Technician (Solar)

RES; Kingston upon Hull; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

RES is seeking a Technician (Solar) to perform operations and maintenance on ground-mounted solar PV plants. The ideal candidate will be a qualified electrician with experience in MW-scale power plants, ensuring safety and performance. This permanent role includes on-call duties and offers career progression opportunities within a leading renewable energy team.

Benefits

Company vehicle

Private health insurance

Contributory pension

Role-specific training

Qualifications

• Experience in solar PV installation and O&M (MW-scale) is essential.
• Experience with high voltage switchgear and central inverters is desirable.
• Full UK driving license required.

Responsibilities

• Perform operations and maintenance duties on solar PV plants.
• Undertake planned inspections and maintenance as per requirements.
• Troubleshoot and repair plant equipment and sensors.

Skills

Safe working practices

Communication

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Computer skills

Education

Approved Electrician status

Inspection and testing qualifications (C&G 2391, 2394/5)

First aid qualifications

Health & Safety qualifications (IOSH Managing Safely, SMSTS)

Job description

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Job Purpose

The Technician (Solar) is a field-based role performing operations and maintenance duties on utility-scale ground-mounted solar PV plants & BESS. The overall purpose of the role is to ensure the plants achieve outstanding levels of safety, quality, and performance at a cost that meets operational budget, as part of an industry-leading team of renewable energy specialists.

The ideal candidate will be a fully qualified electrician with experience operating and maintaining MW-scale power plants, with DC and HV electrical competencies. This is a permanent role and will require availability for weekend on-call duties as part of a rota. An overtime system is in place.

A company vehicle, smartphone, and laptop/tablet will be provided. RES offers a comprehensive benefits package including contributory pension, private health insurance, and investment in role-specific training. Strong candidates will have the opportunity to work towards Authorised Person (AP) or Senior Authorised Person (SAP) status.

RES prides itself on its in-house training program, providing full training. Technicians demonstrating the right attitude and aptitude for career progression will be encouraged to broaden their experience to advanced levels such as HV Authorised Person (AP) or Senior Authorised Person (SAP). For team members embodying our values of Passion, Accountability, Collaboration, and Excellence, the opportunities for growth are significant.

Key Accountabilities

1. Adherence to and management of health and safety requirements at all times, helping to maintain and improve safety standards across the plants.
2. Achieve and maintain Authorised Person status in line with training received, experience gained, and role requirements.
3. Undertake planned inspection and maintenance according to legal, technical, manufacturer, and contractual requirements.
4. Inspect, test, and maintain plant and equipment.
5. Perform AC and DC system testing, troubleshooting, and fault-finding.
6. Carry out reactive maintenance, fault diagnosis, and resolution promptly.
7. Troubleshoot and repair sensors and communication equipment including RS485, Ethernet, and fibre optic networks.
8. Configure computer-based devices and components, including firmware updates.
9. Assist occasionally with ground maintenance, cleaning, or mechanical work.
10. Induct and manage subcontractors, ensure their safe working, and undertake quality checks on their work.
11. Keep accurate maintenance records and compile reports.
12. Maintain close communication with the O&M office and team functions.
13. Travel between sites and offices as required.
14. Occasionally work away from home for training or site coverage for up to 1 week.
15. Perform other duties as appropriate to the role.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of central inverters is desirable.
• Principles of High Voltage operations.
• Strong technical understanding of AC, DC, SCADA, instrumentation, and communication networks.
• Good knowledge of solar PV technology is essential.
• Knowledge of HVAC, fire protection, security systems is desirable.
• Understanding of battery storage technology; training can be provided if needed.

Skills

• Strong approach to safe working practices.
• Excellent communication skills; fluent in written and spoken English.
• Attention to detail.
• Positive, can-do attitude.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Respond effectively to changing priorities and emergent issues.
• Enthusiasm for personal development.
• Strong problem-solving skills; ability to interpret schematics and manuals.
• Computer skills for reporting and communication.
• Passion, Accountability, Collaboration, Excellence.

Experience

• Experience in risk assessments and method statements.
• Experience liaising with vendors for fault diagnosis support.
• DC and LV installation, fault finding, testing, and commissioning.
• Experience working remotely without close supervision.
• Solar PV installation and O&M experience (MW-scale or large commercial ground-mount).
• Battery storage installation and O&M experience (MW-scale) is desirable.
• Experience with ethernet and fibre optic communications.
• Experience with SCADA or data monitoring systems.
• Experience working with central inverters.
• Experience with high voltage switchgear.

Qualifications

• Full UK driving license.
• Approved Electrician status.
• Inspection and testing qualifications (C&G 2391 or 2394/5) highly valued.
• First aid qualifications.
• Health & Safety qualifications (. IOSH Managing Safely, SMSTS).