Mechanical Maintenance Technician

La Paloma Power Facility, located approximately 40 miles west of Bakersfield in McKittrick, California, is a 1,022 MW natural gas-fired combined-cycle power plant. Featuring ABB GT24 combustion turbines, ABB HRSGs, and an ABB VAX 16 steam turbine, the facility delivers reliable, efficient power generation while meeting stringent environmental regulations.

Opportunity Summary

The Mechanical Maintenance Technician supports safe, reliable, and efficient operations at La Paloma Power Facility by performing preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on turbines, rotating equipment, and balance-of-plant mechanical systems. This position troubleshoots equipment issues, performs repairs and overhauls, supports planned and forced outages, and documents maintenance activities through CMMS. Working closely with Operations, Maintenance, contractors, and OEM representatives, the technician contributes to equipment reliability and overall plant performance.

Your scope of responsibility as Mechanical Maintenance Technician includes the following primary functions:

• Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on plant mechanical equipment, including turbines, pumps, valves, compressors, fans, gearboxes, and associated auxiliary systems.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose mechanical failures, equipment abnormalities, and performance issues, implementing effective repairs to restore reliability.
• Inspect, repair, and overhaul mechanical components associated with ABB GT24 combustion turbines, the ABB VAX 16 steam turbine, HRSGs, and balance-of-plant systems.
• Support planned and forced outages through equipment inspections, disassembly, repairs, reassembly, and coordination of mechanical maintenance activities.
• Utilize computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) to document work orders, equipment condition, maintenance history, and completed repairs.
• Operate machine shop tools, precision measuring instruments, and diagnostic equipment to perform mechanical repairs, alignment, and component replacement.
• Install, modify, and maintain piping, valves, mechanical assemblies, and related components supporting plant equipment and system improvements.
• Monitor equipment condition using vibration, temperature, pressure, and other operating parameters to identify maintenance needs and potential failures.
• Coordinate with Operations, Maintenance, contractors, and OEM representatives to execute maintenance activities safely and minimize equipment downtime.
• Assist with preventive maintenance procedures, equipment reliability improvements, spare parts management, and maintenance documentation.
• Oversee assigned contractor activities, verifying work quality and adherence to plant safety requirements, maintenance procedures, and technical specifications.
• Follow established safety procedures, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), confined space entry, and applicable environmental requirements.
• Complete additional duties as assigned by the Maintenance Manager or Plant Manager to support facility operations.

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 Mechanical Maintenance Technician reports to the Maintenance Manager and works closely with plant management, contractors, and OEM representatives to support safe, reliable, and efficient maintenance activities.

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 Mechanical Maintenance Technician works a rotating three-week schedule: Monday through Thursday the first week (Friday–Sunday off), Tuesday through Sunday the second week (Monday off), and Tuesday through Friday the third week (Saturday–Monday off), before the schedule repeats. This position will require extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, and holidays as needed to support plant operations and business needs and may also require callout availability. Depending on the position, on-call status may or may not apply.

Compensation

This position offers a base pay rate ranging from $39.39 to $55.12 per hour, along with eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Qualifications and Technical Competencies

• An Associate degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Plant Technology, Industrial Maintenance, or a related technical field is preferred. Equivalent technical training, industry, or military experience may be considered.
• Previous experience maintaining mechanical equipment in power generation, manufacturing, or heavy industrial facilities is preferred, particularly combined-cycle power plants.
• Working knowledge of combustion turbines, steam turbines, HRSG auxiliary equipment, pumps, valves, compressors, and other rotating machinery is highly desirable. Familiarity with ABB turbine equipment is beneficial.
• Demonstrated proficiency in mechanical troubleshooting, preventive and corrective maintenance, equipment overhauls, and component replacement.
• Practical experience using precision measuring instruments, vibration monitoring equipment, alignment tools, and machine shop equipment to diagnose and repair mechanical systems.
• Familiarity with mechanical drawings, piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), technical manuals, equipment specifications, and maintenance procedures is preferred.
• Understanding of OSHA requirements, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), confined space procedures, and safe maintenance practices in industrial environments is required.
• Experience with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), work order documentation, and equipment maintenance records is desirable.
• Effective communication, organizational, and teamwork skills, with the ability to coordinate maintenance activities and work independently when appropriate.
• 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 serve clients across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors throughout North America and internationally, supporting the full life cycle of power generation and other industrial facilities.

NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are based on merit and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, USERRA-protected status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.