Operations Technician in Newport, Wales

Pay or shift range: £50,000 GBP to £55,000 GBP. The estimated range is the budgeted amount for this position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications and other job-related reasons.

Located in Newport, UK, the Severn Power Station stands as a vital hub of energy production, harnessing the power of its surroundings to generate 823 MW of electricity. Equipped with two units of SGT5-4000F gas turbines and SST5-5000 steam turbines, it epitomises the pinnacle of gas‑fired Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) technology. Serving as a cornerstone of the local energy infrastructure, it ensures a reliable and sustainable power supply for the region.

As an Operations Technician at Severn Power Station, you will support the operation, maintenance, and engineering activities to ensure the safe and reliable performance of plant and equipment. This role demands a solid foundation in engineering and technical knowledge to meet the operational and commercial requirements of the client. Your contributions will be critical in maintaining the station’s efficiency and safety standards.

• Monitor and control all plant and equipment continuously, ensuring optimal performance across mechanical, electrical, and I&C systems.
• Respond promptly to alarms, taking appropriate actions to diagnose and rectify issues with plant equipment.
• Execute plant shutdown and start‑up procedures as required, ensuring compliance with safety protocols and efficiency standards within the allocated timeframe.
• Follow established processes and procedures to ensure efficient plant operation, including the utilisation of technical documentation and drawings for mechanical and electrical systems.
• Ensure the plant meets its generating requirements while operating safely and efficiently, with a focus on mechanical integrity and electrical system reliability.
• Support the Operations Manager and Operations Engineers in implementing and managing initiatives such as Asset Management, Risk‑Based Culture, and Change Management at the site.
• Assist in the development and execution of operational KPIs, as well as strategic and business objectives, with emphasis on improving mechanical and electrical performance.
• Utilise a Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS) for shift logging, fault notification, and work planning.
• Carry out first‑line fault finding and maintenance activities on a shift‑by‑shift basis, including the troubleshooting of mechanical components, electrical circuits, and I&C systems.
• Support Maintenance Department activities as required, providing input on mechanical repairs, electrical fault diagnosis, and I&C calibrations.
• Contribute to Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) processes for site incidents and occurrences, focusing on mechanical failures and electrical or systemic issues as needed.

• Capable of fulfilling the duties of an Authorised Person under the site safety rules.
• Undertake technical training courses and qualifications as required, with a focus on continuous personal development.
• Develop and implement safe systems of work while carrying out the duties of an Authorised Person under the site safety rules, particularly in areas related to mechanical and electrical systems.
• Deputise for the Operations Engineer as and when required, assisting with both operational and technical challenges in mechanical and electrical systems.
• Support and assist the department and station management team in other activities as needed.
• Provide support to other areas of the business, both onshore and offshore, as required, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of plant systems across all disciplines.

NAES Safe Safety is a core value of NAES and, as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to be mentally alert and work safely at all times. Employees must adhere to all safety warnings, posted safety signs, and NAES safety rules and procedures. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each employee’s performance.

The Operations Technician will report to the Operations Engineer and Operations Manager.

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 kilograms. The power station environment may involve entering confined spaces, working in restricted or narrow areas, and handling hazardous substances, with potential exposure to fumes, extreme temperatures, and high noise levels. Work may include elevated temperatures near operating equipment and varying outdoor weather conditions. Some duties may 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 respirators may be required in accordance with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance. Strict no‑smoking requirements apply in and around the facility in accordance with applicable UK health and safety legislation.

All employees will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program. This program includes a post‑offer physical examination and drug screening and post‑employment random drug screening.

The Operations Technician works a 24/7 shift pattern. You will be required to work days, nights, weekends, and bank holidays with fixed holidays incorporated in the shift pattern.

This position offers an annual base salary ranging from £50,000 to £55,000 and includes eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

• Educated to a minimum level of HNC/ONC or equivalent qualification in engineering, with a focus on practical application in an operational environment.
• Extensive operational experience within the Power Generation sector, ideally including Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) facilities.
• Prior trade experience in a mechanical, electrical, or instrumentation and controls (I&C) discipline is highly desirable, with a strong emphasis on the safe and efficient operation of plant and equipment across these systems.
• Expertise in controls is particularly valued for this role.
• Experience in conducting first‑line fault finding and maintenance activities, with a solid background in Power Generation or Heavy Industry.
• Comprehensive understanding of Health & Safety management processes and procedures, particularly in high‑risk industrial settings.
• Demonstrated technical knowledge and practical engineering skills across mechanical, electrical, and control systems, including proficiency in operating and troubleshooting logic‑based controls and developing safe systems of work to ensure smooth plant performance.
• Skilled in the development and execution of Method Statements and Risk Assessments, ensuring compliance with safety standards in mechanical and electrical operations.
• Ability to effectively record and communicate critical plant information and operational status to support decision‑making processes.
• Self‑motivated, with the ability to prioritise tasks and adapt to changing operational demands.
• Must possess a valid and unrestricted United Kingdom driving licence and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.

• Annual Bonus
• Life Insurance
• Private Medical Insurance
• Wellness Programmes
• Company Pension
• Sick Pay
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Onsite Parking

Note: You will be asked to provide right to work documents should you be selected for an interview.

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.

• Safety Policies and Procedures Management – Intermediate
• Control Room Operations – Some Knowledge
• O&M – Operations & Maintenance – Intermediate
• Power Generation – Intermediate
• Power Generation – Some Knowledge
• Electrical Schematics – Read & Interpret – Intermediate
• Mechanical Maintenance – Intermediate
• Mechanical Aptitude – Intermediate
• CMMS – Computerised Maintenance Management System – Intermediate

• Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well.
• Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking.
• Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject.

Technical/other training or better.

Educated to a minimum level of HNC/ONC or equivalent qualification in engineering, with a focus on practical application in an operational environment. Extensive operational experience within the Power Generation sector, ideally including Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) facilities. Prior trade experience in a mechanical, electrical, or instrumentation and controls (I&C) discipline is highly desirable, with a strong emphasis on the safe and efficient operation of plant and equipment across these systems. Expertise in controls is particularly valued for this role. Experience in conducting first‑line fault finding and maintenance activities, with a solid background in Power Generation or Heavy Industry. Comprehensive understanding of Health & Safety management processes and procedures, particularly in high‑risk industrial settings. Demonstrated technical knowledge and practical engineering skills across mechanical, electrical, and control systems, including proficiency in operating and troubleshooting logic‑based controls and developing safe systems of work to ensure smooth plant performance. Skilled in the development and execution of Method Statements and Risk Assessments, ensuring compliance with safety standards in mechanical and electrical operations. Ability to effectively record and communicate critical plant information and operational status to support decision‑making processes. Self‑motivated, with the ability to prioritise tasks and adapt to changing operational demands. Must possess a valid and unrestricted United Kingdom driving licence and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.