The Peterborough peaking facilities, located in Peterborough, UK, comprise two power generation sites. The first features two GE Frame 9E simple-cycle combustion turbines, while the second is a reciprocating peaking facility equipped with five Wärtsilä 34SG gas engines. Together, these facilities play a key role in supporting regional electricity generation and maintaining grid reliability during periods of peak demand.
Opportunity Summary
As an Operations Technician at the Peterborough peaking facilities, you will play a key role in the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of two flexible generating sites comprising GE Frame 9E simple-cycle combustion turbines and Wärtsilä 34SG reciprocating gas engines. Working as part of a rotating shift team, you will operate, monitor, and optimise plant systems, support safe and compliant operations, and contribute to the continuous improvement of operational performance, reliability, and efficiency. Reporting to the Shift Team Leader, you will work closely with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering personnel to ensure the facilities remain ready to respond to peak electricity demand.
Your scope of responsibility as Operations Technician includes the following key duties:
- Safely operate the power station in compliance with company procedures, environmental permits, and statutory requirements.
- Perform plant start-up, shutdown, monitoring, and normal operating activities across combustion turbine and reciprocating engine generating units.
- Carry out routine operational inspections and duties to maximise plant availability, reliability, and commercial performance.
- Perform first-line diagnosis of plant, equipment, and control system faults, ensuring personnel and process safety are maintained.
- Apply approved operating procedures, safe systems of work, and operational standards.
- Record and report operational events, plant defects, and performance data, and provide operational support for planned and corrective maintenance activities.
- Produce, maintain, and update operational documentation, logs, procedures, and records as required.
- Liaise effectively with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, contractors, and third-party service providers to support safe and efficient plant operation.
- Operate the facilities to maximise availability, reliability, and commercial performance while supporting National Grid dispatch requirements and business objectives.
- Travel occasionally to other company sites to support operational requirements and wider business activities.
NAES Safe
Safety is a core value of NAES and as a condition of employment, all employees are always expected to be mentally alert and work safely. 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
Operations Technicians report to the Duty Shift Team Leader and will be expected to proactively engage with resources across the organisation including field team staff.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
Physical requirements include standing for extended periods, climbing stairs and ladders, working from elevated platforms and walkways at varying heights, and routinely lifting up to 15 kg.
The power station environment may require entering confined spaces, working in restricted or enclosed areas, and handling hazardous substances, with potential exposure to fumes, extreme temperatures, and high noise levels. Work may also involve exposure to elevated temperatures near operating equipment and varying outdoor weather conditions.
Some duties require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety helmets, eye protection, respirators or breathing apparatus, hearing protection, chemical-resistant clothing, flame-resistant clothing (FRC), heat-resistant gloves, high-voltage protective equipment, and fall arrest systems. Face fit testing for tight-fitting respirators may be required in accordance with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance. Strict no-smoking requirements apply throughout the facility in accordance with applicable UK health and safety legislation.
Fitness for Duty
All employees participate in a Fitness for Duty Programme, which includes a post-offer medical assessment and substance screening. Ongoing random testing may be conducted post-employment.
Work Schedule
The Operations Technician works a rotating shift pattern covering 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including days, nights, weekends, and bank holidays, to support the safe, reliable, and continuous operation of the power station. This position may occasionally require extended working hours, additional shifts, shift changes, or call-outs to support outages, emergencies, or other operational requirements.
The role occasionally requires travel to all fleet locations to support wider business activities across the Whitetower business.
Compensation
This position offers a starting salary of £53,000 to £56,000, together with eligibility for a performance-related bonus.
Qualifications & Experience
- Experience operating power generation facilities or other industrial process plants is preferred.
- An engineering, operations, or technical qualification, or equivalent industry experience, is preferred. Candidates working towards a relevant qualification are also encouraged to apply.
- Understanding of power station operations, plant equipment, operating procedures, and safe systems of work.
- Working knowledge of UK health, safety, and environmental legislation and industry best practices.
- Familiarity with computerised maintenance management systems (CMMS) and Microsoft Office applications.
Skills & Attributes
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to respond effectively to changing plant conditions and operational priorities.
- Ability to follow operating procedures, technical instructions, and company processes while maintaining a strong commitment to safety and compliance.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively as part of a shift team while also operating independently when required.
- Good numerical, written, and computer skills, with the ability to maintain accurate operational records and reports.
- Flexible, self-motivated, and dependable, with a commitment to continuous improvement and maintaining high operational standards.
- Must possess a valid and unrestricted driving licence, ensuring it remains in good standing at all times.
The role includes:
- 24/7 shift pattern
- Private Health Care
- Company Pension scheme
- Bonus potential
- Holiday Entitlement
- Sick pay
- Job type – Full time, permanent
Note: Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK. Evidence of this will be required during the recruitment process.
The statements contained in this job description are not necessarily all inclusive; additional duties may be assigned, and requirements may vary from time to time.
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 internationally, including those in the UK, Canada, Mexico, and the United States, 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 a diverse and inclusive workplace. It is the practice of NAES to seek employees of the highest quality and to select individuals based on merit and competence, without regard to race, colour, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, or any other basis of discrimination.
Preferred
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Experience operating power generation facilities or other industrial process plants is preferred.
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An engineering, operations, or technical qualification, or equivalent industry experience, is preferred. Candidates working towards a relevant qualification are also encouraged to apply.
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Understanding of power station operations, plant equipment, operating procedures, and safe systems of work.
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Working knowledge of UK health, safety, and environmental legislation and industry best practices.
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Familiarity with computerised maintenance management systems (CMMS) and Microsoft Office applications.
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Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to respond effectively to changing plant conditions and operational priorities.
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Ability to follow operating procedures, technical instructions, and company processes while maintaining a strong commitment to safety and compliance.
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Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively as part of a shift team while also operating independently when required.
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Good numerical, written, and computer skills, with the ability to maintain accurate operational records and reports.
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Flexible, self-motivated, and dependable, with a commitment to continuous improvement and maintaining high operational standards.
Preferred
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Technical/other training or better
Required
Preferred
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Safety Policies and Procedures Management
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Control Room Operations
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O&M - Operations & Maintenance
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Power Plant Operations
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Power Plant Fundamentals
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Power Generation
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IC&E - Instrumentation, Controls & Electrical
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Electrical Schematics - Read & Interpret
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Mechanical Maintenance
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Mechanical Aptitude
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CMMS - Computerized Maintenance Mgmt System
Preferred
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Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
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Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking
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Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject
