The Tacoma Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facility located at the Port of Tacoma in Tacoma, WA, plays a pivotal role in the region's energy landscape. The facility serves as a provider of cleaner fuel alternatives for Alaska's maritime vessels, as well as residential and commercial customers of Puget Sound Energy by supplying essential natural gas reserves, ensuring reliable service even during the most frigid winter days. This multifaceted facility stands as a key contributor to both environmental sustainability and energy security in the Pacific Northwest.
Opportunity Summary
The Mechanical Maintenance Technician at the Tacoma LNG facility plays a critical role in ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of plant systems, including pumps, compressors, valves, and cryogenic equipment. This position is responsible for performing preventative, corrective, and condition-based maintenance while strictly adhering to safety protocols, permit-to-work procedures, and operational standards. The role also involves supporting plant efficiency through equipment monitoring, collaboration with operations and engineering teams, and contributing to continuous improvement and special projects as directed.
Your scope of responsibility as Mechanical Maintenance Technician includes the following primary functions:
- Carry out mechanical maintenance work across plant systems to ensure safe, reliable, and continuous operations
- Comply with all site safety standards, including proper application of lock-out/tag-out procedures and personal protective equipment
- Execute work in accordance with permit-to-work requirements, including hot work, confined space entry, and atmospheric testing protocols
- Perform routine, preventive, and corrective maintenance to maximize equipment availability and performance
- Analyze equipment issues and apply effective corrective actions to restore functionality in a timely manner
- Inspect, overhaul, and reassemble a wide range of mechanical equipment, including pumps, compressors, valves, and rotating machinery
- Apply condition-based maintenance techniques, including vibration monitoring and precision component replacement
- Assist in maintaining LNG and cryogenic systems, including piping, valves, and regasification equipment
- Monitor equipment and systems for leaks or abnormal conditions and take appropriate action to ensure system integrity
- Operate material handling and lifting equipment safely to support maintenance and operational activities
- Utilize hand tools, power tools, and rigging equipment to safely and efficiently complete assigned tasks
- Maintain work areas, tools, and equipment in a clean, orderly, and serviceable condition
- Support overall plant efficiency by using materials effectively and completing work assignments productively
- Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and engineering personnel and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, including knowledge sharing and training support
- Perform additional assignments and project work as directed by the Maintenance Supervisor or plant management.
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 Supervisor and receives general direction from 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 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.
The LNG facility environment may involve entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas, and handling hazardous materials, with exposure to fumes, cryogenic temperatures, extreme weather conditions, and noise. Work may include high heat near equipment as well as varying outdoor weather conditions at the Port of Tacoma.
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), cryogenic PPE, 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 Mechanical Maintenance Technician 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.
Compensation
This position offers a base pay rate ranging from $61.67 to $69.33 per hour, along with eligibility for an annual performance bonus.
Core Qualifications and Skills
We are seeking a skilled Mechanical Maintenance Technician with experience in industrial operations, capable of supporting LNG systems while contributing to team success and meeting performance and safety standards.
- Completion of an Associate degree or certificate in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Plant Technology, Process Technology, or a related technical discipline is preferred; equivalent industrial maintenance experience or military technical training is also valued.
- Must be able to successfully obtain and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) as required for access to secure port and terminal areas.
- Minimum of eight years of progressively responsible experience as a Maintenance Technician, Millwright, or in a comparable industrial role, which may substitute for formal technical education.
- Experience working in an operating or generating facility is highly preferred, though prior LNG-specific experience is not mandatory.
- Proven expertise in the complete overhaul, repair, and routine maintenance of valves, pumps, compressors, and other essential balance-of-plant equipment.
- Ability to accurately read, interpret, and apply engineering drawings, mechanical P&IDs, and electrical schematics to perform maintenance assignments effectively.
- Skilled in utilizing hand tools, portable electric and pneumatic tools, and basic rigging equipment - including winches, hoists, and slings - for mechanical maintenance tasks.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve mechanical equipment defects while applying innovative solutions to complex issues.
- Demonstrated maturity, initiative, leadership, sound judgment, and dependability, with excellent oral and written communication skills to collaborate, direct, and report maintenance activities effectively.
- 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.
