Senior Tech Specialist - Solar O&M Support

Leeward Energy•Dallas, TX

About The Position

LRE (Leeward Renewable Energy) is a high-growth renewable energy company forging a sustainable future through integrity, innovation, and positive impact. We own and operate 30 large wind, solar, and energy storage projects across the United States, totaling over 3 gigawatts (GW) of generating capacity. LRE has an ambitious goal of 10GW of operating assets by 2028 and are developing and contracting an increasing pipeline of new projects every year. We take a full-lifecycle approach to our projects, built on a long-term ownership model and a company culture dedicated to our community partners and protecting the environment. Job Summary: This position reports to the Manager of Solar & Storage Ops Engineering and is responsible for Solar O&M support. In this role, the Specialist will provide technical guidance and support for Leeward Solar self-perform O&M plants. This entails: Performance monitoring of 100+ MW solar plants with central inverters and trackers. Remote troubleshooting and directing preventive, corrective and breakdown maintenance. Travel to site for field support, assist with repairing faults and/or direct other technicians. New plant onboarding including reviewing technical design, OEM specs and preparing internal documentation. · Participate in golden row walkdown, new site inspections and issue reports. Implement LRE integrity management program for plant preventive maintenance. Perform root cause analysis, and issue RCA reports. Remote and on-site fault/alarm monitoring, and update fault condition and trouble resolution database Project manage and deliver cost saving and production improvement projects. Develop processes to manage solar plant productivity including reliability, condition monitoring, and performance improvement. Investigate and perform data analysis from SCADA, Ignition and Bazefield. Develop/update procedures, work orders, SOP’s and work instructions and implement them in Maximo Deliver inputs for annual operating budgets, operational cost models and business cases for plant improvements Manage projects and contractors related to solar engineering system improvements Review maintenance findings from solar projects and make recommendations for improvements or upgrades Document and implement plant configuration changes Interface with OEM technical teams Train and mentor on-site technicians The specialist must have a demonstrated ability to resolve technical problems, document work instructions, communicate and manage resources effectively, provide technical support, and provide on-call support. It is expected that the Specialist will deliver complex and time sensitive assignments in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

4-Year Bachelors Engineering Degree preferred
10 or more years of relevant technical experience; hands-on experience with solar central inverters required
Fundamental understanding of electrical power systems design and operation
Experience with maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of electrical power systems, especially central inverters such as Sungrow 3600/4400, TMEIC Ninja, SMA SC2475/SC3950/CP800
Experience with drone IR scanning of solar plants for fault location. FAA drone pilot license desirable.
Experience with facilities database/ERP, work order system such as IBM Maximo
Experience with solar panel IV curve tracing using Fluke/Solmetric PVA1500 or equivalent
Experience with design, configuration and operation of Solar tracking systems such as Nextracker.
Experience with operation and maintenance of Medium Voltage transformers
Demonstrated experience with Solar panels, MET stations, DC combiners and Solar wire management systems
Ability to read and understand electrical drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams and other common specifications in the electrical power industry
Excellent clarity and proficiency in verbal and written communication skills
Demonstrated ability to be self-motivated, manage technical projects and priorities in a complex and dynamic environment
Ability to perform physical tasks including standing, sitting, walking, kneeling, twisting and reaching
Willingness and ability to travel at least 25%
Demonstrated ability to operate a motor vehicle and possession of a valid driver's license
Applicants must have current authorization to work for any employer in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for an employment visa now or in the future

Nice To Haves

FAA drone pilot license desirable.

Responsibilities

Performance monitoring of 100+ MW solar plants with central inverters and trackers.
Remote troubleshooting and directing preventive, corrective and breakdown maintenance.
Travel to site for field support, assist with repairing faults and/or direct other technicians.
New plant onboarding including reviewing technical design, OEM specs and preparing internal documentation.
Participate in golden row walkdown, new site inspections and issue reports.
Implement LRE integrity management program for plant preventive maintenance.
Perform root cause analysis, and issue RCA reports.
Remote and on-site fault/alarm monitoring, and update fault condition and trouble resolution database
Project manage and deliver cost saving and production improvement projects.
Develop processes to manage solar plant productivity including reliability, condition monitoring, and performance improvement.
Investigate and perform data analysis from SCADA, Ignition and Bazefield.
Develop/update procedures, work orders, SOP’s and work instructions and implement them in Maximo
Deliver inputs for annual operating budgets, operational cost models and business cases for plant improvements
Manage projects and contractors related to solar engineering system improvements
Review maintenance findings from solar projects and make recommendations for improvements or upgrades
Document and implement plant configuration changes
Interface with OEM technical teams
Train and mentor on-site technicians