Power Station Operations Graduate in Carrickfergus

An opportunity has arisen to join our Operations teams at Kilroot and Ballylumford Power Stations as a Power Station Operations Graduate. This development programme offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience across some of the largest generating assets on the island of Ireland. Combining practical operational experience with formal training and mentoring, the programme will provide a strong foundation for a long-term career within the power generation industry.

Working alongside experienced Engineers, Operations Technicians and Maintenance teams, you will develop a deep understanding of how power stations operate while contributing to the safe, reliable and efficient generation of electricity for homes and businesses across Northern Ireland. Our sites operate a range of technologies including gas turbines, steam turbines, generators, heat recovery steam generators and associated auxiliary systems such as fuel gas, water treatment, compressed air and fire protection systems.

The 2-3 year programme offers a comprehensive development pathway for graduates aspiring to build a career in power station operations. Participants will gain hands-on experience across plant operations, maintenance, safety, and engineering disciplines while progressing through the Company's operational authorisation framework. With the opportunity to achieve Authorised Person and Senior Authorised Person (SAP) status, graduates will develop the technical expertise, decision-making capability, and leadership skills needed to become future operational and engineering leaders.

We welcome applications from recent graduates and early-career engineers from Mechanical, Electrical and Chemical Engineering disciplines who are enthusiastic about learning, problem-solving and developing their careers within a dynamic operational environment.

What You'll Be Doing

• Develop an understanding of power station operations, electricity generation processes and plant performance.
• Safely operate generating plant in accordance with approved procedures and operational instructions.
• Monitor and support the operation of generating plant from the control room during start-up, load changes and shutdown activities.
• Analyse plant operating data and support investigations into equipment performance and operational issues.
• Carry out routine plant inspections, identifying and reporting defects or abnormal conditions.
• Assist in diagnosing plant issues and work closely with Operations, Maintenance and Engineering teams to resolve them.
• Develop the technical knowledge, operational expertise, and practical experience required to achieve Low Voltage and Mechanical Authorised Person status, with the opportunity to progress through the Safety Rules authorisation framework to Senior Authorised Person (SAP) level.
• Undertake routine plant inspections and equipment condition assessments.
• Work closely with Operations, Maintenance and Engineering teams to identify opportunities for improvement and enhanced reliability.
• Support fault-finding and problem-solving activities across a wide range of plant systems and equipment.
• Participate in plant outages, maintenance planning and engineering improvement projects.
• Assist with the development and review of operational procedures, risk assessments and technical documentation.
• Contribute to maintaining the highest standards of safety, environmental compliance and operational excellence.
• Progress through a structured development programme designed to build technical, operational and leadership capabilities.
• Participate in emergency and incident response activities as required.

Training and Development

The successful candidate will undertake a development and mentoring programme designed to provide exposure to:

• Power station operations and control room activities.
• Gas turbine and steam turbine technology.
• Electrical generation and distribution systems.
• Process engineering and plant optimisation.
• Maintenance and reliability engineering.
• Safety management systems and operational risk control.
• Electricity markets and commercial plant operation.
• Development towards Authorised Person with the opportunity to progress to Senior Authorised Person and Control Person status.

Following an initial training period of approximately six months on day shift, the role will transition to a rotating 12-hour shift pattern covering both days and nights.

What We're Looking For

Knowledge and Experience

• A strong interest in power generation, energy systems and industrial operations.
• The ability to analyse information, identify problems and develop practical solutions.
• An understanding of engineering principles and their application in an industrial environment.
• A commitment to safety, quality and continuous improvement.
• An interest in the commercial and operational aspects of electricity generation and energy markets.
• Previous industrial placement, internship or practical engineering experience would be advantageous but is not essential.

Personal Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A willingness to learn and develop within a technically challenging environment.
• Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to perform in a safety-critical operational environment.
• A proactive approach and genuine enthusiasm for engineering and operational excellence.
• Willingness and ability to work a rotating shift pattern following the initial training period.

Qualifications

Applicants should possess:

• A minimum 2:1 BEng Degree (or be expecting to graduate) in:
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Or a closely related engineering discipline

Applicants should be able to demonstrate:

• Strong academic performance and technical aptitude.
• An interest in industrial processes, energy systems or operational engineering.
• The desire to build a long-term career within the power generation industry.

No previous power generation experience is required, as comprehensive training and mentoring will be provided.

Further Information

Equal Opportunities

We have a comprehensive Equal Opportunities Policy, which is based on equality of opportunity and the merit principle. The company is committed to appointing the best person for the job irrespective of personal factors that are not relevant to the performance of the job. In accordance with our Equal Opportunities Policy the Company welcomes applications from all sections of the community and especially from women and the Roman Catholic Community recognising their underrepresentation in the workforce.