Plant Manager

The APEX Power Co. Project in Hubbard, TX, under construction in Phase 1, it is expected to build out to 1.6 GW. It features a diverse mix of generation technologies, including GE LM6000/LM2500 simple cycle turbines and MAN/Everllence 18V51/60G gas reciprocating engines, and a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), enabling flexible and reliable power output. Expansion of the site could include additional GE Aero units (LM2500), GE large frame units (7FA/7FB/7H), and Siemens V84.2 units configured in simple or combined cycle. This combination allows the plant to efficiently meet varying energy demands while supporting data center grid reliability and stability.

Opportunity Summary

The Plant Manager at the APEX Power Co Project oversees commissioning, operations, maintenance, safety, compliance, and administrative programs, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable performance of this multi-technology facility. Responsibilities include managing initial staffing, training, qualifications, morale, and providing hands-on support during commissioning and early operations.

As the primary interface with the Owner, NAES as the Operator, regulatory agencies, and the community, the Plant Manager manages project and commercial agreements—including O&M, fuel, service, power sales, dedicated power delivery contracts, and facility power interface agreements—oversees budgets, ensures compliance with safety, environmental, and contractual requirements, and enhances the facility’s and Owner’s reputation.

Your scope of responsibility as Plant Manager during the Commissioning Phase includes the following functions:

• Recruit, onboard, and train initial operations staff, establishing qualification and certification standards for multi-technology operations.
• Develop and implement comprehensive staffing and training programs to ensure personnel can safely operate and maintain LM6000 and 7EA turbines, gas reciprocating engines, and BESS systems.
• Promote a safety-first culture, proactively identifying hazards and enforcing industry best practices.
• Coordinate and support EPC in the commissioning of LM6000 turbines, GE Vernova 7EA units, 18V51/60G engines, and BESS, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant startup.
• Support lead engineers, contractors, and internal teams to resolve commissioning challenges and ensure operational readiness.
• Make ready all commissioning and early operational activities to satisfy safety, environmental, and critical load interface requirements, ensuring complete, audit-ready documentation to support a seamless CCC transition from EPC to Operations.
• Develop, review, and approve operating procedures, emergency response plans, and maintenance strategies for commercial operations.
• Monitor budgets, manage vendor contracts, allocate resources efficiently, and mitigate commissioning and operational risks.
• Prepare reports documenting commissioning milestones, operational readiness, and performance metrics for owners, regulators, and leadership.
• Serve as primary liaison with NAES, the Owner, EPC, OEMs, and regulatory agencies.

Your scope of responsibility as Plant Manager Post-Commissioning Phase includes the following primary functions:

• Manage project and power contracts to ensure compliance and operational alignment.
• Lead plant-level commercial activities, including budgeting, procurement, contract administration, and vendor management, to maintain reliable and cost-effective operations.
• Control plant expenditures and financial performance, using disciplined budgeting, forecasting, and cost management practices while preparing and administering operating and capital budgets with accurate reporting.
• Provide leadership to all plant personnel by reviewing and updating policies and procedures to align with facility objectives, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices, while maintaining consistent on-site presence.
• Identify training objectives and employee development needs, providing coaching and professional development opportunities to sustain morale, technical proficiency, and operational readiness.
• Foster a strong safety culture across a fast-start, multi-unit generation facility, promoting hazard awareness, personal accountability, and adherence to safety standards for all personnel and contractors.
• Ensure environmental and regulatory compliance, including adherence to permits, air quality requirements, and reporting obligations, while serving as the primary contact for regulatory agencies and stakeholders.
• Manage plant operations and performance programs, including Safety, Maintenance, NERC Compliance, Administrative, Training, Chemistry, and Environmental QA/QC programs, to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation while applying best practices to support dispatch flexibility and profitability.
• Lead all aspects of planned and forced outages, including planning, procurement, execution, contractor coordination, and performance review to maximize reliability and minimize downtime.
• Support troubleshooting and performance improvements for turbines, engines, and auxiliary systems, leveraging OEM guidance and third-party expertise as needed.
• Direct functional and performance testing of all generation assets to verify reliability, efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
• Administer the Management of Change (MOC) program to ensure modifications to combustion turbines, reciprocating engines, balance-of-plant systems, and procedures are properly reviewed, approved, documented, and communicated to maintain safety, compliance, and operational reliability.
• Carry out additional special projects and assignments as required.

