Instrument Control

Onward Energy is hiring an Entry Level - Instrument Control & Electrical Technician II Read below to learn more...

Position Title: Instrument Control & Electrical Technician II

Reports To: Instrument Control & Electrical Team Leader

Direct Reports: No Functional Unit: Operations

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Position Type: Full-Time

Office Location: Mankato Energy Center

Plant Location: Mankato, MN

THE COMPANY

Onward Energy is an independent power platform that owns and operates over 6,000 MW of utility-scale wind, solar and natural gas generation projects across the U.S. Our Vision is to reliably power a sustainable future. Our Mission is that as North America’s premier independent power generator, we will deliver renewable and reliable power to our customers, opportunities to our associates, sustainable returns to the families who invest in us, and a better world to the next generation. Based in New York, Denver, and Charlotte, Onward Energy is a company where people and power are always on. We are where renewable meets reliable. See www.onwardenergy.com for more information.

Mankato Energy Center (MEC) is a 720-megawatt natural gas-fired combined-cycle facility located within the city limits on the northern edge of the City of Mankato, Minnesota. The project operates in the MISO power market and sells energy under contract to Northern States Power (NSP), a subsidiary of Xcel Energy. MEC I became commercially operational in July 2006 in a 1x1 configuration and is contracted through July 2028. In 2019 MEC II began commercial operations and is contracted with NSP through 2039. MEC I has a SGT6-5000F(3) combustion turbine rated at approximately 225 MW (at ISO Conditions) with a Nooter Eriksen HRSG. MEC II has a SGT6-5000F(4) combustion turbine rated at approximately 232 MW (at ISO Conditions) with a Nooter Eriksen HRSG. Both units deliver steam to a single Toshiba TCDF-40L steam turbine rated at 330MW.

THE OPPORTUNITY

This position performs instrument, control and electrical maintenance functions to ensure safe, environmentally compliant operation of a combined-cycle power plant. Associates provide technical and analytical services essential to the control systems and associated equipment (electronic, electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic) and electrical maintenance (LV/MV/HV) and associated equipment. These systems include digital control systems, control circuits, power circuits, electrical and control devices on plant equipment. Associates will participate in the plant maintenance program as a system owner and document plant maintenance records in a computer-based work management system.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitoring, troubleshooting, maintaining and repairing the plant’s electrical, controls and instrumentation systems as assigned including specification and initiation of purchase requisitions on assigned systems/equipment including ability to safely apply lock-out tag-out process on owned equipment/systems or other equipment and/or systems when performing maintenance.
• Responsible for electrical maintenance on equipment greater than 600 volts and a backup responsibility for less than 600 volts.
• Conduct job safety briefings (JSB) at turnover and perform quality JSB’s for each job.
• Comply with all site safety and environmental requirements and procedures.
• Participation in the basic safety processes as a key member of the site safety committee and having a shared responsibility for the site’s overall safety performance.
• Shall be capable of verifying absence of voltage on all systems (DC through 125V and AC through 345kV) utilizing appropriate meters or non-contact detectors.
• Ability to wire and unwire motors and other components as needed during outage and other maintenance related activities.
• Capable of troubleshooting of various electrical circuits (contactors, motor starters, ability to recognize single phasing on motors, lighting circuits, etc.) and communicate the cause of protective relay trips and repair initiating problems where applicable in accordance with NERC standards.
• Partnering on a System Ownership team with other IC&E Technicians, Operations Technicians, Management and Engineering. This includes support and input into the following: PLC/Ovation/Controls programming and troubleshooting, prioritize / monitor and review system health indicators, optimize system performance, maintenance strategy for each system, budget, spare parts, outage planning, purchase requisitions, training of systems, labeling, system procedure development/improvement, updating system documentation in plant records and in the computer based work management system, present system health presentation to management annually and project management of system improvements as needed.
• For Preventive (PM) or Corrective Maintenance (CM) work, it is expected that the boundaries of system ownership are removed, and the work duties are shared and completed in a collaborative team manner, not only by the system owner(s).
• Required to work alongside, assist or perform oversight of other work groups conducting site maintenance including but not limited to contractors, vendors or similar as needed during major overhauls or large equipment maintenance.
• Operate various mobile equipment including but not limited to forklifts, skid steers, telehandlers and/or similar equipment.
• Capable of performing rigging equipment inspections, rigging of loads associated with maintenance activities including use of plant installed cranes, jibs or similar.
• Will be required to actively participate in training and retraining programs as directed by Plant Management.
• Will be required to function under written operating and maintenance procedures as required by Plant Management.
• Respond promptly to emergency call outs when necessary.
• Must be available for night, overtime, weekend, and holiday work as required.
• Occasional travel may be required.
• Other duties as assigned.

