Solar Operations & Maintenance Manager

Onward Energy•Bakersfield, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Solar Operations & Maintenance Manager leads and oversees assigned photovoltaic plant sites, ensuring safe, reliable, compliant, and cost-effective operations. Reporting to the Solar Regional Manager, the role owns site performance, budget execution, workforce development, contractor strategy, reliability improvements, compliance, process development, and coordination with cross-functional teams. The Manager leads supervisors and site personnel and drives safety, reliability, availability, and cost performance through operational discipline and continuous improvement. The position works across areas including operations, maintenance, budgets, asset management, engineering, supply chain, compliance, and remote operations. It includes responsibility for workforce and contractor oversight, operational reporting, audits, and participation in capital projects and strategic business discussions. Work is generally performed outdoors at project sites in variable weather and noise conditions, with some office-equipment use. Travel may be required up to 10% or as business needs require.

Requirements

Seven years of experience in operations and/or maintenance in power generation, transmission, and/or distribution.
At least two years of experience in the solar industry.
At least two years of experience in a lead or supervisory position.
Ability to plan, organize, schedule, and direct safe operations and maintenance across multiple complex projects or sites.
Demonstrated understanding of power plant operations, EH&S compliance, budgeting, personnel management, maintenance execution, and performance management.
Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills, including the ability to promote business initiatives and influence cross-functional stakeholders.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and enterprise work management systems.
Ability to anticipate and adapt to changes in the organization and operating environment.
Self-starter able to make decisions and take necessary action without specific direction.
Effective time management, organizational skills, multitasking ability, and attention to detail.
Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
Valid U.S. driver's license with acceptable MVR history.
Ability to perform physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodation, comply with safety standards, and wear required personal protective equipment.
Ability to work in hazardous conditions, including confined spaces, potential bloodborne pathogen exposure, energized electrical equipment, and extreme hot or cold conditions.
Ability to work irregular hours depending on site operations and plant needs.
Ability to travel up to 10% or as business needs require.
Ability to sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to the entire shift and occasionally lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Associate or bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Power Generation, or a related field; applicable years of experience may substitute for a degree.
Advanced technical knowledge of PV inverters, tracking systems, DC systems, medium-voltage equipment, communication systems, and plant controls.

Responsibilities

Ensure high health, safety, and environmental performance by adhering to company policies, procedures, and operational standards.
Provide leadership and oversight for assigned solar facilities to ensure safe, reliable, and cost-effective operations.
Lead and develop Solar O&M Supervisors and site personnel through coaching, mentoring, training, and performance management.
Establish performance expectations and accountability for safety, plant performance, compliance, employee development, and operational excellence.
Foster safety, ownership, teamwork, continuous improvement, and employee engagement.
Ensure compliance with company policies, environmental requirements, NERC requirements, and applicable regulations.
Own operational performance, including availability, reliability, generation, safety metrics, maintenance execution, and budget performance.
Develop annual operating budgets, manage spending, forecast expenses, and identify cost-optimization opportunities.
Establish facility goals, KPIs, and operational objectives aligned with company targets.
Lead reliability improvements through equipment monitoring, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and predictive maintenance.
Partner with Asset Management, Engineering, Supply Chain, Compliance, and the Remote Operations Center to improve performance and efficiency.
Ensure maintenance programs follow PV industry best practices, manufacturer recommendations, and company standards.
Oversee CMMS processes to maintain work-order quality, data accuracy, maintenance compliance, and asset history integrity.
Lead annual maintenance and outage planning, major maintenance campaigns, and long-term asset preservation.
Set contractor performance expectations and oversee vendor relationships and service delivery.
Review and approve scopes of work, contractor performance metrics, and major maintenance activities.
Manage contractor and third-party services according to procurement, safety, and operational requirements.
Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, including PPAs, LGIAs, service agreements, warranties, and landowner agreements.
Identify operational risks and develop mitigation strategies.
Support fleet-wide standardization and operational best practices.
Lead staffing, workforce planning, succession planning, and organizational development for assigned regions.
Provide operational updates, performance reports, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
Support audits, compliance reviews, due diligence, and regulatory inspections.
Represent Operations in cross-functional initiatives, capital projects, and strategic business discussions.
Perform additional duties as assigned.