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

The Fairview Energy Center is among the world's most advanced natural gas combined cycle power plants. It features GE's Frame 7HA.02 Gas Turbines in conjunction with a GE Steam Turbine. In 2020, the facility received recognition as Power Magazine's Top U.S. Facility. Situated approximately 8 miles north of Johnstown and 87 miles east of Pittsburgh, the plant is nestled in the Laurel Highlands, known for its hardwood forests, pristine trout streams, and thriving whitetail deer population.

Opportunity Summary

The Lead Instrumentation, Controls and Electrical (IC&E) Technician at the Fairview Energy Center will oversee the maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, and optimization of plant instrumentation, control, and electrical systems, including PLCs, DCS/SCADA, turbines, and high-voltage equipment. This role provides technical leadership, mentoring, and coordination across departments and contractors to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations. The Lead IC&E Tech will also drive continuous improvement initiatives, analyze system performance data, and implement solutions that enhance equipment reliability, operational efficiency, and long-term plant performance.

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

• Lead calibration, testing, maintenance, troubleshooting, and installation of plant instrumentation and control systems, including control valves, dampers, VFDs, motors, transmitters, and analyzers supporting GE 7HA.02 combined-cycle operations.


• Oversee preventive, predictive, corrective, and emergency maintenance on electrical systems, including 13.8 kV and 4.16 kV switchgear, MCCs, transformers, generators, excitation systems, batteries, inverters, and chargers to ensure reliability and readiness.


• Supervise and optimize PLC and control logic systems, performing diagnostics, fault isolation, program tuning, and coordination with engineering and OEMs to improve performance and reliability.


• Provide leadership in monitoring, maintaining, and troubleshooting DCS and SCADA systems to ensure reliable plant automation, control integrity, and rapid resolution of operational issues.


• Direct turbine control system maintenance and optimization for combustion and steam turbines, supporting performance improvements and resolving complex control issues with engineering support.


• Lead plant testing, startup, commissioning, and post-maintenance validation activities, including turbine controls, combustion systems, HRSG controls, and balance-of-plant systems.


• Coordinate installation of new equipment and system modifications, ensuring compliance with safety standards, OEM requirements, regulatory obligations, and industry best practices.


• Coordinate cross-functional and contractor activities during outages and capital projects to improve execution efficiency, reduce downtime, and support IC&E technical guidance.


• Ensure proper maintenance, calibration, and control of shop tools, test equipment, and instrumentation to support accurate field and lab work.


• Maintain technical documentation, including calibration records, maintenance logs, failure reports, plant drawings, and updates to CMMS and vendor databases.


• Champion plant safety culture by identifying hazards, enforcing safe work practices, and ensuring compliance with site safety and environmental requirements.


• Oversee proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials in compliance with environmental regulations.


• Analyze system performance data to identify trends, recommend improvements, and drive reliability, efficiency, and asset lifecycle optimization.


• Complete additional specialist projects and tasks as needed, supporting plant operations, maintenance, and engineering initiatives.

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 Lead IC&E Technician reports directly to the Maintenance Manager 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

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 ranging from $50 to $59 per hour, along with 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 Plant Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Process Technology, or a related field is preferred. Alternatively, equivalent technical training in industrial maintenance or instrumentation and control is beneficial, though not required. Relevant industry or military experience may also be considered.


• Extensive experience in power plant or industrial environments, with proven leadership in operations, maintenance, safety compliance, and technical oversight of complex generating equipment.


• Expert knowledge in troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems, including high-voltage switchgear, motors, MCCs, transformers, generators, excitation systems, batteries, inverters, and chargers.


• Comprehensive expertise in instrumentation and control systems in combined-cycle plants, including combustion turbines, HRSGs, and steam turbines, with strong knowledge of burner management, combustion control, boiler control, turbine controls, and condition monitoring.


• Strong understanding of combustion, burner management, and boiler control systems, supporting safe, efficient, and reliable plant operation.


• Demonstrated leadership in turbine operations and PLC-based control systems, including start-up, shutdown, troubleshooting, and performance optimization of combustion and steam turbine units.


• Proven ability to oversee inspection, testing, and preventive maintenance of electrical and control systems to ensure reliability, safety, and compliance.


• Experience leading cross-functional teams and coordinating contractors and vendors to support outages, capital projects, and continuous plant operations.


• Strong analytical, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical findings and recommendations to both technical staff and leadership.


• 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.