Solar Technician II

At AES, we raise the quality of life around the world by changing the way energy works. Everyone makes an impact every day in our small, global teams. Apply here to start an extraordinary career today.

This role will be based in Smithfield, VA. The candidate must be able to commute to the site.

AES CE is an established and rapidly growing renewable energy company headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT. The AES Operations team is looking for a seasoned Solar Technician with field experience. This position will cover assigned O&M activities associated with the solar PV sites and substations associated with the utility-scale Solar Energy Plants located in Virginia. 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.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for assigned O&M activities associated with the solar PV sites and substations associated with utility-scale Solar Energy Plants.
• Performs corrective, preventive, and emergency maintenance and operations for which they are qualified to safely and efficiently perform for equipment including but not limited to:
  • Power Electronics HEC
  • Power Electronics HEC 1500V
  • Power Electronics HEM
  • AE 1000NX
  • AE 500NX
  • Eaton XPert 1670
  • Ingecon Sun 1110TL U B400
  • SMA 750CP
  • SMA SC2200-2750
  • SunGrow 3150
  • SunGrow 3600
  • DC Combiner boxes
  • ATI Trackers V2, V2.5, V3
  • NexTracker Tracker
  • First Solar Tracker
  • High, Medium, Low voltage Switching
• Performs other technical and administrative duties associated with operating and maintaining a power facility.
• Prepares and implements switching and clearance orders.
• Ensures work is performed in accordance with Environmental and Safety requirements.
• Performs work independently and/or in work crews.

Desired Skills, Expertise and Competencies:

• Shown experience with a multitude of electrical/construction projects and knowledge of basic IT equipment.
• Understanding of general workplace safety and the ability to follow safety standards as well as help the company improve upon the standards in place.
• Ability to excel in a collaborative, cross-functional and geographically diverse organization.
• Integrity, professionalism and excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing with superiors and colleagues.
• 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.
• Demonstrated proficiency in research, highly technical equipment and engineering.
• Excellent hands on abilities with strong technical skills
• Ability to operate personal computer with technical proficiency of standard business software
• Ability to read, write and understand English
• Knowledge of applicable safety and environmental regulations
• Demonstrates proactivity 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, does not engage in gossip.
• Models professional behaviors of conduct and decorum.
• Is a strong team player and willing to assist others when necessary and appropriate.

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.

Safety comes first at AES. To protect the health and safety of our people, customers, communities and partners, and to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards, AES requires all newly-hired people or current AES people applying for U.S.-based role(s), to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or be willing to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by their date of hire. Except where prohibited by law or not specifically covered in a collective bargaining agreement, new hires and transfers will be required to provide proof of vaccination during onboarding and periodically thereafter. This policy will comply with all applicable laws and is based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health authorities, as applicable.