About NAES: We are an independent services company dedicated to delivering value to facilities across the power generation, oil & gas, petrochemical, pulp & paper, and manufacturing industries. For more than 35 years, we have drawn on our deep experience in advisory, operations, maintenance, fabrication, construction, engineering, compliance, technical support, asset management and energy management services to assess, build, operate and maintain sites that run safely, reliably and cost-effectively.
We operate more than 190 power plants throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico that span all technologies and provide over 46 GW of capacity. With the strength of 4000 people, our growing family of companies now addresses the entire life cycle of power generation and other industrial plants.
NAES offers competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package (including retirement) and promotional opportunities.
The Commonwealth Chesapeake Peaker facility, located in New Church, VA, just 3/4 mile south of the Maryland border, plays a key role in the region's energy infrastructure. Built in 2000, the plant houses seven LM 6000 turbines with a total generating capacity of 315 MW at nominal load. Its strategic location ensures efficient and reliable energy production, helping meet regional power demand and supporting grid stability.
Opportunity Summary
The Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Manager at the Commonwealth Chesapeake Peaker Facility is responsible for ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of a fast-start LM6000 peaker facility, maintaining continuous readiness to respond to real-time grid demand. This role leads both operations and maintenance functions, driving performance through data analysis, strategic planning, and disciplined execution of maintenance and outage activities to maximize availability and reliability. Additionally, the O&M Manager oversees personnel, compliance, and financial performance while fostering a strong safety culture and ensuring the plant is prepared to respond effectively to dynamic operating and emergency conditions.
Your scope of responsibility as O&M Manager includes the following primary functions:
- Oversee the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of all power generation equipment, including LM6000 combustion turbines, generators, and balance-of-plant auxiliary systems.
- Continuously monitor real-time operating data, dispatch instructions, and equipment status to ensure immediate plant readiness and responsiveness.
- Translate grid dispatch requirements into daily and weekly operating strategies, balancing availability, maintenance schedules, and cycling impacts.
- Lead initiatives to improve turbine start reliability, minimize failed starts, and enhance dispatch responsiveness.
- Analyze operational and maintenance data to identify trends, optimize performance, and drive cost-effective improvements.
- Conduct root cause analysis of forced outages, abnormal equipment behavior, and start failures, implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
- Develop, implement, and continuously refine preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs aligned with OEM recommendations and industry best practices.
- Plan, coordinate, and execute planned outages, ensuring proper scope definition, resource allocation, contractor oversight, and safe return-to-service execution.
- Maintain and validate comprehensive operational records, including starts, equivalent operating hours (EOH), forced outages, and maintenance expenditures.
- Generate and review reports to support asset performance tracking, maintenance forecasting, regulatory compliance, and operational decision-making.
- Ensure full compliance with environmental permits, emissions limits, safety programs, and OSHA regulations, proactively mitigating operational and personnel risks.
- Provide direct supervision and mentorship to plant personnel, ensuring work quality, adherence to procedures, and safe execution of tasks.
- Lead recruitment, onboarding, and training programs to build a qualified, safety-focused, and technically competent operations team.
- Administer performance management and LOTO enforcement, providing feedback, coaching, and accountability for staff performance.
- Support financial and operational planning, including maintenance budgeting, critical spare parts inventory, vendor coordination, capital planning input, and preparation of emergency response protocols.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Plant Manager to support reliable peaking operations and overall plant performance.
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. All NAES managers and supervisors have a direct and important role in ensuring that all work is performed in a healthy and safe manner. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each Supervisor’s performance.
Working Relationships
The O&M Manager reports to the Plant Manager and supervises subordinate operations personnel. Additionally, this position will coordinate with all other plant personnel as it pertains to the safe and efficient operation of Commonwealth Chesapeake Peaker Facility.
Compensation
The initial salary range for this position is from $142,800 - $171,000.
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 O&M Manager 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.
Some travel may be involved to participate in Manager, Owner, User Group, or other offsite meetings.
Professional Expertise & Qualifications
We are seeking an accomplished leader with extensive experience in the operation of power generating facilities, paired with a strong history of career growth and a track record of excellence in achieving results.
- A Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or equivalent is desired, providing a strong foundation for understanding the technical aspects of power plant operations and management. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of education.
- Demonstrated experience managing operations and maintenance at a power generation facility, with a strong understanding of combustion turbines, electrical systems, and balance-of-plant equipment.
- Proven ability to optimize plant performance through data-driven decision-making, including analysis of starts, outages, and equipment trends to improve reliability and efficiency.
- In-depth knowledge of environmental permitting and regulatory compliance, with a consistent record of maintaining adherence to air emissions, safety, and operational standards.
- Experience leading and coordinating contractors and vendors during maintenance activities and outages, ensuring work is completed safely, on schedule, and to quality expectations.
- Strong leadership background with the ability to supervise, develop, and hold accountable operations and maintenance personnel in a high-performance environment.
- Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, dispatch-driven environment, making sound operational decisions under time-sensitive conditions.
- Proficiency with plant systems and tools, including CMMS platforms, control systems, and standard business software, with the ability to effectively communicate performance metrics and operational status to stakeholders.
- 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.
Preferred
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Proven ability to optimize plant performance through data-driven decision-making, including analysis of starts, outages, and equipment trends to improve reliability and efficiency.
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Experience leading and coordinating contractors and vendors during maintenance activities and outages, ensuring work is completed safely, on schedule, and to quality expectations.
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Strong leadership background with the ability to supervise, develop, and hold accountable operations and maintenance personnel in a high-performance environment.
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Proficiency with plant systems and tools, including CMMS platforms, control systems, and standard business software, with the ability to effectively communicate performance metrics and operational status to stakeholders.
Preferred
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Bachelors or better in Engineering or related field
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High School or better
Required
Preferred
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Budgeting
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Control Room Operations
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Environmental Compliance and Reporting
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Maintenance Management
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Mechanical Aptitude
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Microsoft Office Suite
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Motivating Others
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Power Plant Operations
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Team Leadership
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Verbal and Written Communications
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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Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest
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Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject
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Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking
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Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them
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Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