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. All NAES managers and supervisors have a direct and important role in ensuring that all work is performed in a healthy and safe manner. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each Supervisor’s performance.

Working Relationships

The Plant Manager reports to the Operations Director and provides direct oversight of the Administrative Manager, Operations Manager, Maintenance Manager, EH&S Manager, and Plant Engineer. The position may also, as needed, provide guidance and direction to all plant personnel to ensure safe, efficient, and coordinated facility operations. The Plant Manager serves as the primary point of contact between NAES and the Owner on all matters related to plant operations, maintenance, and commercial management.

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 Manager 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 $210,500 to $245,900 and includes eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Professional Expertise & Qualifications

We are seeking an accomplished leader with extensive experience in the operations and maintenance of power generating facilities, paired with a strong history of career growth and a track record of excellence in achieving results.

• A Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or equivalent is preferred, but not required. Relevant industry or military experience may also be considered in lieu of education.
• Experience as a Plant Manager at a natural gas-fired, multi-unit or multi-technology generation facility is strongly preferred, with prior supervisory experience overseeing technical, supervisory, and hourly personnel required.
• Proven leadership, team building, and communication skills, including managing training, qualification programs, and employee development to sustain morale, operational readiness, and technical proficiency.
• Strong proficiency in plant operations and maintenance, including hands-on support, troubleshooting, and directing planned and forced outages. Experienced in managing multi-technology operations, including LM6000 and 7EA turbines and gas reciprocating engines.
• Driven problem solver with a track record of leading initiatives to improve technical, human resource, operational, and financial outcomes.
•  Extensive understanding of business and operational practices within power generation facilities—particularly independent power producers—combined with strong financial acumen in budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and contract administration.
• Thorough understanding of safety regulations, with a consistent focus on fostering a culture of safety and accountability, including oversight of Management of Change (MOC) programs.
• Expertise in environmental compliance, regulatory reporting, and serving as a liaison to regulatory agencies, stakeholders, and the local community.
• 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 Management Advanced Power Plant Operations Advanced Power Plant Fundamentals Advanced Power Generation Advanced Budgeting Advanced Environmental Awareness and Stewardship Advanced Key Performance Indicators Advanced Microsoft Office Suite Intermediate Motivating Others Advanced O&M - Operations & Maintenance Advanced Verbal and Written Communications Advanced Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Intermediate GE LM6000 Gas Turbine Intermediate Leadership Advanced Safety Program Development and Maintenance Advanced Safety Policies and Procedures Management Advanced Safety & Compliance Standards (OSHA/NFPA/EPA) Advanced Combined Cycle O&M Intermediate Simple Cycle Advanced Gas Turbine O&M Advanced GE LM2500 Gas Turbine Intermediate GE 7FA Combustion Turbines Intermediate GE 7EA Gas Turbine Intermediate BESS - Battery Energy Storage Systems Some Knowledge Behaviors Preferred Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them Team Player: Works well as a member of a group Education Preferred Bachelors or better. Experience Preferred We are seeking an accomplished leader with extensive experience in the operations and maintenance of power generating facilities, paired with a strong history of career growth and a track record of excellence in achieving results. A Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or equivalent is preferred, but not required. Relevant industry or military experience may also be considered in lieu of education. Experience as a Plant Manager at a natural gas-fired, multi-unit or multi-technology generation facility is strongly preferred, with prior supervisory experience overseeing technical, supervisory, and hourly personnel required. Proven leadership, team building, and communication skills, including managing training, qualification programs, and employee development to sustain morale, operational readiness, and technical proficiency. Strong proficiency in plant operations and maintenance, including hands-on support, troubleshooting, and directing planned and forced outages. Experienced in managing multi-technology operations, including LM6000 and 7EA turbines and gas reciprocating engines. Driven problem solver with a track record of leading initiatives to improve technical, human resource, operational, and financial outcomes. Extensive understanding of business and operational practices within power generation facilities—particularly independent power producers—combined with strong financial acumen in budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and contract administration. Thorough understanding of safety regulations, with a consistent focus on fostering a culture of safety and accountability, including oversight of Management of Change (MOC) programs. Expertise in environmental compliance, regulatory reporting, and serving as a liaison to regulatory agencies, stakeholders, and the local community. Equal Opportunity Employer
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