Solar Technician I

The Solar Technician I is a technician/professional with 1 or more years of experience with utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant and substation experience. This individual would play a pivotal role in ensuring that AES Clean Energy operates the portfolio to standards that exceed industry best-practice.

This role will report to our AES Armadillo Solar site, located in Corsicana, Texas. The candidate must be able to commute daily to the site and preferred to be no further than 45 minutes for the purposes of site response.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for assigned O&M activities associated with the solar PV sites and substation associated with the utility-scale Solar Center located outside of Corsicana, Texas. 

• Performs/assists with corrective, preventive, and emergency maintenance and operations for which they are qualified to safely and efficiently perform for equipment including but not limited to installed Inverters (SMA), Trackers (Nextracker), Combiner Boxes, PV Modules, DC Collection equipment and systems, AC Collection and Distribution equipment and systems, and associated Substation equipment and systems.

• Performs/assists with routine maintenance work (electrical troubleshooting and repair, instrumentation calibration, basic Inverter troubleshooting), up to their capabilities, as assigned by supervisor and work orders from the maintenance management system.

• Prepares and implements switching and clearance orders.

• Operates electrical and mechanical power plant systems.

• Participates in training as required.

• Performs/assists with technical and administrative duties associated with operating and maintaining a power plant.

• May assist with site vegetation management plans including running tractors, riding mowers, and other vegetation maintenance equipment.

• Writes/assists with Plant Orders, Plant Procedures, Operating Instructions and other documents as assigned.

• Ensures work is performed in accordance with Environmental and Safety requirements.

• May perform work independently and/or in work crews, depending upon skills and experience.

Desired Skills, Expertise and Competencies:

• Understands and promotes general workplace safety and the ability to follow safety standards as well as help the company improve upon the standards in place.

• Experience with electrical systems and familiarity of basic safety principles to included LOTO and Electrical Safety.

• Must have experience in operating personal computer with technical proficiency of standard business software.  Experience with SCADA and Computerized Maintenance Management Systems is highly recommended.

• Ability to excel in a collaborative, multi-functional and geographically diverse organization.

• Professionalism and excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing with leaders and colleagues.

• Promotes the site team; great teammate and willing to assist others when necessary and appropriate.

• High-energy, developed interpersonal skills and a strong work ethic.

• Meticulous with an ability to synthesize complex analysis, approach new challenges with creativity and summarize information in a manner that supports key decision makers.

• Excellent hands on abilities with strong technical skills.

• Ability to read, write and understand English.

• Knowledge of applicable safety and environmental regulations

• Demonstrates proactive enthusiasm for solving problems and making valuable contributions to the company.

• Maintains a current level of professional knowledge.

• Focuses on personal growth and development by actively seeking feedback and responding with action.

• Ability to establish and maintain a positive and professional working relationship with all individuals

• Communicates openly and honestly

• Models professional behaviors of conduct and decorum.

The Solar Technician should also have or be:

• Qualified to perform routine and emergency operations at a solar generation facility and associated substation.

• Experience with a multitude of electrical/construction projects and knowledge of basic IT equipment.

• Knowledgeable in Substation equipment, systems, and operations.

• Proficiency in research, highly technical equipment and engineering.

Education / Experience:

• Possess 4-year technical degree or equivalent Journeyman qualifications

• Three (3) or more years’ experience as a PV O&M solar technician OR Five (5) or more years’ experience in a power plant and one (1) or more years’ experience in PV Solar O&M or construction.

• Demonstrated knowledge of electrical fundamentals (single craft journeyman skills) such as electrical measurements, control circuits, and solid-state theory application.

• Basic knowledge of operational characteristics of equipment and associated control devices installed in power generation facilities.

Working Conditions:

• Working outside in a normal solar power plant and/or office environment, including high/low ambient temperatures and high/low humidity areas, and possibly working at heights.

• Requires standing, sitting, walking, kneeling, twisting, climbing stairs and ladders, and entering plant equipment to access, inspect, or collect data on plant equipment.

• Requires use of wear personal protective safety equipment (respirators, safety glasses, hard hat, appropriate footwear, ear plugs, etc.).

• May be required to work around rotating and energized equipment, hazardous materials and chemicals.

• Occasionally requires lifting as appropriate to perform duties and responsibilities.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Work overtime and non-standard working hours as needed (possibility of night work).

• Travel to sites outside typical area.

Education / Experience:

• Possess 2-year technical degree or equivalent Journeyman qualifications (plus)

• Three (3) or more years’ experience as a PV O&M solar technician

• Five (5) or more years’ experience in a power plant and one (1) or more years’ experience in PV Solar O&M or construction.

• Demonstrated knowledge of electrical or mechanical fundamentals (single craft journeyman skills) such as electrical measurements, control circuits, and solid-state theory application.

• Basic knowledge of operational characteristics of equipment and associated control devices installed in power facilities.

Working Conditions:

• Working outside.

• Normal plant and/or office environment, including working at heights, high/low ambient temperatures and high/low humidity areas.

• Requires standing, sitting, walking, kneeling, twisting, climbing stairs and ladders, and entering plant equipment to access, inspect, or collect data on plant equipment.

• Requires use of wear personal protective safety equipment (respirators, safety glasses, hard hat, appropriate footwear, ear plugs, etc.).

• May be required to work around rotating and energized equipment, hazardous materials and chemicals.

• Occasionally requires lifting as appropriate to perform duties and responsibilities.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Work overtime and non-standard working hours as required.

• Travel to sites outside typical area.

AES offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and long-term success. Employees in this role are eligible for medical, dental, and vision coverage, wellness benefits, and an annual bonus opportunity based on company and individual performance. In addition, AES provides generous paid time off, including 22 days (176 hours) of PTO per year, plus 13 paid company holidays.