Plant Manager

Nestled in Goldsmith, TX, Ector County Generation stands as a simple cycle facility renowned for its energy generation capabilities. Equipped with two GE 7FA combustion turbines, it boasts a combined potential output of 330 MW, contributing significantly to the region's energy grid. Known for its reliable operation and substantial capacity, this facility plays a vital role in meeting the electricity demands of the area.

Opportunity Summary

The Plant Manager at Ector County Generation plays a critical role in overseeing the safe, reliable, and cost-effective operation of a 330 MW simple-cycle natural gas-fired facility. This position is responsible for ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements, operating agreements, and owner directives while maintaining high standards of safety, environmental stewardship, and operational performance.

In addition, the Plant Manager provides leadership to plant personnel, overseeing staffing, training, and a strong culture of safety and accountability. The role also serves as a liaison with the local community and industry stakeholders, supporting operational integrity and reputation.

Your scope of responsibility as Plant Manager includes the following primary functions:

• Administer the plant’s Safety, Operations, NERC Compliance, Maintenance, Administrative, Training, Chemistry, and Environmental QA/QC programs to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation.
• Implement training and qualification programs to ensure all personnel are properly prepared, certified, and consistently following plant procedures and operating standards.
• Direct staffing activities including sourcing, screening, hiring, and onboarding of new or replacement personnel to maintain a qualified and capable workforce.
• Define training objectives and employee development needs, providing coaching, performance feedback, and career development support in coordination with plant leadership.
• Maintain certification compliance for operations and maintenance personnel and ensure ongoing adherence to applicable standards and requirements.
• Foster and sustain high morale, engagement, and motivation across all plant personnel.
• Ensure alignment of plant personnel and operational objectives with client requirements to support safe and seamless facility operations.
• Manage planning, budgeting, contracting, and execution of planned and unplanned outages to optimize availability, reduce costs, and enhance reliability and profitability.
• Apply sound business principles and utility best practices to maximize plant performance and profitability.
• Oversee commercial and financial activities including budgeting, procurement, contract administration (power sales, fuel supply, LTSA agreements), and plant-level financial reporting.
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of client, utility, environmental, and regulatory reports, budgets, and compliance documentation.
• Administer the plant’s Management of Change (MOC) program to ensure all operational, equipment, procedural, and personnel changes are properly evaluated, approved, documented, and implemented in compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Promote a positive plant image within the community and encourage employee participation in local activities and outreach.
• Periodically review and update plant policies and procedures to ensure alignment with current regulatory requirements, operational needs, and industry best practices.
• Carry out and complete additional special projects and tasks as needed.

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 supervises the plant personnel. The Plant Manager is the single point of contact between NAES Corporation and the Owner on all matters pertaining to the operation and maintenance of the plants.

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 will 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 $160,000 to $220,000 and includes eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Professional Expertise and Leadership Competencies

We are seeking a candidate with technical experience in gas-fired power generation, preferably with LM6000 or aero-derivative engines, along with leadership experience and a proven track record of accomplishments and career advancement.

• A Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or a related field is preferred but not required, as it provides a strong foundation for understanding the technical aspects of power plant operations and management. Equivalent industry or military experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
• Prior leadership experience as a Plant Manager or equivalent role in a utility-scale power generation facility, with responsibility for safe, reliable operations, budget oversight, and regulatory compliance in a high-performance environment.
• Extensive technical expertise with heavy-duty gas turbine systems, including GE 7FA-class equipment, covering operation, maintenance coordination, and troubleshooting of turbine and balance-of-plant systems in simple-cycle configurations.
• Demonstrated experience managing preventive and predictive maintenance programs, including outage planning, work prioritization, and reliability-centered strategies to maximize asset availability in peaking generation service.
• Strong proficiency in plant control systems such as PLC and SCADA platforms, with the ability to interpret operational data, diagnose system abnormalities, and implement corrective actions to enhance performance and reliability.
• Working knowledge of NERC reliability standards and environmental compliance requirements applicable to fossil-fueled generation facilities, with experience supporting audits, reporting, and compliance programs.
• Solid understanding of power generation business and commercial practices, including budgeting, cost control, procurement, contract administration, and financial performance optimization.
• Proven ability to lead diverse plant teams, drive accountability, and build a strong safety culture while effectively communicating across operations, maintenance, and corporate stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success in problem-solving and continuous improvement initiatives, with a track record of improving plant reliability, operational efficiency, and overall financial performance.
• 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 Leadership Advanced O&M - Operations & Maintenance Advanced Power Plant Operations Advanced Power Plant Fundamentals Advanced Power Generation Advanced NERC Reliability Standards Compliance Intermediate SCADA - Supervisory Control/Data Acquisition Intermediate PLC - Programmable Logic Controller Intermediate CMMS - Computerized Maintenance Mgmt System Advanced Safety Policies and Procedures Management Advanced Team Leadership Advanced Verbal and Written Communications Advanced Simple Cycle Intermediate Behaviors Preferred Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them Thought Provoking: Capable of making others think deeply on a subject 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. Experience Preferred • A Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or a related field is preferred but not required, as it provides a strong foundation for understanding the technical aspects of power plant operations and management. Equivalent industry or military experience may be considered in lieu of formal education. Prior leadership experience as a Plant Manager or equivalent role in a utility-scale power generation facility, with responsibility for safe, reliable operations, budget oversight, and regulatory compliance in a high-performance environment. Extensive technical expertise with heavy-duty gas turbine systems, including GE 7FA-class equipment, covering operation, maintenance coordination, and troubleshooting of turbine and balance-of-plant systems in simple-cycle configurations. Demonstrated experience managing preventive and predictive maintenance programs, including outage planning, work prioritization, and reliability-centered strategies to maximize asset availability in peaking generation service. Strong proficiency in plant control systems such as PLC and SCADA platforms, with the ability to interpret operational data, diagnose system abnormalities, and implement corrective actions to enhance performance and reliability. Working knowledge of NERC reliability standards and environmental compliance requirements applicable to fossil-fueled generation facilities, with experience supporting audits, reporting, and compliance programs. Solid understanding of power generation business and commercial practices, including budgeting, cost control, procurement, contract administration, and financial performance optimization. Proven ability to lead diverse plant teams, drive accountability, and build a strong safety culture while effectively communicating across operations, maintenance, and corporate stakeholders. Demonstrated success in problem-solving and continuous improvement initiatives, with a track record of improving plant reliability, operational efficiency, and overall financial performance. Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.