Solar & BESS Technician I

AES•Waikoloa, HI

1d•$29 - $34•Hybrid

About The Position

The Field Operations Technician 1 will be responsible for performing preventative and corrective maintenance, supporting ongoing construction activities, and troubleshooting equipment at solar+battery facilities. This role involves collaborating with senior technicians and team leaders to ensure equipment operates at maximum efficiency for grid stability. The technician will also assist and coordinate third-party technicians and ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable delivery of field services. The goal is to achieve maximum equipment availability through safe and efficient operations, emphasizing integrity, training, and qualification.

Requirements

Depth of experience in operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of AC and DC electrical systems of varying types and voltages.
Experience working with PV solar systems and substations (MV/HV).
Demonstrated ability to be part of the team and achieve goals.
Technical degree or equivalent Journeyman qualification a plus (appropriate electrical trade qualification).
One (1) year of experience as a solar PV technician or 3 years’ experience in a power plant preferred (Utility scale electrical systems).
Knowledgeable in the systems, processes and protocols guiding the operations and maintenance of industrial PV solar plants and electrical systems (OSHA standards, NFPA 70e, Lockout/ Tagout/ Grounding, etc.).
Operation of relays, pad mounted switchgear, PV modules, PV arrays, inverters, and battery storage containers.
Maturity, professionalism, and excellent communication skills both verbally and in writing.
Developed interpersonal skills and a strong work ethic.
Demonstrated ability to research and interpret technical documents and data.
Results oriented, a “fixer of things”, with a “Do what I do” leadership philosophy.
Demonstrates enthusiasm for solving problems, maintain a current level of knowledge, and work to increase knowledge base and teach others on the team.
Demonstrated knowledge of electrical or mechanical fundamentals (single craft journeyman skills) such as electrical measurements, control circuits, and electrical theory application.
Basic knowledge of operational characteristics of equipment and associated control devices installed in power plants.
Competence with relevant computer systems including CMMS, DAS/SCADA, equipment-specific maintenance programs, and Microsoft Office programs.
High degree of commitment to a quality safety culture and an incident-free work environment.
NFPA 70E and OSHA 30 Certification.
Ability to read and interpret equipment/facility schematics, maintenance instructions, procedures/manuals, process/procedure documents.
Personal values consistent with those of AES: Safety First, Highest Standards, and All Together.
Ability to excel in a collaborative, cross-functional and geographically diverse organization.
Excellent English written and verbal communication skills.
Positive, professional, and collaborative work ethic.
Detail oriented, high-energy, adept at problem solving and time management in sometimes high stress situations, highly organized.
Must be able to lift 35 lbs. (OSHA) without assisted lift device or another employee.
Must have eyesight corrected to 20/20, must have good hearing.
Candidates cannot be color blind.
Must be able to work in a power plant environment, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week as is needed.
Must be flexible and able to work overtime daily, 2-3 hours.
Must maintain a valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Technical degree or equivalent Journeyman qualification (appropriate electrical trade qualification).
One (1) year of experience as a solar PV technician or 3 years’ experience in a power plant preferred (Utility scale electrical systems).

Responsibilities

Perform preventative and corrective maintenance on PV solar modules, PV arrays, inverters, and battery energy storage system (BESS battery containers).
Troubleshoot and repair all equipment at the facility safely and proactively.
Collaborate with senior technicians and team leaders to solve complex issues.
Prioritize concerns and challenges and develop plans of action for correction.
Ensure equipment operates to maximum efficiency to keep customers’ grid stable.
Assist, lead, coordinate, and support third-party technicians in performing maintenance and construction support.
Assist and coordinate the safe, efficient, and reliable delivery of field services.
Remediate site issues and enhance the operating portfolio’s performance.
Stop unsafe work, report and correct unsafe conditions or hazards.
Review and submit applicable accident/incident reports.
Identify opportunities for continuous improvement of O&M activities.
Ensure standard maintenance for vehicles and equipment and assist in addressing repair needs.
Assist or support warranty claims processes with EPC providers and equipment vendors.
Assist in scheduling and implementing site training and qualification efforts.
Assist in third-party contractor and vendor identification and onboarding, develop work scopes and manage and schedule contractors.
Maintain an annual on-call schedule and respond to “after-hours” emergency situations.
Ensure timely, complete, and high-quality documentation related to O&M activities, including service tickets, maintenance reports, switching orders, and safety-related documentation.
Assist and ensure accurate tracking of inventory levels and initiate re-order of consumables and spare parts.
Participate in the construction/commissioning of facilities to ensure a high-quality build and smooth transition to the O&M Team.
Ensure compliance with all applicable safety and environmental (EHSS) requirements, regional and federal regulations, and AES company policies.
Stay abreast of applicable technical & safety standards and share with the team.
Perform and lead other duties and administrative tasks as assigned by management.