Plant Technical Support Manager

The Plant Technical Support Manager provides CT/GT/ST technical support for operations and maintenance to help ensure safe, reliable, and efficient power generation across CPS Energy’s Generation Fleet in San Antonio, TX.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver specialized technical direction and support for operations and maintenance by formulating and implementing solutions that improve CT / GT / ST unit performance.
• Analyze and evaluate plant operations, maintenance activities, and performance levels.
• Review and recommend conversions, upgrades, modifications, and/or new products to improve operational performance; direct and coordinate projects to enhance CT / GT / ST efficiency and reliability.
• Assist during outages or overhauls by inspecting assigned equipment to assess overall condition and document remaining life.
• Monitor technical bulletins and related materials for responsible assets; generate work notifications and preventative maintenance plans in the computerized maintenance management system.
• Provide leadership for CT / GT / ST unit and equipment performance evaluation, optimizing resource use to maximize reliable power generation and revenue.
• Maintain accurate, readily accessible records for CT / GT / ST parts, track repair and part status, support parts delivery for outages, and ensure proper pricing and delivery.
• Support Station(s) Service Agreements through regular interface with OEM CSL, outage coordination, technical information and parts support, monthly operational data, and monthly meetings.
• Supervise an operations and maintenance team that manages projects and performance for the Combined Cycle Plant, Gas Turbine peaking units, and Conventional Plants.
• Collaborate with Engineers, Plant Personnel, and Management to develop mitigation plans, design modifications, operational changes, and maintenance practice improvements to prevent repeat failures and improve CT / GT / ST performance.
• Recommend actions to support a zero accident/incident goal and improve employee health and safety.
• Prepare budget submittals through cost estimating for projects.
• Develop equipment specifications, contractual agreements, and perform project management activities including outage planning and execution.
• Direct department activities supporting maintenance troubleshooting for repetitive failures and unusual events such as unit deratings or trips.
• Recruit employees, assign and direct work, evaluate performance, and oversee development and maintenance of staff competency.
• Oversee tests that evaluate design, feasibility, operation, equipment condition, and facility performance.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Knowledge of production processes, quality control, costs, and techniques for maximizing effective use of plant equipment and staff.
• Ability to achieve operational and maintenance objectives through strategic planning and reviews, action plan execution, problem resolution, audits, trend identification, and implementation of change.
• Ability to direct multiple activities in a dynamic environment requiring continuous re-prioritization based on daily operational and maintenance needs.
• Ability to communicate effectively with Power Generation personnel and other business units.
• Results-driven, analytical, self-motivated, and detail oriented, with logical identification of alternative solutions for complex problems.
• Comprehensive knowledge of maintenance work management processes.
• Extensive knowledge and experience in turbine technologies.
• Proven ability to contribute to company goals in an environment requiring broad experience.
• Ability to set and communicate expectations and directives to staff.
• Demonstrated accountability and a strong record of successful execution.
• Proven leadership skills, including organizing, coordinating, and directing broad functional activities and reporting personnel.
• Process discipline capabilities to drive standards, goals, metrics, and scorecards for consistent performance.
• Ability to use the plant historian and other operating and monitoring and control systems.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
• Ability to delegate assignments to appropriate parties.
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Package, including word processing, spreadsheets, database, presentation software, electronic mail, and scheduling.
• Understanding of applicable environmental and regulatory permits and limits.
• Ability to use the plant DCS controls, turbine control system, and other operating, monitoring, and control systems.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and a history of safe driving in accordance with CPS Energy policies, procedures, safety standards, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Ability to work at any CPS Energy plant locations.
• Ability to work non-standard hours such as nights, weekends, and holidays as needed to support plant operations.

Preferred Qualifications

• PE registration / State of Texas.
• Expertise of power plant or similar experience.
• Specific experience operating and/or maintaining 7FA combustion turbines and LM6000 aeroderivative gas turbines, including 7FA and/or LM6000 GT OEM training.
• Specific experience operating and/or maintaining GE, Siemens, Westinghouse, and ABB steam turbines.
• Basic knowledge of plant, equipment, and plant systems (including auxiliary systems).

Technologies

• Computerized maintenance management system
• Microsoft Office Package
• Plant historian
• Plant DCS controls
• Turbine control system
• Operating and monitoring and control systems

Competencies

• Working Safely
• Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions
• Displaying Technical Expertise
• Driving Projects to Completion
• Prioritizing and Organizing Work
• Driving Continuous Improvement

Working Environment

• Work performed both indoors and outdoors, including operating computer equipment and using personal computing equipment, telephone, multi-functioning printer, and calculator.
• May be exposed to hazardous chemicals, wet or humid conditions, outdoor weather, and noisy or dusty environments.
• Ability to travel to and from meetings, training sessions, or other business events.
• After-hours work required to support plant operations and maintenance outage activities; weekend call duty rotations.

Physical Demands

• Exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible force constantly to move objects.
• If arm and/or leg control requires exertions greater than sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is considered light work.