Senior Renewable Technologist- Gearbox and Generator Repair

Deriva Energy

13d•Onsite

About The Position

Deriva Energy, a portfolio company of Brookfield Renewable U.S., is seeking a Senior Renewable Technologist to join its Renewables organization. The position is based in Brookings, South Dakota, and is the highest level of technical support within the organization. The Senior Renewable Technologist serves as the lead technical expert for wind turbine gearbox and generator maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and reliability initiatives across the fleet. The role applies advanced mechanical and electrical drivetrain expertise and oversees fleet-wide governance and best practices for major component repairs. The position provides strategic oversight of gearbox, generator, main bearing, coupling, and drivetrain reliability programs with minimal supervision. It requires advanced diagnostic and repair capabilities, leadership, and independent work. The technologist also serves as management’s representative in the field, helping ensure safe work practices, quality repairs, and consistent execution across sites. The role requires 50% travel throughout the United States, outdoor work in varied conditions, and work from elevated platforms and in wind turbine nacelles. Working conditions also include using suspended platforms or lifts, driving between wind farms for up to 40+ hours per week, lifting up to 50 pounds, and complying with a 265-pound equipment-related weight restriction. Schedule flexibility may be needed when unforeseen delays occur.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in Wind Energy, Electrical Technology, Mechanical Technology, Industrial Maintenance, or a related field, plus four years of relevant experience; alternatively, a High School Diploma/GED and six years of relevant experience.
Experience leading major component exchanges and troubleshooting complex mechanical and electrical failures.
Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Able to lift up to 50 pounds and work from suspended platforms or lifts.
Able to drive up to 40+ hours a week while traveling between wind farms.
Ability to be flexible with changing schedules due to unforeseen delays.
Proficient with tablets and computers.
Must meet the position’s 265-pound weight restriction, which supports safe use of weight-rated equipment.
Must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States; the company cannot sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

Nice To Haves

Extensive experience with wind turbine drivetrain systems, including gearboxes, generators, bearings, lubrication systems, and alignment practices.
Knowledge of gearbox rebuilds, generator inspections, precision alignment, torque/tensioning practices, and vibration analysis.
Experience with condition monitoring systems (CMS), oil analysis programs, and predictive maintenance technologies.
Familiarity with GE, Vestas, Siemens Gamesa, Nordex, or Mitsubishi wind turbine platforms.
Strong understanding of electrical and mechanical testing methods used for generator and drivetrain troubleshooting.
Ability to work with individuals from diverse socio-economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to obtain industry-standard certifications related to drivetrain maintenance, condition monitoring, or reliability engineering within six months of hire.
Candidates based in the Midwest or Southern U.S. are preferred to streamline travel logistics and reduce transit time.

Responsibilities

Serve as the subject matter expert for wind turbine gearbox, generator, and drivetrain troubleshooting, repair, and reliability improvements.
Lead major component exchange projects involving gearboxes, generators, main bearings, couplings, and related drivetrain equipment.
Provide technical guidance during root cause analysis of gearbox failures, generator faults, bearing failures, lubrication issues, vibration concerns, and drivetrain misalignment.
Review inspection findings and develop corrective action plans to improve fleet reliability and component life.
Perform advanced diagnostics using vibration analysis, oil analysis, borescope inspections, thermography, electrical testing, and condition monitoring data.
Partner with OEMs and third-party contractors to evaluate repair methods, emerging technologies, and industry best practices.
Lead, plan, organize, estimate, schedule, and monitor work activities to accomplish business goals.
Develop and maintain technical procedures, repair standards, and quality assurance processes related to major component repairs.
Prepare detailed technical reports, repair documentation, failure analyses, calculations, and recommendations independently.
Assist in developing training programs and technical curriculum for drivetrain maintenance and major component repair activities.
Coach and mentor other technologists and site personnel on gearbox and generator troubleshooting techniques.
Maintain accurate records and repair histories to support reliability engineering and asset management initiatives.
Support facility personnel in troubleshooting and repair activities when not engaged in specialty work.
Represent the company professionally and promote safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.