Operations Technician

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.

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, shutdown 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 standards of safety and environmental compliance.
• Support the Operations Manager and Operations Shift Supervisor in delivering site initiatives, including asset management, continuous improvement and change management activities.
• Assist in the achievement of 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 to support personal and professional growth.
• 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.

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 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, hearing protection, chemical‑resistant clothing, flame‑resistant clothing (FRC), heat‑resistant gloves, high‑voltage protective equipment, and fall arrest systems.
• Strict no‑smoking requirements apply in and around the facility in accordance with applicable UK health and safety legislation.

Work Schedule

The Operations Technician works a bespoke shift pattern averaging 38 hours per week, comprising 12‑hour day and night shifts to support the safe and reliable operation of the station. You will be required to work days, nights, weekends, and bank holidays with fixed holidays incorporated in the shift pattern.

Compensation

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

Technical Knowledge, Qualifications And Experience

• Educated to a minimum of ONC/HNC level, or equivalent qualification / experience, in an engineering discipline, with the ability to apply technical knowledge within an operational power generation environment.
• Significant operational experience within the power generation sector, ideally gained at a Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) facility or within a comparable process or heavy industrial environment.
• Previous experience in a mechanical, electrical, control and instrumentation (C&I), or operational discipline is highly desirable, together with a strong understanding of the safe operation and maintenance of plant and equipment.
• Experience of modern control systems and plant operations would be advantageous.
• Demonstrable experience of first‑line fault finding, plant monitoring and operational maintenance activities, preferably within power generation, utilities, petrochemical, oil and gas, or other heavy industrial sectors.
• Sound understanding of Health, Safety and Environmental legislation, policies and procedures, with a proven commitment to maintaining high safety standards in a high‑hazard industrial environment.
• Strong technical and practical engineering knowledge, including an understanding of mechanical, electrical and control systems, together with the ability to interpret technical documentation, drawings and operating procedures.
• Experience in the preparation and implementation of Risk Assessments, Method Statements and safe systems of work, ensuring compliance with site safety rules and statutory requirements.
• Ability to accurately record, interpret and communicate operational information, ensuring effective shift handovers and supporting informed operational decision‑making.
• Self‑motivated and flexible, with the ability to prioritise workload, work effectively as part of a shift team and respond positively to changing operational demands.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across Operations, Maintenance and Engineering functions to achieve station objectives.
• Willingness to undertake further training and development, including working towards and maintaining Authorised Person status in accordance with site requirements.
• Must possess a valid and unrestricted United Kingdom driving licence and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.

Benefits

• Competitive Salary
• 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.

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.