The Westlands Solar Complex comprises several key solar projects, including Aquamarine, a 300 MW solar photovoltaic facility, and Chestnut Solar, which spans 1,050 acres with a 210 MW DC PV facility and advanced battery energy storage. Additionally, the Solar Blue facility covers 1,841 acres and boasts a total power rating of around 350 MW DC, supported by a substantial battery energy storage system of 900 MWh. The Westland 230 kV transmission line further enhances the energy infrastructure of the park. These developments, along with the Westside Asset, represent a significant investment in renewable energy.

Opportunity Summary

The Solar Operations & Maintenance Technician performs various Operations and Maintenance (O&M) services during pre-commercial and commercial phases of a large utility scale solar photovoltaic site. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to preventative maintenance, corrective maintenance, monitoring, and on-site operation of photovoltaic system equipment including central inverters, single-axis trackers, weather monitoring equipment, system control and data acquisition (SCADA) equipment, communications equipment, transformers, switchgear, panelboards, a medium-voltage collection system, and a medium-voltage to high-voltage substation.

Primary Duties

Your focus will include the following duties:

Ensure safe work practices by adhering to all NAES safety standards and procedures. Conduct routine preventative maintenance meticulously, including equipment inspections, cleaning, torque checks, thermography (both aerial and ground-based), IV Curve tracing, and other necessary checks to guarantee the safe and reliable operation of equipment. Promptly and methodically address low voltage issues. Under the direct supervision of a qualified technician, assist in troubleshooting medium and high voltage issues. Perform entry-level corrective maintenance repairs according to your training, qualifications, and authorization, ensuring adherence to NAES standards and manufacturer requirements for safe and professional repairs. Thoroughly document all work performed on NAES-provided checklists, service reports, and in the CMMS. Execute site activities in strict accordance with environmental permits, equipment warranty requirements, training plans, tool and spare parts lists, and milestone schedules. Maintain, store, and use all vehicles, tools, and equipment assigned by NAES to the site for the productive completion of tasks. Enforce and comply with departmental procedures and reporting requirements. Initiate equipment warranty claims as needed. Complete all necessary administrative tasks before deadlines, including time sheets, expense reports, service reports, and incident reports. Fulfill other duties as assigned.

NAES Safe

Safety is a core value of NAES and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to be mentally alert and work safely at all times. Additionally, employees are required to adhere to all safety warnings and posted safety signs whenever on company property. Furthermore, employees must follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each employee’s performance.

Working Relationships

The Solar O&M Technician reports directly to the Site O&M Supervisor, takes general direction from the Site O&M Manager, and collaborates closely with other site employees and customer contacts to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the solar facilities.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions 

This position can be physically demanding while working frequently in an outdoor environment in a variety of weather and working conditions. Must be able to work in heat and cold, i.e., full sun where temperatures can be triple digits, or no sun where temperatures can be below freezing. In addition to extreme weather conditions, other physical requirements include standing for extended periods of time, stair and ladder climbing, lifting up to 50 pounds, bending and working in confined spaces.  

Protective equipment must be worn in the performance of some duties (e.g., hard hats, safety glasses, air masks, ear protection, chemical suits, hot gloves, and high voltage protective equipment, etc.). Work with hazardous materials may be required. There are extensive smoking restrictions in and around the facility. 

Fitness for Duty 

All employees will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program. This program includes a post-offer physical examination and drug screening and post-employment random drug screening. 

Work Schedule 

Regular scheduled workdays are Monday to Friday, during normal day shift hours. Position requires extended working hours and varied shifts with weekend and holiday work, as required by schedules, workload, and plant conditions. "On call" status will periodically be required.

Compensation

Initial compensation ranges from $29 to $35 per hour.

Job Qualifications

Experience in solar photovoltaic plant operations and maintenance is essential, with preference given to candidates possessing PV construction experience, although it is not mandatory. Candidates should have experience and/or training as an electrician or electrical technician. Hands-on experience in testing, analyzing, conducting preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting photovoltaic inverter systems, data acquisition systems (DAS), and various other components within PV power plants is required. Proficiency in utilizing Microsoft Word and Excel is necessary. In-depth knowledge of solar industry best practices, national electric code (NEC) requirements, and diagnosis/repair of common solar equipment is expected. Experience with SCADA systems for monitoring and troubleshooting is highly desirable. Strong proficiency in verbal and written communication is essential, along with exceptional analytical and quantitative abilities. Candidates should demonstrate exemplary organizational skills, self-drive, and consistency in meeting deadlines for assignments and tasks. A keen attention to detail, coupled with strong problem-solving abilities, is crucial. Candidates should be capable of analyzing and interpreting data to make sound professional judgments and recommendations.

Licenses/Certification:

NABCEP certification or other component specific solar certifications preferred Must possess and maintain a valid Drivers License at all times.

About NAES

NAES Corporation is the leading provider of operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities. We have established ourselves as a reliable partner for clients in North America and internationally, offering services across power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. Additionally, our growing family of companies enables us to address the entire life cycle of power generation and other industrial plants.

NAES is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. It is the practice of NAES to seek employees of the highest quality and to select individuals on the basis of merit and competence, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other basis of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state and federal law.