Senior Field Service Technician IV – Solar

New Energy Equity•Farmville, VA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Energy Support Services, a subsidiary of New Energy Equity and ALLETE, is hiring a senior field technical authority to support solar and energy storage systems across Central Virginia, from Farmville to Richmond. The role is performed in person and outdoors at solar sites; candidates must live within commuting distance of the Farmville–Richmond corridor. The position leads regional operational excellence, complex maintenance, electrical permitting, safety approvals, vendor coordination, and technician development. It is a high-autonomy role requiring an active Virginia Master Electrician license or an accepted out-of-state master license that can be converted before the start date. Solar experience is not required if the candidate brings senior electrical experience and medium-voltage expertise; the company provides training and certifications in PV-specific operations and related technical areas. The successful candidate serves as the Regional Approval Authority for personal LOTO and switching plans, performs and coordinates preventative and corrective maintenance, troubleshoots complex electrical faults, and oversees commissioning and quality assurance. The role involves working independently in medium-voltage 34,500VAC and 1500VDC environments, managing state electrical permits and inspections, mentoring technicians, and holding third-party vendors accountable for scope, schedule, and warranty terms. Accurate CMMS records, timely warranty claims, and practical process improvements are also central to the role. The position offers a company truck, fuel and maintenance cards, tools and equipment, company-provided PPE and flame-resistant clothing, an annual performance bonus opportunity, medical, dental and vision insurance with the company paying 80% of health premiums, a 401(k) match, accrued PTO, paid holidays, paid parental leave, company-paid life and AD&D insurance, paid certifications, and tuition reimbursement. Expected annual compensation is $75,000–$120,000, including base pay and potential incentive target opportunity. The role requires authorization to work for any U.S. employer; employment visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

Active Virginia Master Electrician license issued by Virginia DPOR, or an out-of-state master license accepted by DPOR that can be converted before the start date.
At least 5 years of senior-level field experience in solar PV, commercial/industrial electrical work, utility or generation, or industrial plant electrical work, including hands-on medium-voltage switching, grounding, and protection.
Master-level command of electrical theory and principles and the ability to apply them to commercial and utility-scale configurations.
Ability to work safely and independently in 34,500VAC and 1500VDC conditions.
High proficiency with specialized electrical test equipment and advanced diagnostic tools.
Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and root-cause problem-solving skills.
Advanced ability to read, interpret, and redline complex electrical schematics and engineering drawings.
Experience owning electrical permitting end to end, working with AHJs and inspectors, and strong knowledge of NEC and state electrical codes.
Ability to assess and approve other people’s LOTO and switching plans.
Track record of mentoring field teams and managing vendor relationships.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
Valid driver’s license and clean driving record meeting the ESS fleet insurance MVR standard.
Authorization to work for any employer in the United States; the company cannot sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas.
Ability, with or without reasonable accommodation, to drive safely; stand for long periods and walk up to three miles per day; navigate ladders, stairs, scaffolding, and ramps while maintaining three points of contact; meet stated visual requirements; work in extreme heat or cold for periods exceeding one hour; and exert up to 50 pounds occasionally, 30 pounds frequently, and 10 pounds constantly.

Nice To Haves

Solar PV-specific operations and maintenance experience.
Commissioning and quality assurance audit experience on renewable assets.
OSHA 30, NFPA 70E/70B, and FAA Part 107 certifications; the company will pay for these certifications.
Experience in commercial and industrial electrical contracting leadership, industrial plant or facilities electrical management, wind, storage, or other renewables.

Responsibilities

Champion operational excellence and event-free operations across regional work.
Serve as Regional Approval Authority for Personal Lockout/Tagout and switching-plan procedures; review and approve all plans before work begins and stop work when plans are not adequate.
Ensure compliance with state Authorities Having Jurisdiction, electrical codes, safety regulations, and company standards.
Review, submit, and manage the complete electrical permitting process, and close permits in compliance with state requirements.
Perform and coordinate complex preventative and corrective maintenance and deep troubleshooting on solar PV systems and associated electrical equipment.
Perform commissioning and quality assurance audits for new and existing solar electric systems.
Work safely and independently in 34,500VAC medium-voltage and 1500VDC environments.
Develop corrective action plans for complex electrical faults, including grounding and wiring issues and equipment malfunctions.
Supervise or review regional field work and mentor junior technicians in electrical maintenance, procedures, and safety.
Partner with the O&M Manager to improve site performance, production, and operational efficiency.
Coordinate with the Regional Manager and third-party vendors on installation, commissioning, testing, troubleshooting, and warranty maintenance; ensure vendors meet scope, schedule, and warranty terms.
Manage complex, high-priority, and unusual projects as part of premium client service.
Provide analytical recommendations on technician training, safety plans, standard operating procedures, and O&M and commissioning processes.
Coordinate and expedite field repairs and warranty claims with internal teams and vendors, and file warranty claims on time.
Record faults, site deficiencies, and unusual occurrences, and accurately track time, material, and travel expenses in the CMMS.
Support first-year goals that include medium-voltage qualification and regional LOTO approval authority, compliant permitting, timely corrective action and warranty work, regional fleet availability of at least 95%, technician development, and CMMS accuracy of at least 98%.

Benefits

Company-provided tools and equipment.
Company truck, company fuel/credit card, and vehicle maintenance card.
Performance bonus opportunity of up to 8%, paid annually.
Company-provided PPE and flame-resistant clothing kit at no cost.
Medical, dental, and vision insurance; the company pays 80% of health insurance premiums.
401(k) with up to a 7.5% company match.
Accrued PTO: 120 hours annually for years 0–2, 160 hours for years 3–9, and 200 hours for 10 or more years.
11 paid holidays.
8 weeks of paid parental leave.
Company-paid life and AD&D insurance at 1x annual salary.
Company-paid OSHA 10/30, NFPA 70E/70B, FAA Part 107, and internal O&M Tech course certifications.
Tuition reimbursement up to $10,000 per year for approved programs.
Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account.
Disability insurance and voluntary benefits.