Biomass Plant Mechanical Technician | Maintenance & Outages

NAES is seeking a Mechanical Technician for its Plainfield Renewable Energy biomass power plant in CT. The role involves preventive, corrective, and predictive maintenance on mechanical systems, including biomass equipment and steam turbines. Responsibilities include troubleshooting, maintaining equipment, collaborating with operations, and overseeing contractors. The technician ensures safety and reliability during routine operations and outages while using CMMS for tracking work orders and supporting maintenance planning.
Plainfield Renewable Energy (PRE) is a 37.5 MW wood biomass gasification power plant located in Plainfield, CT. Owned by Greenleaf Power and operated by NAES Corporation, the facility uses a single steam turbine and generator to produce renewable energy. PRE is equipped with advanced emissions control technologies, including a high-efficiency baghouse, and scrubbing systems to reduce NOx and sulfur dioxide. Opportunity Summary The Mechanical Maintenance Technician at Plainfield Renewable Energy supports the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of a biomass power facility. The technician performs preventive, corrective, and predictive maintenance on mechanical equipment, focusing on biomass systems such as fuel handling conveyors, wood-fired boilers, ash handling systems, and the steam turbine. Using a CMMS, they track work orders, analyze trends, and support maintenance planning. The role ensures mechanical systems operate safely during routine conditions and planned outages, collaborating with operations staff and overseeing contractors to maintain safety and quality. Your scope of responsibility as Mechanical Maintenance Technician includes the following primary functions: Participate in the plant’s preventive, routine, and predictive maintenance programs by completing scheduled work, using CMMS tools, and collecting operational data to support reliability of biomass and steam-cycle systems.Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical issues affecting biomass-specific equipment, including fuel feed conveyors, augers, positive displacement blowers and ash handling systems.Maintain, repair, and overhaul a range of mechanical equipment, including pumps, valves, fans, gearboxes, air compressors, and the facility’s steam turbine.Interpret assembly drawings, blueprints, and equipment manuals to troubleshoot issues and identify, specify, and order appropriate replacement parts.Support boiler outages and maintenance periods by inspecting high-temperature pressure parts, soot blowers, expansion joints, and associated piping for wear, fouling, and thermal fatigue.Collaborate with operators and other maintenance personnel to ensure coordinated plant operation, equipment availability, and safety compliance.Assist in updating and improving maintenance procedures to reflect actual conditions and manufacturer recommendations, with focus on biomass combustion and steam-generation equipment.Coordinate and execute mechanical work during scheduled outages, minimizing downtime while maintaining alignment with scope, schedule, and safety objectives.Operate and maintain shop equipment such as lathes, drill presses, band saws, belt sanders and welding equipment to fabricate or refurbish components as needed.Install and modify piping, brackets, supports, and mechanical components associated with biomass fuel delivery systems and the steam cycle.Monitor and interpret readings from gauges, transmitters, and process indicators related to pressure, temperature, vibration, fluid flow, and steam generation.Maintain spare parts inventory for biomass and steam-cycle components and ensure maintenance records, drawings, and technical documentation are accurate and accessible.Oversee and guide contractors during mechanical repairs, equipment replacements, and upgrades, ensuring adherence to plant safety practices and technical requirements.Complete additional duties as assigned by the Maintenance Manager or Plant Manager.NAES Safe Safety is a core value at NAES, and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to remain mentally alert and work safely at all times. Employees must also adhere to all safety warnings and posted signs while on company property. Additionally, they are required to follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Adherence to these safety responsibilities is one of the key factors in the evaluation of each employee’s performance. Working Relationships The Mechanical Maintenance Technician reports directly to the Maintenance Manager and receives general direction from other plant management. This role involves interfacing with contractors and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) personnel to ensure necessary support and coordination. Physical Requirements And Working Conditions Physical demands include standing for extended periods of time, climbing multiple levels of stairs, climbing ladders over 50 feet in height, entering and exiting equipment cabs, traversing uneven or elevated surfaces, and working inside confined spaces. The role routinely requires lifting up to 50 pounds and performing tasks from elevated platforms or walkways. Work may be performed in conditions involving dust, wood particles, fumes, high noise levels, and extreme temperatures near operating equipment. Outdoor tasks in all weather conditions are required, including in high-heat environments adjacent to biomass processing systems. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory and may include hard hats, safety glasses, hearing…