Team Lead, Field Operations - Solar & BESS

About the Role

AES Indiana is seeking a Renewable Team Lead with experience in Solar (PV), Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), and/or Balance of Plant (BOP) Preventative & Corrective maintenance. This role is pivotal in ensuring AES Indiana operates its portfolio to standards that exceed industry best practices. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who can take direction from Field Service Leadership and commute daily to our Pike County BESS site (6418 N Blackburn Rd, Petersburg, IN 47567).

Responsibilities

• Lead and support AES Technicians and/or third-party technicians in performing preventive & corrective maintenance and supporting ongoing construction activities.
• Plan, coordinate, and manage the safe, efficient, and reliable delivery of field services to facility owners; assist the Renewable Energy Manager in planning to meet maintenance obligations.
• Work closely with the Renewable Energy Manager, Engineering team, and others to remediate site issues and enhance the operating portfolio’s performance.
• Coordinate and manage contractors engaged to support maintenance activities, ensuring AES Safety procedures are followed.
• Lead coordination with onsite technicians and third-party teams for solar PV, BESS, and substation operations and maintenance efforts, including advanced troubleshooting, in accordance with applicable safety and environmental obligations.
• Stop unsafe work, report and correct unsafe conditions or hazards; review and submit applicable accident/incident reports.
• Work with and support the Regional Safety Committee.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement of O&M activities to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable delivery of field services.
• Support or lead warranty claims processes with EPC providers and equipment vendors.
• Maintain responsive and positive relationships with plant owner representatives.
• Ensure the scheduling and implementation of site training and qualification efforts.
• Assist in third-party contractor and vendor identification and onboarding; develop work scopes and manage and schedule contractors as needed.
• Ensure the establishment of an annual on-call schedule and communicate it to internal and external parties; respond to “after-hours” emergency situations as necessary.
• Ensure timely, complete, and high-quality documentation related to O&M activities, including service tickets, maintenance reports, switching orders, and safety-related documentation (e.g., JHAs/JSAs, Safe Work Permits, LOTO, Energized Electrical Work Permits, Excavation Permits).
• Work with Engineering to review investigation results and/or recommendations from OEMs; institute plant solutions/modifications and document through the change management system.
• Collaborate with Procurement for accurate tracking of inventory levels; initiate re-order of consumables and spare parts as needed.
• Participate in the construction/commissioning of facilities within the region to ensure high-quality build, successful commissioning, timely project punch list closeout, and smooth transition of responsibility to the Operations team.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable safety and environmental requirements, regional and federal regulations, and company policies.
• Stay abreast of applicable technical & safety standards and share with the team.
• Facilitate effective communication for all activities using phone, email, and business software such as the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Perform/lead other duties and administrative tasks as assigned by management.

Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to lead a team and achieve goals.
• 5+ years of supervisory experience.
• Knowledgeable in systems, processes, and protocols guiding the operations and maintenance of industrial PV solar plants and electrical systems (OSHA standards, NFPA 70e, Lockout/Tagout/Grounding, etc.).
• Experience with SEL relays, Pad Mounted Switch Gear, Re-Closers.
• Appropriate Electrical trade qualification with at least 5 years of experience working on utility-scale electrical systems.
• Experience working with C&I or utility-scale power plants; PV systems experience is a plus.
• Competence with relevant computer systems including CMMS, DAS/SCADA, equipment-specific maintenance programs, and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work remotely and utilize technology to stay connected to the local team and colleagues at administrative offices.
• High degree of self-motivation and ability to lead a team with minimal direct supervision.
• High degree of commitment to a quality safety culture and an incident-free work environment.
• NFPA 70E and OSHA 30 Certification.
• Technical degree or bachelor’s degree in a related field (preferred).
• Ability to read and interpret equipment/facility schematics, maintenance instructions, procedures/manuals, and process/procedure documents.
• Personal values consistent with AES: Safety First, Highest Standards, and All Together.
• Ability to excel in a collaborative, cross-functional, and geographically diverse organization.
• Excellent English written and verbal communication skills.
• Positive, professional, and collaborative work ethic.
• Detail-oriented, high-energy, adept at problem-solving and time management in high-stress situations; highly organized.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license.

Work Environment

• May be required to work around rotating and energized equipment, hazardous materials, and chemicals.
• Occasional lifting as appropriate to perform duties and responsibilities.
• Occasional non-standard work hours to maintain necessary plant readiness.
• Working outside in a solar power plant, BESS site, and/or office environment, including exposure to high/low ambient temperatures, high/low humidity, 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.
• Regional travel in a company-provided service vehicle and occasional air travel to support company’s solar and storage assets.
• Position is based on-site near Petersburg, Indiana; some remote work may be required, but this is not a full-time remote position.