Turbine Control Engineering Specialist III

Calpine Corporation is America's largest generator of electricity from natural gas and geothermal resources with operations in competitive power markets. Its fleet of 77 power plants in operation represents over 27,000 megawatts of generation capacity. Through wholesale power operations and its retail businesses, Calpine serves customers in 22 states and Canada. Its clean, efficient, modern and flexible fleet uses advanced technologies to generate power in a low-carbon and environmentally responsible manner.

The company was established on the premise that a strong commitment to the environment is inextricably linked to excellence in power generation and corporate responsibility. Since its founding in 1984, Calpine has led the power industry in its unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship. In addition, its renewable geothermal plants use steam generated deep below the earth's surface to produce clean, renewable electricity.

Job Summary (includes but is not limited to the following, other duties may be assigned)

Here at Calpine, the Engineering Department plays an extremely important role with ensuring that our plants are able to meet the operational demands of today. A Turbine Controls Engineering Specialist is a critical asset, who communicates with all departments in the company, to provide innovative solutions to ensure current engineering standards are supported. Previous experience in plant operation and control systems, along with a willingness to explore and master new technologies, is essential for success in this engineering position. An ideal candidate here is self-motivated, highly knowledgeable, has strong problem solving skills and works well within a small team.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead, support and provide technical oversight with project development activities as required.
• Apply advanced operational experience to trouble shooting problems the plant is experiencing.
• Provide recommendations on moderately complex issues regarding project components and tasks.
• Provide recommendations on new processes, tools and services as well as support and contribute to the development of new products, services or techniques.
• Work with the I&C Engineering group with the development of control logic changes as they pertain to the operation of the plants.
• Implement logic changes after they have been developed in I&C Engineering and supported by the Plant Controls Team.
• Provide training to plant Operations and colleagues on control systems operation, programming and maintenance.
• Assist in troubleshooting related computer and networking problems that relate to the BOP control system
• Perform serial link programming between BOP control systems and ancillary plant systems.
• Must be willing and able to be on call and work call out duty as necessary. Must be willing to work varied hours as necessary and travel as needed throughout the Calpine Fleet.

Job Requirements

• High School diploma, or equivalent required
• Comprehensive knowledge of Power Plant Operation.
  
  
  
  • Balance of plant (BOP) system operation and interaction, with in depth knowledge of steam cycle operations for both start up and shutdown of the facility, as well as efficient operation.
  • Combustion and steam turbine operation, including startup and shutdown, as well as interaction with the BOP.
  • Ancillary plant systems, such as burner management systems (BMS), continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS), water treatment systems, and chemical dosage systems.
  
  
  
  
• BSEE, BSCHE, BSME, or other technical degree preferred.
• Senior level or seasoned professional with 20 or more year's previous turbine maintenance experience or equivalent combination of education and/or experience in a related field. With at least 10+ years' experience with Ovation, ABB, TXP or T3000 controls system design, network design, programming, and maintenance. OEM Field Service or Engineering Service experience is highly desirable.
• Must have a proven record of accomplishment in the controls field.
• Demonstrate exceptional technical knowledge of combined cycle power plant operation.
• Must have an exceptional understanding of process controls and instrumentation.
• Must be willing to travel and work varied hours as necessary.
• Must have excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Above average math and computer skills, i.e., Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Project).
• The ability to apply critical thinking skills to solve new complex issues independently.
• Ability to Travel 25%

Additional Calpine Information:

• Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.
• Calpine is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website or to apply for a position, please send an e-mail with your request to hrrecruitment@calpine.com. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation are made on case-by-case basis.

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