Wind Jobs in Mankato, Minnesota

Plant Engineer at Onward Energy Mankato, MN

Plant Engineer job at Onward Energy. Mankato, MN. Onward is excited to announce we are hiring for a new position - Plant Engineer at our Mankato Plant! POSITION DESCRIPTION Position Title: Plant Engineer Reports To: Plant Manager Direct Reports: Yes Functional Unit: Operations FLSA Status: Exempt Position Type: Full-Time Plant Location: Mankato, MN THE COMPANY Onward Energy is an independent power platform that owns and operates over 6,000 MW of utility-scale wind, solar and natural gas generation projects across the U.S. Our Vision is to reliably power a sustainable future. Our Mission is that as North America's premier independent power generator, we will deliver renewable and reliable power to our customers, opportunities to our associates, sustainable returns to the families who invest in us, and a better world to the next generation. Based in Denver, and Charlotte, Onward Energy is a company where people and power are always on. We are where renewable meets reliable. See for more information. • Mankato Energy Center (MEC) is a 720-megawatt natural gas-fired combined-cycle facility located within the city limits on the northern edge of the City of Mankato, Minnesota. project operates in the MISO power market and sells energy under contract to Northern States Power (NSP), a subsidiary of Xcel Energy. MEC I became commercially operational in July 2006 in a 1x1 configuration and is contracted through July 2028. In 2019 MEC II began commercial operations and is contracted with NSP through 2039. MEC I has a Siemens SGT6-5000F(3) combustion turbine rated at approximately 225 MW (at ISO Conditions) with a Nooter Eriksen HRSG. MEC II has a Siemens SGT6-5000F(4) combustion turbine rated at approximately 232 MW (at ISO Conditions) with a Nooter Eriksen HRSG. Both units deliver steam to a single Toshiba TCDF-40L steam turbine rated at 330MW. THE OPPORTUNITY This position is responsible for capital project management, plant engineering, operations & maintenance support and compliance support. This involves monitoring plant availability, thermal efficiency, and the cost of production. The Plant Engineer also provides technical support for plant and process improvements, and other engineering functions as assigned. The Plant Engineer is an integral member of the plant's team working closely with the Plant Manager and Operations and Maintenance Manager. THE RESPONSIBILITIES • Assist Plant Manager in providing oversight of and direction to all mission critical programs and processes such as maintaining NERC and EH&S program compliance, outage management, project management, asset integrity and financial management. • Provide visible safety leadership and actively contribute to the creation, implementation, and continuous improvement of a strong, sustainable safety culture. Drive real time safety accountability by engaging the team through safety meeting participation, job briefs, audits, training, accident investigation/event assessment, and job site observations. • Follows all safety/environmental policies, procedures, rules, and participating in training. Promotes the company's values, Accountability, Adaptability, Collaboration, & Excellence. • Maintain specific areas of compliance including, but are not limited to; environmental, health, safety, NERC, security, fire protection, water chemistry, contractor compliance, grounds maintenance and inventory/procurement. • Manage capital improvement projects to ensure budgetary guidelines and contractual guarantees are met. This includes preparation of Request for Quotes (RFQs), bid evaluation, project management and project implementation. • Coordinate external contacts with engineering firms to discuss field changes, and with manufacturer sales representatives, service personnel and vendors to discuss new or modifications to existing equipment, resolve problems and exchange information. • Develop, communicate, and perform work practices and procedures to manage document control and keep site drawings and documentation up to date. • Analyze equipment failures, determine root causes, recommend recovery plans, and impose cost effective solutions to prevent reoccurrence. • Assist in the investigation of plant problems, incidents, accidents, and unusual events, and provide analyses, recommendations, reports, and appropriate follow-up plans. • Develop and administer contracts and work scope for external contractors to ensure maximum efficiency in the use of plant and contractor personnel. • Maintains frequent internal contact with various plant personnel to resolve problems, provide technical support and exchange information. • Support the continuous improvement program including but not limited to the CMMS and procedural writing and reviews. • Under the guidance of the Plant Manager, develop the experience and skills necessary to cover a shift; be a backup operator for the staff when needed (PTO, sick, facilitate operational or testing event(s) • Support the Plant Manager and others in tracking forced outages, loss of