Power Plant Operator (Service Technician)

Career Area:

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other.  We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.

The Power Plant Operator is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation and maintenance of equipment at a gas‑turbine cogeneration power plant supporting continuous steam and electricity delivery to the Mossville campus. The facility operates in a modern, controlled utility environment supporting critical on‑site infrastructure.

The successful candidate will train to develop strong knowledge of plant systems, equipment, and operating procedures and will work as part of a two‑person shift team supporting around‑the‑clock operations. Prior gas turbine experience is not required. Candidates with gas turbine, boiler, electrical, mechanical, instrumentation, controls, utility, power‑generation backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

What You Will Do

• Operate, monitor, start, and shut down plant equipment in a safe, productive, and efficient manner.
• Support equipment associated with cogeneration systems, balance‑of‑plant equipment, and utility operations.
• Conduct routine shift walkthroughs to inspect equipment, identify issues, and support troubleshooting and corrective actions.
• Submit and manage work orders, preventive maintenance tasks, and inventory usage using a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Support emergency response and troubleshooting activities when not on PTO.
• Work extended hours during planned plant outages (typically two weekends per year).
• Communicate equipment performance concerns and collaborate with the team to improve efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.
• Support and oversee contractors on site, ensuring compliance with EHS programs including Lockout/Tagout, Confined Space, and Hot Work.
• Attend monthly safety, operations, and maintenance meetings.
• Identify opportunities to improve performance using data historian and control system tools.
• Monitor and control plant equipment utilizing instrumentation, and distributed control systems (DCS).

What You Have

• Education/Experience: Degree or equivalent 5+ years experience preferred. Military experience (U.S. Navy or other Armed Forces) in power generation, propulsion systems, electrical systems, instrumentation, controls, or plant operations is highly valued and considered equivalent.

Operations, Maintenance & Safety

• Strong understanding of industrial equipment operation, maintenance, and safety practices.
• Ability to comply with Caterpillar EHS policies, use PPE, and respond to emergency situations.

Mechanical, Electrical & Controls

• Background in industrial mechanical and/or electrical systems, utilities, or process operations.
• Experience or aptitude with instrumentation, controls, and DCS environments preferred.
• Ability to identify and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and system‑level issues.

Problem Solving & Reliability

• Applies structured problem‑solving approaches to equipment and operational issues.
• Participates in preventive and condition‑based maintenance programs.
• Contributes to continuous improvement and captures lessons learned.

Communication & Teamwork

• Communicates technical issues clearly and effectively.
• Collaborates with peers, engineers, vendors, and contractors to resolve issues and improve performance.

Additional Information

• This position is located in Mossville, IL.
• This role is well‑suited for candidates from utility operations, industrial facilities, manufacturing environments, electrician or controls/instrumentation roles, and military backgrounds seeking a stable, safety‑focused plant environment.

Summary Pay Range:

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar. 

Benefits:

Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits*

• Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*

• 401(k) savings plans*

• Health Savings Account (HSA)*

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*

• Health Lifestyle Programs*

• Employee Assistance Program*

• Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*

• Career Development*

• Incentive bonus*

• Disability benefits

• Life Insurance

• Parental leave

• Adoption benefits

• Tuition Reimbursement

* These benefits also apply to part-time employees

Posting Dates:

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.  Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

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