also manages capital projects, contractor coordination, and ensures compliance with all safety and regulatory standards to maximize plant reliability and efficiency.

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

- Monitor overall plant performance, focusing on combustion and steam turbines and the Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG). Analyze heat rate and efficiency trends, recommending operational improvements to maximize profitability.

- Track forced outages and generation losses, performing root cause analysis and fulfilling all reporting requirements.

- Analyze equipment failures to determine root causes, recommend recovery plans, and implement cost-effective solutions to prevent recurrence.

- Assist in investigating plant problems, incidents, accidents, and unusual events by providing analyses, recommendations, reports, and follow-up plans.

- Implement condition monitoring techniques—including vibration analysis, thermography, and oil analysis—to assess the health and performance of critical equipment.

- Manage instrumentation and measurement systems to ensure accurate, reliable data acquisition through calibration and maintenance.

- Conduct regular testing and calibration of protective relays, circuit breakers, and other electrical protection devices to ensure reliable operation and regulatory compliance.

- Evaluate and optimize control system performance—including Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)—to ensure efficient plant operation.

- Oversee maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of electrical systems such as transformers, switchgear, motor control centers, and distribution panels, ensuring optimal performance and safety compliance.

- Collaborate with operations and maintenance teams to design and implement electrical system upgrades aimed at improving reliability and efficiency.

- Develop and communicate work practices and procedures to maintain accurate, up-to-date site drawings and documentation.

- Administer the Configuration Control Program to maintain high-quality documentation and update the Plant Engineer’s library and files.

- Coordinate with external engineering firms and equipment manufacturers to discuss field changes, resolve issues, and exchange information effectively.

Performance Optimization, Projects & Compliance

- Develop and manage contracts and work scopes for external contractors to maximize efficient use of resources.

- Perform reliability studies to maximize plant availability and capacity factors.

- Review plant design and provide recommendations to reduce operational costs.

- Manage capital improvement projects to meet budgetary guidelines and contractual obligations.

- Fully support and participate in NAES Safety and Regulatory Compliance Programs, ensuring adherence to all safety standards.

- Support NERC (North American Electric Reliability Corporation) compliance by ensuring plant engineering and operational processes align with applicable reliability standards. Contribute to documentation, reporting, and audit readiness activities as required.

- Complete other projects and tasks as assigned to support plant operations and continuous improvement initiatives.

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 Plant Manager. The Plant Engineer cooperates with all other site Management as needed in the daily operation of the plant. Maintains a positive relationship with NAES Corporate Engineering Support Services. The Plant Engineer will coordinate with operations on matters concerning environmental permits.

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, 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 may also be required.

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 $120,000 to $150,000 and includes eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Professional Expertise & Qualifications

Individual who has a passion for excellence in plant operations and maintenance. Work history will demonstrate progressively increasing responsibilities with at least three years of directly related experience in a power plant environment.

- A four-year Bachelor’s degree in Engineering is required. While Electrical Engineering is strongly preferred, degrees in Mechanical Engineering, Power Generation Engineering, or other engineering fields closely related to power plant operations and industrial systems will also be considered.

- Demonstrated understanding and proficiency in power plant operations, maintenance, or engineering, including operations and maintenance components.

- Previous experience in root cause analysis and reporting of forced outages and loss of generation.

- Proficiency in analyzing and optimizing control systems performance, including DCS and PLC systems.

- Strong understanding of condition monitoring techniques such as vibration analysis, thermography, and oil analysis.

- Familiarity with instrumentation and measurement systems, including calibration and maintenance procedures.

- Ability to analyze equipment failures, identify root causes, and develop effective recovery plans.

- Proven track record of implementing cost-effective solutions to prevent equipment failures and optimize plant performance.

- Experience with real-time performance management software such as OSIsoft PI systems for monitoring plant heat rate and efficiency.

- Experience with Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems/Data Acquisition and Handling Systems (CEMS/DAHS).

- General knowledge of major environmental legislation concerning air, water, hazardous materials, and waste management.

- Familiarity with applicable safety statutes, NERC reliability standards, and other regulations, with a strong understanding of principles associated with maintaining both regulatory compliance and a robust safety program.

- Excellent writing and analytical skills, with the ability to present facts, conclusions, and recommendations effectively in written communications.

- 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.

Qualifications

Skills

Preferred Power Generation:

Intermediate

Power Plant Fundamentals:

Intermediate

DCS - Distributed Control System:

Intermediate

PLC - Programmable Logic Controller:

Intermediate

DAS Systems:

Intermediate

CEMs - Continuous Emission Monitoring:

Intermediate

O&M - Operations & Maintenance:

Intermediate

Root Cause Analysis:

Intermediate

Safety Policies and Procedures:

Intermediate

Troubleshooting:

Intermediate

Verbal and Written Communications:

Intermediate

Electrical:

Intermediate

Power Plant Operations:

Intermediate

Behaviours

Preferred Leader:

Inspires teammates to follow them

Innovative:

Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking

Functional Expert:

Considered a thought leader on a subject

Team Player:

Works well as a member of a group

Education

Preferred

Bachelors or better in Electrical Engineering or related field

Experience Preferred

Individual who has a passion for excellence in plant operations and maintenance. Work history will demonstrate progressively increasing responsibilities with at least three years of directly related experience in a power plant environment.

A four-year Bachelor’s degree in Engineering is required. While Electrical Engineering is strongly preferred, degrees in Mechanical Engineering, Power Generation Engineering, or other engineering fields closely related to power plant operations and industrial systems will also be considered.

Demonstrated understanding and proficiency in power plant operations, maintenance, or engineering, including operations and maintenance components.

Previous experience in root cause analysis and reporting of forced outages and loss of generation.

Proficiency in analyzing and optimizing control systems performance, including DCS and PLC systems.

Strong understanding of condition monitoring techniques such as vibration analysis, thermography, and oil analysis.

Familiarity with instrumentation and measurement systems, including calibration and maintenance procedures.

Ability to analyze equipment failures, identify root causes, and develop effective recovery plans.

Proven track record of implementing cost-effective solutions to prevent equipment failures and optimize plant performance.

Experience with real-time performance management software such as OSIsoft PI systems for monitoring plant heat rate and efficiency.

Experience with Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems/Data Acquisition and Handling Systems (CEMS/DAHS).

General knowledge of major environmental legislation concerning air, water, hazardous materials, and waste management.

Familiarity with applicable safety statutes, NERC reliability standards, and other regulations, with a strong understanding of principles associated with maintaining both regulatory compliance and a robust safety program.

Excellent writing and analytical skills, with the ability to present facts, conclusions, and recommendations effectively in written communications.

Licenses & Certifications

Required

Driver's License