THE PROFILE TO SUCCEED

• Two years, or more, electrical maintenance troubleshooting and repair or equivalent required.
• Two years, or more, experience in electronic, pneumatic, and hydraulic instrumentation and process controls for power plants required.
• Experience with digital control systems, PLCs, Siemens T3000, CEMS, and Emerson Ovation Control System desired.
• 2-Year College/Technical Degree in electronics or instrumentation, plus electrical certification, or company approved equivalent for IC&E level I (e.g., Military, EM/ET training).
• Experience in combined cycle operations preferred.
• Experience with industrial troubleshooting and maintenance preferred.
• Knowledge of equipment operating limits, parameters, operating procedures and systems. Performs corrective actions if limits are exceeded.
• Working knowledge of simple cycle power plant system, power plant operations, and maintenance, electrical principles, work practices, procedures and materials.
• Ability to interpret control drawings, electrical schematics, and P&ID’s.
• Ability to make maintenance related decisions with minimum direct supervision.
• Knowledge of instrumentation test equipment, signal generators, relay tests sets, oscilloscopes and computers.
• Knowledge of industry related CEM System hardware, software and reporting.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills and possess the ability to learn.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with an advanced understanding of chemistry, physics, electricity and mathematics.
• Ability to follow both verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and make sound decisions.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to demonstrate basic computer knowledge of Word, Excel, Power Point and various other programs.
• Must be able to interact and communicate well with individuals in all areas of the company and outside vendors.
• Valid U.S. Driver license with acceptable MVR history, if applicable.

THE PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to accomplish physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Associate will be required to adhere to large amounts of standing, walking, bending, squatting, and lifting. May be required to lift, carry, and move up to 50 lbs. Will use arms and hands to signal, grab, hold, turn, push, and pull objects, materials, controls and tools. Will occasionally work at heights, climb ladders, stairways, and work off of platforms. Will use vision abilities to focus, see short and long distances, colors, depth perception and peripheral vision. Will be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including but not limited to hard hat, safety glasses/goggles, ear plugs/muffs, masks/respirators, safety vests, gloves and steel-toe boots.
• Able to hear (at some dB limit of loss) in order to hear plant alarms, equipment condition, and to receive oral instructions.
• Able to see to determine plant operating conditions and to avoid safety hazards.

THE TEAM

The Onward Energy team is comprised of industry professionals who embrace our values of accountability, adaptability, collaboration, and excellence. At Onward Energy, we seek to find solutions rather than assign blame.

THE WORK ENVIRONMENT

Performing this job without full/focused attention may cause serious injury or even fatality. Work is generally performed inside the power plant but may work in all weather conditions ranging from warm/hot - cool/cold. Occasional rain. Noise levels will be moderate to high. Job site will contain light to heavy equipment vehicles, small to large equipment, materials, communication equipment and tools. People standing, walking, sitting, signaling and talking. Bells, whistles and alarms.

THE TOTAL REWARDS

Onward Energy total rewards philosophy is motivated by a key tenet of People First, and offers associates a comprehensive total rewards package which includes market competitive compensation, health, life insurance, and retirement savings benefits.

If you require an accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a disability please email Recruiting@onwardenergy.com.

EEO STATEMENT:

Onward Energy is an Affirmative Action Employer, Females/Minority/Veterans/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.