Solar & BESS Technician I - Bellefield Solar + Storage Project

AES CE is an established and rapidly growing renewable energy company headquartered in Salt Lake City. The AES Operations team is looking for a Solar Technician I with field experience, this individual would play a pivotal role in ensuring that AES CE operates the portfolio to standards that exceed industry best-practice. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter, and have the ability to build, train and lead other field personnel. As AES CE grows to become one of the leading IPPs in the industry, this role will provide an unparalleled opportunity for professional growth.

This role will be based at sites located at the Bellefield Solar project in Mojave, CA. Candidates must live in the general Lancaster/Mojave/Tehachapi area in California.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Responsible for assigned O&M activities associated with the solar PV, BESS sites and substations associated with the utility-scale Solar/BESS Energy Plants located in Southern California. Primary sites are located in Kern County, Antelope Valley area located in Los Angeles County, and Victor Valley area in San Bernardino. 

• 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, Advanced Energy , Power Electronics, EATON, TMEIC, SunGrow, and Solectria), Trackers (NEXTracker, Voyager, & ATI), Combiner Boxes, PV Modules, DC Collection equipment and systems(Fluence, Samsung, and CATL), AC Collection and Distribution equipment and systems. 

• Performs/assists with routine maintenance work (electrical troubleshooting and repair, instrumentation calibration and troubleshooting, basic Inverter troubleshooting), up to their capabilities, as assigned and/or directed 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, cross-functional and geographically diverse organization. 

• Maturity, professionalism and excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing with superiors and colleagues. 

• Promotes the site team; strong team player and willing to assist others when necessary and appropriate. 

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

• Detail-oriented 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 adding value 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, does not engage in gossip. 

• Models professional behaviors of conduct and decorum. 

Education / Experience: 

• Possess high school diploma or GED. 

• (Preferred) Possess Technical degree or Solar certification 

• Experience in solar system installation an asset. 

• Basic knowledge of electrical or mechanical fundamentals (single craft journeyman skills) such as electrical measurements, control circuits, and solid-state theory application, and/or basic knowledge of operational characteristics of equipment and associated control devices installed in power facilities is a plus. 

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 required. 

The expected salary for this position, at commencement of employment, is between $28.50 and $34.21/per hour; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position also includes annual bonus. The benefits offered for this position are: medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, 401(k) eligibility, and paid time off (including vacation, sick leave time, and parental leave). Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if a candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors