Drone Field Technician

Cypress Creek Renewables•Durham, NC

5d•Remote

About The Position

Cypress Creek Energy is seeking a highly motivated Drone Field Technician with utility solar experience to conduct thermographic inspections, QA/QC, reporting, and corrective maintenance on solar PV systems. This remote role is ideally based in North Carolina, with a home base in Durham, and requires extensive travel to project sites in North Carolina or nationwide. The technician will work in the field and remotely, with regular on-site presence and daily local travel as needed. Travel is expected to exceed 50% and may include overnight and extended trips. The role involves drone and handheld infrared inspections, assessment and documentation of solar facility health, testing and maintenance of PV systems, and communication of findings. The technician will also assist with safety and flight-operations training, support regional teams during major storms and natural disasters, and maintain tools, instruments, and inventory. Work is performed in compliance with applicable safety standards and PPE requirements, in a fast-paced environment that values teamwork and detailed execution.

Requirements

At least 2 years of Solar PV or drone UAV experience.
Experience with testing equipment such as thermographic electrical inspection equipment, I-V curve tracers, megohmmeters, and ground-fault detection tools.
Ability to read and interpret electrical single-line and three-line diagrams.
Experience with thermographic editing and analysis software and Microsoft Office Suite.
Proficiency using computers and technology, especially for managing large amounts of data.
Ability to work independently and manage tasks with minimal oversight.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Technological aptitude and adaptability.
Valid driver’s license.
Willingness to achieve FAA 14 CFR Part 107 certification within 30 days.
OSHA 10-Hour Training Certification.
Willingness to travel extensively, more than 50% of the time, including overnight and extended travel.
Proactive, solution-focused communication skills.
Experience administering contracts.
Ability to sit, stoop, kneel, bend, stand, and walk for 8–12 hours per day.
Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds occasionally.
Compliance with safety standards and PPE requirements, including hard hat, arc-flash protection, safety glasses, and hearing protection.
Availability to work Monday through Friday and occasionally on weekends.

Nice To Haves

At least 1 year of experience in solar PV construction or maintenance, including DC operations, AC medium-voltage systems, monitoring, civil work, and racking installation.
Proficiency in thermography with electrical systems.
Level 1 ITC Thermography certification.
Strong understanding of solar PV, including electrical and solar module components.

Responsibilities

Conduct on-site drone (sUAS), handheld infrared thermographic, and visual inspections and evaluations of solar photovoltaic facilities.
Assist in planning and executing daily activities.
Generate detailed inspection reports and maintain thorough documentation.
Maintain accurate inspection records for permanent files, organize collected data, and upload it in a timely manner.
Communicate abnormal findings clearly and directly to necessary parties.
Travel periodically overnight to assist remote regions and provide training.
Perform requested inspections and deep-dive analysis of solar facility health.
Become a subject matter expert in thermography for PV systems.
Assist with safety and flight-operations training for new team members.
Assist regional teams in responding to major storms and natural disasters.
Perform routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of solar PV systems.
Conduct DC and AC testing, including polarity, open-circuit voltage, grounding continuity, insulation resistance, and I-V curve tracing.
Maintain tools, instruments, and inventory stock.
Identify and mitigate safety hazards.