Performance Technician

The Linden Cogeneration Plant is a 980 MW natural gas combined-cycle cogeneration facility located within the Phillips 66 Refinery in Linden, NJ. In addition to generating electricity, the plant provides process steam to the refinery. The plant is equipped with five GE 7EA gas turbine generators and one GE 7FA gas turbine generator, each exhausting into a Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG). The HRSGs are connected to a common steam header, which supplies steam to three steam turbines and the adjacent refinery.

Opportunity Summary

The Performance Technician plays a critical role in evaluating plant operations by overseeing boiler chemistry, water treatment, and water production, ensuring regulatory compliance and optimal water chemistry. Responsibilities include conducting routine analyses, supporting data collection, maintaining lab equipment, managing chemical inventory, and assisting during outages and maintenance. The role also supports regulatory reporting (including GADS and plant modeling), plant monitoring programs such as vibration analysis, air leakage surveys, and steam trap inspections, and contributes to training, procedure development, continuous improvement, and a safe work environment.

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

Chemistry Programs

• Lead and manage all aspects of the boiler chemistry program.


• Direct Water Plant operations, including performance monitoring of reverse osmosis and demineralized water systems, as well as coordinating routine cleanings and maintenance.


• Oversee Certified Environmental Lab activities, including reviewing and updating procedures as needed.

Inspection and Maintenance

• Inspect boiler drums, hotwells, and water boxes as required.


• Maintain and upkeep laboratory equipment and chemical inventory.


• Perform weekly chemical inventory and collaborate with the purchasing agent to ensure proper chemical levels are maintained, including sulfuric acid, caustic, and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) ammonia.


• Perform vibration data collection and coordinate vendor analysis/review.


• Perform air in-leakage testing on condensate and feedwater systems.


• Conduct steam trap surveys.


• Monitor “CEMS” systems and review for accuracy, cost savings, and efficiency.


• Monitor for proper regeneration of anion, cation and mixed beds, and carbon filter backwashes.

Sampling and Analysis

• Conduct routine water and steam analysis to ensure compliance with plant specifications and environmental regulations.


• Collect, calibrate, and verify oil and boiler water sampling meters for proper operation (PH, silica, conductivity)- verify proper flow rates and temperatures in sampling panels.


• Monitor and adjust chemical feed systems to maintain optimal water chemistry.

Support and Compliance

• Provide chemistry support during plant outages and maintenance activities, including system decontamination and water quality management.


• Assist with tracking and managing chemical waste disposal in accordance with environmental regulations.


• Complete monthly/quarterly NYISO/PJM/NERC-GADS reporting.


• Maintain current HAZWOPER certification in compliance with regulatory requirements.


• Adhere to site Contraband Policy.


• Report upset conditions or other anomalies in plant status to the Operations Manager or Technical Manager.


• Support the EH&S Manager. Liaise with external agencies and coordinate with environmental agencies and external auditors by maintaining monthly/quarterly entries for DPCC, VPP, DEP, and OSHA during inspections or compliance checks.


• Assist with NERC data collection and compliance.

Instrumentation and Data Management

• Perform calibration and troubleshooting of laboratory instruments and online analyzers.


• Record and analyze chemistry data, prepare detailed reports for plant management and regulatory compliance.

Training and Mentorship

• Provide direction to Plant Operators on chemistry and certified lab requirements.


• Train and mentor junior technicians or operators in chemistry-related tasks and safety procedures.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Continuous Improvement

• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to chemical handling, analysis, and safety protocols.


• Develop and maintain Abnormal Operating Procedures (AOPs) based on EPRI boiler and water chemistry standards.


• Participate in plant continuous improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities to enhance chemistry processes and reduce costs.

Emergency Response and Root Cause Analysis

• Maintain readiness to respond to chemical spills or other emergencies, including participation in drills and exercises.


• Participate in root cause analysis investigations for plant issues related to chemistry, such as corrosion or scaling.

Complete other tasks as requested by the Operations Manager.

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 Performance Technician reports to the Operations Manager, and takes general direction from the Plant Manager. Additionally, this position will coordinate with other plant personnel as it pertains to the safe and efficient operation of the Linden Cogeneration plant.

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 Performance Technician 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.

Compensation

This position offers a base pay rate of $65.50 per hour, as per the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Technical Competencies and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Science, or related field.


• Must be able to obtain and maintain a TWIC.


• Extensive experience in a chemical laboratory or industrial environment, preferably within a power plant or similar facility.


• Experience with water, cooling tower, and boiler water chemistry programs.


• Hands-on experience with laboratory equipment and chemical feed systems, including RO systems, water softeners, and brine concentrators.


• Experience performing routine chemical analyses such as pH, conductivity, silica, phosphate, and related parameters.


• Experience calibrating and maintaining analytical instruments and laboratory equipment.


• Proficiency with laboratory and analytical instrumentation, including pH meters, spectrophotometers, and ion chromatography systems.


• Working knowledge of environmental regulations and compliance standards related to water and wastewater systems.


• Strong understanding of chemical safety and handling procedures.


• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data collection skills with a high degree of accuracy in data recording and analysis.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.


• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.


• Commitment to safety and environmental compliance.


• 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.