generation and conducting root cause analysis on the cause of failure. • Support the Plant Manager and assist the O&M Manager in preparing planned outage work scopes and schedules. • Provide plant support to the Mankato Energy Center team relating to plant performance, data telemetry, plant improvements, etc. • Interfaces, along with other site managers, with Siemens on equipment performance and LTSA activities. • Provides technical input for operation and maintenance training programs. • Provides assistance with environmental testing, data collection and reporting. • Work under limited supervision. • Independently prioritizes and executes responsibilities. • Provide management direction in the absence of the Plant or O&M Manager. • Other duties as assigned. THE PROFILE TO SUCCEED • A Bachelor of Science Degree in an engineering discipline is preferred. In lieu of an engineering degree, candidates must have at least 5 years of operations and/or maintenance experience in power generation to be considered. • A thorough, demonstrated understanding of power plant operations and maintenance activities. • Familiarity with Operations and Maintenance, Safety, and Compliance programs governed by federal, state, and local agencies (OSHA, EPA, and NERC) applicable to the power generation industry. • Excellent writing and analytical skills and an ability to present facts, conclusions, and recommendations in written communications, both in formal and informal formats. • Familiarity with typical plant data historian, trending, and performance monitoring tools. • Demonstrated experience and knowledge with piping and instrument schematics and process controls. • Moderate working knowledge of Maximo is desired. • Maintain the highest standards of conduct and integrity in all dealings with or on behalf of Onward Energy at all levels inside and outside the organization. • CEMS/DAHS experience is desired. • Excellent writing and presentation skills, verbal skills that are persuasive, and the ability to promote business initiatives. • Ability to plan, organize, schedule, and direct varied programs and tasks involved within the operations and maintenance functions. • Ability to anticipate and accept changes in the organization and adapt to meet new requirements. • Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness. • Thoroughly familiar with Word, Excel, Power Point, and various other programs. • Ability to follow both verbal and written instructions. • Ability to exercise good judgment and make sound decisions. • Ability to prioritize, handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently. • Valid U.S. Driver license with acceptable MVR history. THE PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Must be able to accomplish physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodation. • Associate will be required to adhere to large amounts of standing, walking, bending, squatting, and lifting. May be required to lift, carry, and move up to 50 lbs. Will use arms and hands to signal, grab, hold, turn, push, and pull objects, materials, controls, and tools. Will occasionally work at heights, climb ladders, stairways, and work off platforms. Will use vision abilities to focus, see short and long distances, colors, depth perception and peripheral vision. Will be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including but not limited to hard hat, safety glasses/goggles, ear plugs/muffs, masks/respirators, safety vests, gloves, and steel-toe boots. • Able to hear (at some dB limit of loss) to hear plant alarms, equipment condition, and to receive oral instructions. • Able to see to determine plant operating conditions and to avoid safety hazards. • Work extended hours and varied shifts with the possibility of weekend and holiday work, as required by schedules, workload, and plant conditions. On Call status will be required. THE TEAM Onward Energy team is comprised of industry professionals who embrace our values of accountability, adaptability, collaboration, and excellence. At Onward Energy, we seek to find solutions rather than assign blame. THE WORK ENVIRONMENT Work is generally performed inside the power plant but may work in all weather conditions ranging from warm/hot - cool/cold. Occasional rain. Noise levels will be moderate to high. Job site will contain light to heavy equipment vehicles, small to large equipment, materials, communication equipment and tools. People standing, walking, sitting, signaling, and talking. Bells, whistles, and alarms. Some travel to and work at other sites required. THE TOTAL REWARDS Onward Energy total rewards philosophy is motivated by a key tenet of People First, and offers associates a comprehensive total rewards package which includes market competitive compensation, health, life insurance, and retirement savings benefits. If you require an accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a disability to Recruiting@onwardenergy.com. EEO STATEMENT: Onward Energy is an Affirmative Action Employer, Females/Minority/Veterans/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.