Field Service Technician I – Solar (Entry Level, Paid Training)

New Energy Equity • Chicago, IL

12d • Onsite

About The Position

Energy Support Services keeps solar and energy storage systems safe, reliable, and producing clean power. As a Field Service Technician I – Solar, you’ll perform routine inspections, preventative maintenance, and basic troubleshooting on solar energy systems alongside senior technicians who are expected to teach you. We are actively hiring people from other trades. If you can diagnose a problem, use hand tools and a multimeter, work safely at height, and show up reliably, we can teach you solar. This is not a slogan — it is our hiring plan for this role. Most of what makes someone good at this job has nothing to do with solar. What’s genuinely different about solar (so you can decide honestly) You work outdoors year-round, in the weather, on sites that are often rural and exposed. Solar involves high-voltage DC — a different hazard profile than most trades. This is why our safety training is extensive, paid, and non-negotiable. There’s real windshield time. You drive between sites rather than staying in one shop. Crews are small. You’ll work closely with one or two people, sometimes independently once you’re signed off.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Hands-on mechanical, electrical, or technical experience in any industry — automotive, diesel, HVAC/R, telecom, construction, industrial maintenance, general labor, military, or solar. 0–1 years is fine. What matters is that you’ve worked with your hands and your head at the same time.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and basic troubleshooting instincts.
• Comfortable and proficient with hand tools, impact drivers, electric power tools, and hammer drills.
• Willingness to work in low-voltage and non-hazardous electrical situations under supervision, and to complete our paid electrical safety training.
• Clear written and verbal communication; solid time management; genuine willingness to work as part of a team.
• Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.
• Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time.

Nice To Haves

• Any solar or photovoltaic (PV) experience.
• OSHA 10 or 30, NFPA 70E, or FAA Part 107 certifications — we pay for all of these.
• Familiarity with electrical schematics or wiring diagrams.

Responsibilities

• Follow all safety regulations, company policies, and procedures — without shortcuts.
• Identify and report potential field hazards immediately.
• Wear and correctly use the required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
• Participate actively in safety training, Pre-Job Briefs, and Job Safety Analysis (JSA) — a structured hazard review the crew performs before work begins.
• Conduct routine inspections of solar energy systems to confirm they’re operating efficiently.
• Perform preventative maintenance: inspecting solar modules, checking wiring integrity, torquing and tightening connections.
• Identify and report equipment deficiencies, anomalies, or structural issues to senior team members.
• Assist senior technicians with basic troubleshooting of solar energy systems.
• Use fundamental diagnostic tools — multimeters, clamp meters, and similar — to isolate basic system issues.
• Perform minor repairs under direct supervision.
• Complete work order documentation accurately and on time.
• Maintain clean, accurate records of daily inspections, maintenance, and repairs.
• Participate in company-provided training to build technical and solar-specific skills.
• Ask questions, seek feedback, and keep improving.
• Support your teammates and take on other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Tools and equipment: provided.
• Up to a 4% performance bonus, paid annually.
• Company-provided PPE and flame-resistant clothing kit (bibs, jackets, pants, shirts) at no cost to you.
• Medical, dental, and vision.
• We pay 80% of your health insurance premiums.
• 401(k) with up to a 7.5% company match.
• PTO accrued each pay period — 120 hours/year (years 0–2), 160 hours (years 3–9), 200 hours (10+ years) — plus 11 paid holidays.
• 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Company-paid Life and AD&D insurance at 1x your annual salary.
• Certifications — we pay, you keep them: OSHA 10/30, NFPA 70E/70B, FAA Part 107 (drone), and our internal O&M Tech course series.
• A published Field Tech Development Pathway with defined progression to Technician II.
• Tuition reimbursement up to $10,000 per year for approved programs.
• Retirement Benefits
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Account
• Voluntary Benefits
• Paid Absences

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED