Mechanic Apprentice

Welcome to the intersection of energy and home services. At NRG, we’re all about propelling the next generation of leaders forward. We are driven by our passion to create a smarter, cleaner and more connected future. We deliver innovative solutions that make our customers’ lives easier—helping them power, protect, and intelligently manage their homes and businesses. To do this, we need creative and talented people to join our company.

We offer a dynamic work environment and a unified and inclusive culture. NRG fosters a strong sense of belonging that leads to better collaboration and business performance. Our company programs are designed to help employees develop the skills they need for success now and in the future. In everything we do, we aim to champion our employees and bring value to our customers, investors and society. More information is available at www.nrg.com. Connect with NRG on Facebook, LinkedIn, and follow us on Twitter @nrgenergy.

Job Summary:

 An Apprentice Mechanic working under the direction of a Journeyman Mechanic and /or Maintenance Supervisor, performs the duties of a Mechanic and attends the apprenticeship training classes.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Learn and practice safe methods and procedures for personal protection, protection of fellow workers and protection of the public per NRG/Plant Operations Policies, and OSHA standards.
• Follow all Federal, State, and Company guidelines to protect and preserve the environment.
• Develop mechanical knowledge and skills through classroom and on-the-job training.
• Works with other crafts or contractors.
• Install, maintain, test, inspect, and repair generating station equipment including but not limited to, boilers, turbines, pumps, control valves, compressors, condensers, heat exchangers, bearings, centrifugal fans, couplings, sight glasses, strainers, and filters, pneumatic/hydraulic/mechanical actuators, and motor operated valves.

Working Conditions:

• Power Plant Environment-Work both inside and outside in all temperatures and climate conditions in accordance with Heat Stress procedures. Around large rotating equipment, energized electrical equipment in high noise areas, and/or in confined places, on elevations in excess of 250 feet, or from platforms at heights of 5 feet or greater. 

• Must be prepared to work irregular or rotating shifts and respond to emergency callout 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
• Ability to work in mentally stressful environments: must be able to react to crises where immediate action is required to correct or curtail potentially damaging or hazardous situations.
• Employee must arrange own transportation to work location and may be reassigned to another location at the Company’s discretion.

Minimum Requirements:   

• High school diploma or GED.

• 2 years’ maintenance mechanic experience working in an industrial, manufacturing, or power plant
• Or 2 years of relevant military maintenance mechanic experience   

Additional Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Basic Mechanical Aptitude.

• Ability to use basic mathematics to calculate measurements and computations used to repair and maintain power plant equipment.
• Ability to use hand tools (i.e. wrenches, screwdrivers, sledge hammers, etc).
• Ability to use shop tools (i.e. power saws, drills, drill presses, and lathes).
• Ability to use a personal computer and associated software.
• Ability to communicate equipment status, work plans, and work performed to others.
• Ability to do routine cleaning of work area.
• By the completion of the 6th 6 months an apprentice shall have knowledge of:
• General maintenance activities and procedures performed on rotating equipment used in power generation.
• Basic physics laws that apply in generation power plants (i.e. force, work, kinetic and potential energy, motion and horsepower).
• By the completion of the 6th 6 months an apprentice shall have the ability to:
• Order proper materials for job completion.
• Interpret and act on written and verbal job instructions, reports, tech. manuals and data.
• Tag Out/Lockout equipment per NRG’s Tag Out/Lockout procedure.
• Read and interpret drawings and diagrams.
• Use precision measuring devices (i.e. micrometers, dial indicators etc.).
• Troubleshoot mechanical equipment failures and make or recommend repairs.
• Perform preventative and corrective maintenance on mechanical equipment.
• Operate oxygen and acetylene torches.
• Replace packing in pumps and valves, bearings, shaft seals, sleeves, seats, and other miscellaneous parts used in plant equipment.
• Set up rigging for installing and removing equipment.
• Clean pipes, make plumbing and other pipe fitting repairs.
• Complete required records for work performed.
• With additional training, certify as a pressure welder.
• Set up brazing and arc welding equipment (i.e. SMAW, GTAW & GMAW processes) and make quality welds on power plant components.
• With additional training, remove and replace insulating materials.

Physical Requirements:

• Daily work expectation requires ability to perform tasks by walking, standing, sitting, kneeling, crouching, squatting, twisting, pushing, pulling, shoveling, climbing, and working with hand tools (up to 25 pounds) in position above and below head, and extended from body to complete repairs.

• Lift, carry, position and use tools and/or equipment (weighing up to 50 lbs.) in awkward positions, swing various weights of sledge hammers, stoop and bend to reach valves, pull on chain-falls or come-a-longs.
• Ability to twist the body and neck while driving company vehicles or operating company equipment.
• Performance of duties may cause frequent jarring of the body.
• Work with and around hazardous and non-hazardous materials (reference the waste management guidance manual).
• Must be able to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as required i.e.…steel-toed boots, respirators, goggles, safety glasses etc.
• Have ability to discern and respond to verbal and auditory signals.
• Ability to discern assorted colors

Please Note:  Salary offered will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s education and/or experience and in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement covering this position.

NRG Energy is committed to a drug and alcohol-free workplace. To the extent permitted by law and any applicable collective bargaining agreement, employees are subject to periodic random drug testing, and post-accident and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing.  EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability. Level, Title and/or Salary may be adjusted based on the applicant's experience or skills.  

Official description on file with Talent.