Operations Manager

The APEX Power Co. Project in Hubbard, TX, currently under Phase 1 construction, is expected to expand to 1.6 GW. It features a diverse mix of generation technologies, including Siemens SGT-800/400 simple cycle turbines, MAN/Everllence 18V51/60G gas reciprocating engines, GE LM6000/LM2500 simple cycle turbines, Pratt & Whitney FT8 simple cycle turbines, and a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), enabling flexible, reliable power output. Future expansion may include additional GE aero and large frame units (6B, 7FA/7FB/7H) in simple or combined cycle configurations, allowing the plant to efficiently meet varying energy demands while supporting data center grid reliability.

Opportunity Summary

The Operations Manager at the APEX Power Co. Project will lead the development of the operations organization during the pre-commissioning phase, building staff, training programs, procedures, and operational readiness for a multi-technology facility. You will oversee 24/7 shift coverage, operator qualifications, system validation, and commissioning activities while establishing compliance, safety, and reporting frameworks to support a seamless transition from EPC to Operations. Once commercial operation begins, you will provide ongoing leadership of plant operations, ensuring safe, reliable, efficient, and compliant performance across all generation and balance-of-plant systems.

As Operations Manager, your responsibilities specific to the Pre-Commissioning Phase include the following functions:

• Assist the Plant Manager in recruiting, onboarding, and qualifying initial Operations personnel.
• Develop shift schedules, 24/7 coverage models, and on-call frameworks to support commissioning and early operational readiness.
• Establish qualification standards and initial training programs for aero-derivative CTs, frame CTs, reciprocating engines, BESS systems, and balance-of-plant equipment.
• Create first-issue controlled operating procedures, emergency response protocols, alarm response instructions, and switching orders aligned with OEM and EPC recommendations.
• Validate, finalize, and bring draft Operating Procedures to Rev 0 by reviewing step sequences, adding site-specific details, and confirming operational accuracy during commissioning and startup activities.
• Participate in system walkdowns, Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSR), first-fire, synchronization, and performance testing, supporting safe and compliant startup activities.
• Develop readiness checklists, ensure audit-ready documentation, and validate CCC transition deliverables for seamless handover from EPC to Operations.
• Oversee DCS/HMI validation, alarm rationalization, and control logic verification to ensure operability and dispatch readiness.
• Stand up initial NERC compliance, environmental reporting, event logging, water chemistry, and safety program frameworks.
• Establish operational logs, reporting templates, and shift turnover protocols to support accurate, timely, and compliant plant recordkeeping.

Your scope of responsibility as Operations Manager includes the following primary functions:

• Direct and supervise Operations personnel to maintain safe, reliable, and efficient plant performance; provide coaching, mentoring, and professional development to sustain technical proficiency and morale.
• Oversee shift assignments and on-call rotations to ensure continuous 24/7 coverage across all plant systems, maintaining operational readiness and timely response to abnormal conditions or emergencies.
• Promote a strong safety-first culture, ensuring all operations staff follow established safety standards, environmental regulations, and company policies.
• Monitor key plant performance indicators (heat rate, start reliability, availability, ramp response, dispatch adherence) to identify opportunities for operational improvement, efficiency, and reliability.
• Assist in managing operational spending, tracking consumables, vendor contracts, and resource allocation to maintain cost-effective and reliable plant operations.
• Work closely with Maintenance, Engineering, and other departments to communicate equipment status, coordinate outage activities, support troubleshooting, and prioritize corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate plant logs, operating procedures, reports, and controlled documents; ensure data capture and documentation supports regulatory, safety, commercial, and environmental requirements.
• Oversee and coordinate contractor activities impacting plant operations, ensuring adherence to safety, operational, and environmental standards.
• Maintain and implement ongoing operator training programs, simulator sessions, emergency drills, OEM updates, and water chemistry programs to sustain operational readiness and technical proficiency.
• Ensure day-to-day operations comply with NERC standards, permit conditions, environmental regulations, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
• Lead operational response to alarms, abnormal conditions, or grid events; support problem-solving and post-event analysis to maintain reliability and continuous improvement.
• Provide timely operational reports, performance summaries, and event documentation to the Plant Manager, NAES, and Owner representatives.

Perform other duties as assigned to support safe, reliable, and compliant plant operations.

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. All NAES managers and supervisors have a direct and important role in ensuring that all work is performed in a healthy and safe manner. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each Supervisor’s performance.

Working Relationships

The Operations Manager reports to the Plant Manager and is responsible for overseeing all plant operations personnel, with direct supervisory responsibility for Shift Supervisors, ensuring effective leadership, coordination, and operational performance across the facility.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical requirements include standing for extended periods of time, climbing stairs and ladders, working from elevated platforms and walkways at varying heights, and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds.

Power plant environment that may involve entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas, and handling hazardous materials, with exposure to fumes, extreme temperatures, and noise. Work may include high heat near equipment and varying outdoor weather conditions.

Some duties may require the use of protective equipment, which can include hard hats, safety glasses, and eye protection, air masks/respirators, ear protection, chemical suits, flame-resistant clothing (FRC), hot gloves, high-voltage protective gear, and fall protection. Fit testing for respirators may be required. Strict smoking restrictions apply in and around the facility.

Fitness for Duty

All personnel will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program, which includes a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening.

Work Schedule

The Operations Manager works a standard Monday to Friday day shift schedule, ensuring consistent plant operation and support during regular business hours. This position will also occasionally necessitate extended working hours and flexible shifts as needed, including weekends and holidays, in response to schedules, workload demands, and plant conditions. Periodic callouts or “On call” status may also be required.

Some travel may be involved to participate in Manager, Owner, User Group, or other offsite meetings.

Compensation

This position offers an annual base salary ranging from $190,000 to $221,000 and includes eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Professional Expertise & Qualifications

We are seeking an accomplished leader with extensive experience in the operations and maintenance of power generating facilities, paired with a strong history of career growth and a track record of excellence in achieving results.

• A Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or equivalent is desired, providing a strong foundation for understanding the technical aspects of power plant operations and management. Relevant industry or military experience may be considered in lieu of education on a year-for-year basis.
• Extensive experience leading and managing operations in multi-technology power plants, including aero-derivative and frame combustion turbines, reciprocating engines, and/or BESS systems, along with balance-of-plant equipment, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient operations while mentoring and supervising a diverse operations team.
• Proven experience analyzing operational results and equipment performance to identify improvements, implement efficiency initiatives, and optimize costs.
• Demonstrated track record in safety and environmental leadership, with experience ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, NERC requirements, and company policies.
• Experience managing contractor activities and vendor relationships to optimize plant performance and ensure adherence to operational, safety, and environmental standards.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications and experienced with CMMS or similar operational management systems for tracking maintenance, performance, and compliance data.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of reporting plant conditions, coordinating with EPCs, OEMs, NAES, Owner representatives, and regulatory agencies, and effectively interacting with operations personnel.
• Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.

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 in North America and internationally, 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 fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We prioritize selecting employees based on merit and competence, seeking individuals of the highest quality, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other form of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state, and federal law.