Solar Farm Technician I

About the Role

To start as soon as possible, this full-time, permanent position in Operations & Maintenance is responsible for safely installing, operating, maintaining, and repairing solar (PV) systems and inverters to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards. The role supports continuous power generation by independently diagnosing and resolving technical issues, collaborating with team members, and contributing technical expertise to ongoing operations and improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Leads and performs solar operations and maintenance activities safely by applying site procedures, job hazard analyses, and lockout/tagout practices to protect personnel and equipment; requires independent risk assessment and sound judgment.
• Demonstrates and enforces proactive safety leadership by identifying, mitigating, and reporting hazards and near misses while coaching team members on safe work practices; requires observation, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ensures compliance with Environmental, Health, and Safety requirements by interpreting regulations, verifying field adherence, and correcting non-compliant conditions to minimize operational and regulatory risk.
• Independently maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs solar PV systems, including modules, inverters, combiner boxes, trackers, and electrical infrastructure, to ensure system reliability and availability; requires advanced electrical and mechanical expertise.
• Diagnoses and resolves complex technical issues by analyzing SCADA data, alarms, electrical measurements, and performance trends to identify root causes and implement corrective actions; requires analytical thinking and data interpretation.
• Serves as a technical escalation point by coordinating with engineers, OEMs, and vendors to resolve high-risk or system-level issues while minimizing downtime; requires technical judgment and effective communication.
• Plans and executes preventive and corrective maintenance activities by prioritizing work orders, estimating labor and materials, and sequencing tasks to optimize efficiency and system performance; requires planning and problem-solving skills.
• Leads inspections, testing, and commissioning activities by verifying system performance, workmanship, and compliance with design specifications and industry standards; requires precision and technical accuracy.
• Maintains accurate technical documentation and records by completing and reviewing CMMS entries, maintenance reports, and inspection findings to support compliance, audits, and asset management; requires attention to detail.
• Mentors and guides junior team members by providing hands-on instruction, technical oversight, and safety coaching to improve team capability and work quality; requires leadership and training skills.
• Operates the site from the Control Room and provides guidance to technicians in the field.
• Willingness to travel to assigned job sites as needed.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s degree in Engineering or related field from an accredited US school or equivalent; certification in renewable energy technology or electrical systems preferred.
• NABCEP Certification or Electrical License preferred.
• Unrestricted driver license in good standing.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant technical experience, preferably in the renewable energy industry.
• Advanced expertise in renewable energy systems and technical solutions, including emerging technologies.
• Applies knowledge in diverse scenarios, such as complex installations and troubleshooting, while conducting advanced risk analysis for renewable energy projects.
• Develops and implements tailored safety protocols for project conditions, ensuring compliance with industry-wide safety standards.
• Proficient in reading and interpreting advanced electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical schematics to design solutions and optimize renewable energy systems.
• Leads hazard recognition and mitigation planning, ensuring effective energy isolation during high-complexity operations related to renewable energy projects with minimal oversight.
• Designs and implements solutions for high-impact challenges, such as grid integration or energy storage optimization.
• Collaborates with senior technicians on innovative strategies for system performance improvement.
• Leads team efforts and facilitates collaboration across departments on renewable energy initiatives.
• Manages external relationships with project stakeholders or vendors effectively.
• Mentors junior staff to support their professional development in renewable energy expertise.
• Supervises small teams and oversees technical projects in the field of renewable energy systems.
• Operates independently on complex assignments without guidance.
• Provides strategic input to senior management when necessary for project planning and execution.

Physical Requirements

• This position is a field-based role with some travel and visits to other RWEA office and field locations.
• Must be able to sit, walk, or stand for long durations of time.
• Work is performed primarily outdoors at a solar farm and includes exposure to varying weather conditions such as heat, cold, wind, and direct sunlight.
• The position requires the ability to lift up to 50 lbs., walk long distances on uneven terrain, stand for extended periods, climb ladders and equipment structures, and occasionally work at heights or in confined spaces.
• Flexible hours, including weekends or on-call support, may be required.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.
• Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.
• 401(k) match.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Education Assistance.
• Parental Leave.
• Paid time off and Holidays.
• Eligible employees also participate in short-term incentives, in addition to salary.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. RWE Americas is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time.