Operations Technician in Spalding

Sutton Bridge Power Station, located in the south‑east of Lincolnshire within the South Holland district of England, is a significant 850 MW gas‑fired power station. Featuring state‑of‑the‑art GE 9FA turbine technology, the facility plays a crucial role in delivering reliable electricity to local communities and supporting the broader national grid. Its strategic location enhances operational effectiveness and helps meet regional energy needs.

As an Operations Technician at Sutton Bridge Power Station, you will support the operation, maintenance and engineering activities required to ensure the safe, reliable and efficient performance of the station’s 850 MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) plant. This role requires a strong technical foundation and a proactive approach to meeting the operational, safety and commercial objectives of the station. Your contribution will be vital in maintaining plant availability, reliability and compliance while supporting the delivery of electricity to the National Grid.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitor and control plant equipment to ensure safe, reliable and efficient operation of the station’s mechanical, electrical and control systems.
• Respond promptly to plant alarms and operational issues, undertaking fault diagnosis and implementing appropriate corrective actions.
• Carry out plant start‑up, shut‑down and operational switching activities in accordance with approved procedures and site safety requirements.
• Follow established operating procedures and utilise technical documentation, drawings and manuals to support safe and efficient plant operation.
• Ensure generating plant remains available and capable of meeting operational requirements whilst maintaining high safety and environmental standards.
• Support the Operations Manager and Operations Shift Supervisor in delivering site initiatives, including asset management, continuous improvement and change management activities.
• Assist in achieving station Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), business objectives and operational targets.
• Utilise the Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS) for defect reporting and work planning.
• Carry out first‑line fault finding and routine maintenance activities on plant equipment, including mechanical, electrical and instrumentation systems.
• Support maintenance activities and outages as required, providing operational expertise and plant knowledge.
• Contribute to Root Cause Analysis (RCA), incident investigations and continuous improvement initiatives to improve plant reliability and performance.
• Maintain a high standard of housekeeping and ensure compliance with all Health, Safety and Environmental policies, procedures and statutory requirements.

Other Reasonable Duties

• Work towards and maintain Authorised Person status in accordance with the station’s Safety Rules.
• Undertake technical training and competency development activities as required.
• Develop and implement safe systems of work and carry out duties in accordance with site safety procedures.
• Provide support during operational challenges and abnormal plant conditions.
• Support station management and other departments in the delivery of business objectives and operational activities.
• Provide support to other areas of the business as required and undertake any other reasonable duties commensurate with the role.

Reporting To – Working Relationships

The Operations Technician will report to the Operations Shift Supervisors and the Operations Manager.

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 environment may involve confined spaces, restricted or narrow areas, hazardous substances, exposure to fumes, extreme temperatures and high noise levels. Work may include elevated temperatures near operating equipment and varying outdoor weather conditions. Personal protective equipment such as safety helmets, eye protection, respirators, hearing protection, chemical‑resistant clothing, flame‑resistant clothing, heat‑resistant gloves, high‑voltage protective equipment and fall arrest systems may be required. Face‑fit testing for respirators may be required in accordance with HSE guidance. Strict no‑smoking requirements apply.

Fitness for Duty

All employees will participate in a Fitness for Duty Program, including a post‑offer physical examination, drug screening and post‑employment random drug screening.

Work Schedule

The Operations Technician works a bespoke shift pattern averaging 38 hours per week, comprising 12‑hour day and night shifts. Days, nights, weekends and bank holidays will be required, with fixed holidays incorporated in the shift pattern.

Compensation

This position offers an annual base salary of £59,618 and an eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Technical Knowledge, Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum ONC/HNC level (or equivalent) in an engineering discipline; ability to apply technical knowledge in an operational power generation environment.
• Significant operational experience within the power generation sector, ideally at a Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) facility or comparable heavy industrial environment.
• Experience in mechanical, electrical, control and instrumentation (C&I) or operational disciplines.
• First‑line fault finding, plant monitoring and operational maintenance experience.
• Sound understanding of Health, Safety and Environmental legislation, policies and procedures.
• Strong technical and practical engineering knowledge of mechanical, electrical and control systems; ability to interpret documentation, drawings and operating procedures.
• Preparation and implementation of Risk Assessments, Method Statements and safe systems of work.
• Accurate recording, interpretation and communication of operational information.
• Self‑motivated and flexible with the ability to prioritise workload and respond to changing demands.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration across Operations, Maintenance and Engineering.
• Willingness to undertake further training and development, including Authorised Person status development.
• Valid unrestricted UK driving licence.

Benefits

• Annual Bonus
• Life insurance
• Private medical insurance
• Wellness programmes
• Company pension
• Sick pay
• Cycle to work scheme

Note

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

Equal Opportunity Statement

NAES is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Selection is 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.