Instrumentation, Controls, and Electrical (IC&E) Technician

Chalk Point Generation Station, located in Aquasco, Maryland, is a major power generation facility with a total capacity of approximately 1618 MW. The station comprises nine units, including seven gas turbines, and two steam turbines. This configuration allows the station to effectively meet regional energy demands.

Opportunity Summary

The Instrumentation, Controls, and Electrical (IC&E) Technician plays a critical role in ensuring the reliable operation of power plant instrumentation, control systems, and electrical equipment through expert calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting. This position involves performing both routine and emergency maintenance on systems such as Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), Distributed Control Systems (DCS), and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), as well as ensuring the proper operation of turbine controls and electrical switchgear. The technician will work closely with engineers and other departments to maintain plant efficiency and safety while adhering to industry standards and protocols.

Your scope of responsibility as IC&E Technician includes the following primary functions:

• Calibrates, tests, maintains, troubleshoots, and installs power plant instrumentation, control systems, and electrical systems. This includes control valves, fan dampers, conveyor systems, variable speed drives, motors, battery chargers, inverters, transmitters, analyzers, shop calibration equipment, and instrumentation specific to natural gas-fired combined cycle plants, such as combustion turbines, HRSGs, and steam turbines.


• Performs corrective, preventive, predictive, and emergency maintenance on electrical systems, including 13.8KV and 4160-volt switchgear, motors, control centers, transformers, batteries, inverters, chargers, and main generator excitation equipment in modern power stations.


• Maintains, troubleshoots, and optimizes PLC systems by conducting inspections, diagnosing faults, fine-tuning programs, and collaborating with engineers to enhance system performance.


• Maintains and monitors DCS and SCADA systems, ensuring proper operation and troubleshooting faults to support reliable and efficient plant performance.


• Calibrates, maintains, and troubleshoots turbine control systems, ensuring proper operation of steam and combustion turbines, and collaborates with engineers to resolve issues and improve efficiency.


• Installs new equipment and plant modifications in accordance with established safety procedures, electrical codes, and industry standards.


• Keeps detailed logs of issues, repairs, and downtime, and maintains accurate plant documentation, including drawings, databases, vendor information, calibration records, and control system changes.


• Implements safe work practices by maintaining a safe working environment, including proper care, inspection, cleaning, and storage of shop equipment and specialized instrumentation and electrical tools.


• Assists the Plant Engineer with plant testing activities, including turbine controls, combustion control processes, and boiler control systems.


• Coordinates with internal departments and outside contractors during maintenance, overhauls, and projects to ensure efficient execution, proper technical oversight, and minimized downtime.


• Handles and disposes of hazardous waste, such as batteries and fluorescent bulbs, in accordance with applicable environmental, safety, and regulatory requirements.


• Performs additional duties as assigned to support safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations.

NAES Safe

Safety is a core value of NAES and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to be mentally alert and work safely at all times. Additionally, employees are required to adhere to all safety warnings and posted safety signs whenever on company property. Furthermore, employees must follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each employee’s performance.

Working Relationships

The IC&E Technician reports directly to the Maintenance Supervisor and receives general direction from plant management. This role involves interfacing with contractors and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) personnel to ensure necessary support and coordination.

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 IC&E Technician works an alternating schedule consisting of one week of five nine-hour shifts followed by one week of four eight-hour shifts, providing 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.

Compensation

This position offers a base pay rate of $62.13 per hour, along with eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Core Qualifications and Skills

We are seeking a qualified Instrumentation, Controls, and Electrical (IC&E) Technician with hands-on experience in power generation operations and maintenance. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong technical aptitude, a commitment to safety, and a track record of contributing effectively within a team environment to support reliable plant performance.

• An Associate degree in Instrumentation and Control Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Electronics Technology, Industrial Automation, or a closely related technical discipline is preferred. Equivalent technical training in industrial electrical systems, control systems, PLCs, or power plant instrumentation—through formal coursework, apprenticeships, or military training—is beneficial. Relevant industry or military experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.


• Experience in power plants or comparable industrial facilities is preferred, including hands-on exposure to instrumentation, controls, and electrical systems, as well as applicable safety procedures.


• Thorough knowledge and experience troubleshooting and repairing electrical systems, including high voltage switchgear, motors, control centers, transformers, batteries, inverters, chargers, and generator excitation equipment.


• Comprehensive knowledge and practical experience in maintaining and troubleshooting instrumentation systems in modern combined-cycle plants, with hands-on experience in combustion turbines, HRSG, steam turbine, and supporting controls including burner management, combustion control, boiler controls, turbine controls, and condition monitoring.


• Understanding of burner management systems, combustion control processes, and boiler control systems to maximize efficiency and safety during power generation.


• Hands-on expertise in turbine operations and PLCs, including start-up, shutdown, and performance adjustments to sustain peak reliability of combustion turbines and the steam turbine.


• Skilled in performing routine inspections and preventive maintenance on critical electrical equipment to ensure reliable operation and safety compliance.


• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams, contractors, and vendors to coordinate maintenance activities, procure necessary resources, and ensure timely completion of projects, supporting the continuous operation of the power facility.


• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the analytical and mathematical aptitude to present technical information, conclusions, and recommendations effectively.


• 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.