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In 2008, our Morgantown plant was named Facility of the Year by the Instrumentation Systems and Automation Society Power Industry Division (ISA POWID) and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). The award was given for leading-edge instrumentation and controls. Pictured: Morgantown engineers Don Andrasik (center) and John McNulty (right) with Don Labbe, ISA POWID Symposium Chair.

Are you new to the energy industry?

Customers depend on a constant supply of power, and Mirant generating stations are required to deliver as promised not only in terms of electrical reliability, but also environmental standards and cost efficiency. We call this "commercial availability." Mirant engineers are available 24/7 to provide assistance to plants on a moment's notice. They help stations work through engineering and technical issues that may arise - even jumping on the next flight out if necessary. And when there's no emergency, they provide project management of planned overhauls, installations and other projects designed to keep the fleet in top condition. They also explore how to make the fleet run more efficiently.

See a power plant in action»

While there are a multitude of engineering roles at Mirant, jobs generally fall into two categories: specialty engineering jobs that support the entire power generating fleet, and those that support individual generating plants.

Engineering Organization

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  • Fleet Engineers
    • Engineering positions for the fleet are located at Atlanta headquarters and at the Mirant Operations Center in Landover, Md. Typical responsibilities include:
    • Assisting with major fleet maintenance projects and equipment implementations;
      Translating the needs of the business into engineering projects to support those goals;
      Making recommendations on processes, improvements, equipment and resources, and managing vendors accordingly;
      Conducting value analysis to determine if projects should be approved or deferred, and outlining budget requirements;
      Assisting plants with development of environmental quality programs and standards;
      Overseeing laboratory work and providing consultation on solutions; and
      Serving as a "go-to" resource for engineering knowledge, technical standards and specifications, and other expertise associated with operating the fleet.
  • Plant Engineers
    • Plant engineers are located within each generating station. Their primary role is to help maintain and improve plant performance to meet corporate goals and regulatory compliance. Duties include:
    • Ensuring the plant operates as reliably and efficiently as possible;
      Testing and calibrating instrumentation and equipment to yield optimum performance;
      Troubleshooting problems and providing recommendations for fixes and improvements;
      Designing and implementing special projects such as environmental or other system improvements and fleet modernization initiatives;
      Procurement of parts and materials; and
      Contractor oversight.
    • Engineers wishing to advance beyond the plant into a more fleetwide or specialist role have the potential to do so. In general, career opportunities abound for entry-level plant engineers.

What makes this a great group to work in?

For one thing, the projects are interesting and challenging. For example, Mirant has committed $1.6 billion for environmental upgrades at our three Maryland plants. In Virginia, we conceived an exciting, patent-pending solution for reducing sulfur dioxide emissions with trona, a baking soda-like substance. And in New England, we implemented a "steam tie" that enables us to pipe steam byproduct to customers who wish to purchase it for heating and cooling systems — thus creating a new, environmentally responsible market opportunity. These are just a few of the ways we are improving out plants every day.

The deep level of knowledge amassed by Mirant engineers is highly sought after and valued, not only within Mirant, but also from vendor partners and community leaders seeking answers and advice relative to local plant operations. If you're looking for a career where you can make a difference, this is it. Not only that, the work is varied and challenging. You'll be exposed to industry "best practices," and you'll have the opportunity to share your insight and ideas with company leaders — who truly want to hear what you have to say. Sound, well thought-out strategies are always appreciated and considered.