Control Room Operator

Title: Control Room Operator

Position Type: Direct Hire

Location: New Mexico

Status: Non-Exempt

Key Project Requirements:

• Prior Control Room Operator (CRO) experience at a 500+ MW combined cycle facility
• Proven ability to independently operate the control board, including startups, shutdowns, load changes, and emergency response
• Strong understanding of plant systems, cause-and-effect relationships, and overall plant dynamics
• Experience with Distributed Control Systems (DCS) in a power generation environment
• Demonstrated troubleshooting ability with real-time operational decision-making

Job Summary:

NAES is seeking an experienced Control Room Operator (CRO) to support operations at a combined cycle power generation facility in Hobbs, NM. This role is responsible for safely and efficiently operating plant systems from the control room, including managing startups, shutdowns, load adjustments, and responding to plant upsets. The ideal candidate is a highly skilled operator who understands plant systems at a fundamental level, can think critically under pressure, and is capable of making sound real-time decisions to maintain plant performance and reliability.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor plant systems using DCS/SCADA to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient performance
• Control plant operations from the control room, including startups, shutdowns, and load changes
• Identify, diagnose, and respond to alarms, upsets, and abnormal operating conditions
• Make real-time operational decisions to maintain plant stability and performance
• Maintain accurate operating logs including generation, fuel usage, and emissions data
• Support maintenance activities including lockout/tagout (LOTO), troubleshooting, and work coordination
• Ensure plant systems, tagging, and documentation are accurate and up to date
• Assist with maintaining procedures, technical documentation, and training materials
• Adhere to all safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance requirements

Job Requirements:

• Strong working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and process control systems
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, schematics, and operating procedures
• Experience troubleshooting and resolving operational issues in real time
• Strong communication and documentation skills
• Ability to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays

Education / Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Associate degree or technical certification in a related field preferred
• Experience with F-class gas turbines (e.g., Mitsubishi 501F, Siemens/GE 7FA) preferred
• Experience with Emerson Ovation or similar DCS platforms preferred
• Experience with water chemistry and plant auxiliary systems preferred