Power Station Operations Technician in Carrickfergus

An opportunity has arisen to join our Operations teams at both Kilroot and Ballylumford Power Stations as a Power Station Operations Technician. This structured 2–3 year programme combines practical, on-the-job experience with formal training, providing a clear pathway to becoming a fully competent Operations Technician within one of Northern Ireland's most important electricity generation businesses.

Working on some of the biggest generating stations on the island of Ireland, you will play a key role in the safe operation, monitoring and control of power generation assets that help keep the lights on for homes and businesses across the region. Our sites operate a range of technologies including gas turbines, steam turbines, generators, heat recovery steam generators and associated auxiliary systems such as compressed air, fire protection, water treatment and fuel gas systems.

We welcome applications from candidates at all stages of their career. Previous power generation experience is not essential as full training will be provided. We are particularly interested in individuals with a strong technical aptitude and practical experience gained through engineering, manufacturing, utilities, agriculture, construction, marine, process operations or other industrial environments.

What You'll Be Doing

• Reporting to an Operations Engineer, you will safely operate generating plant in accordance with approved procedures and operational instructions.
• Monitor and control plant performance from the control room during start-up, load changes and shutdown activities.
• Carry out routine plant inspections, identifying and reporting defects or abnormal conditions.
• Support the safe isolation and reinstatement of mechanical and electrical equipment for maintenance activities in accordance with Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) procedures.
• Assist in diagnosing plant issues and work closely with Operations, Maintenance and Engineering teams to resolve them.
• Complete operational checks, tests, records and logs accurately and efficiently.
• Progress through a structured training programme, working towards Authorised Person status under the Company Safety Rules for Mechanical Plant and Electrical Systems, with the opportunity to progress further through the authorisation framework.
• 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 within the safety rules with the opportunity to progress.

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

• An interest in/experience of engineering, plant operations and learning how complex industrial systems operate.
• Experience operating, maintaining or working with machinery, equipment or technical systems would be advantageous.
• Awareness of relevant technical standards, procedures and compliance requirements.
• A strong commitment to safety, quality and operational excellence.

Personal Attributes

• Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Clear and effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a safety-critical environment.
• Flexible and adaptable approach to changing operational priorities.
• Enthusiastic, self-motivated and committed to continuous learning and development.

Qualifications

• Applicants should be able to demonstrate a strong technical aptitude and interest in engineering or plant operations through one or more of the following:
• A recognised apprenticeship or equivalent training in an engineering or technical discipline.
• A relevant third-level qualification such as an HNC, HND or Foundation Degree.
• Practical experience operating, maintaining or troubleshooting machinery, equipment or industrial processes.
• Experience gained in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, utilities, construction, transport, marine, quarrying, military or other technical environments.

Full training will be provided for the successful candidate. We recognise that successful Operations Technicians come from a variety of backgrounds. If you have strong technical aptitude, a positive attitude towards learning and development, and a commitment to working safely, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every criterion listed above.

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.