Director, Field Operations

AES Corporation; New York (NY); On-site; USD 183,000 - 238,000; Full time

Job summary

AES Corporation is seeking a Director of Field Operations to lead the safe, reliable, and cost-effective operation of its renewable energy portfolio across the Eastern United States and Puerto Rico. The role requires strategic leadership for field operations, performance improvement, and cross-functional collaboration to maximize asset value.

The ideal candidate brings 10–15 years in energy operations, strong financial acumen, and a proven ability to lead geographically dispersed teams.

Qualifications

• 10–15 years of experience leading renewable energy operations and related technical functions.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field.
• Experience leading multi-site operations teams across geographically dispersed environments.
• Ability to interpret equipment and facility schematics.
• Knowledge of IEEE, NERC, OSHA, NFPA 70E, Lockout/Tagout, Grounding standards.
• Familiarity with SCADA, DAS, remote monitoring systems.
• Commitment to fostering a strong safety culture and safe work environment.
• Ability to travel up to 30% as business needs require.

Responsibilities

• Lead safe and effective solar, BESS, and wind field operations across the Eastern US and Puerto Rico.
• Oversee O&M activities across US sites using third-party providers.
• Develop and implement cost-optimized strategies while maintaining safety and performance standards.
• Partner with Asset Management, Finance, and Commercial teams to maximize asset performance and profitability.
• Provide oversight for fleet availability, reliability, and cost management with KPIs.
• Drive continuous improvement using data analytics and emerging technologies.

Skills

Leadership

Multi-site management

Safety culture

Communication

MS Office

Travel up to 30%

Reading schematics

IEEE/NERC/OSHA knowledge

Budget planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

MBA or Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

SCADA

DAS

Remote monitoring

Job description

Are you ready to be part of a company that's not just talking about the future, but actively shaping it? Join The AES Corporation, the largest US-based global power company with a team of 8,300 employees across 12 countries.

AES has been ranked #1 by BloombergNEF in renewable energy sales to corporations in the US and Americas for five consecutive years, providing electricity for millions of people worldwide.

We are proud to foster a strong workplace culture, earning prominent positions in Great Place to Work rankings across the markets where we operate. AES was also named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the 13th consecutive year in 2026, highlighting our dedication to integrity, transparency, and responsible business practices.

Our spirit of innovation continues to earn industry recognition. AES is the only seven-time winner of the Edison Electric Institute's Edison Awards in the twenty-first century, a distinction honoring global leadership in advancing the electric power industry.

If you're ready to be part of a company that's not just adapting to change, but driving it, AES is the place for you. We're not just building a more sustainable future, we're powering it.

At AES Renewable and Power, we are accelerating the future of energy together while transforming customer experiences and delivering innovative energy solutions. We believe that diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds strengthen our teams and help us create better outcomes for our customers, communities, and business.

The Director of Field Operations is responsible for the safe, reliable, and cost-effective operation of AES's renewable energy portfolio across the Eastern United States and Puerto Rico. This role provides strategic leadership for field operations, operational performance, regional execution, financial stewardship, and continuous improvement initiatives that drive operational excellence and support long-term business success.

Safety First | Initiative-Taker | Innovative Thinker | Driven by Excellence | Collaborative Teammate | Accountable Leader

The ideal candidate brings strong technical, financial, and leadership experience within the energy industry, along with demonstrated success supporting the safe and effective operation of utility-scale and distributed energy assets. They also possess a solid understanding of the commercial and operational aspects of energy facilities.

We are open to considering U.S. remote-based candidates located in the EST time zone

Key Responsabilities

• Lead the safe and effective execution of solar, battery energy storage (BESS), and wind field operations across the Eastern United States and Puerto Rico.

• Oversee the safe execution of Operations and Maintenance (O&M) activities across U.S. sites utilizing third-party O&M providers.

• Develop and implement strategies that optimize costs while maintaining strong safety, reliability, and operational performance standards.

• Partner with Asset Management, Finance, Commercial, and other cross-functional teams to maximize asset performance and profitability.

• Provide oversight and accountability for fleet availability, reliability, safety, operational performance, and cost management through clearly defined performance metrics and KPIs.

• Drive continuous improvement and standardization initiatives using operational data, analytics, and emerging technologies to improve maintenance effectiveness, workforce productivity, asset performance, and reduce unplanned downtime.

• Lead U.S. O&M business budget planning in partnership with regional Field Operations and Asset Management teams.

• Develop and execute long-term workforce, capital, maintenance, and resource strategies that support portfolio growth and operational excellence.

• Establish and maintain performance, cost, staffing, and productivity benchmarks to support informed business decisions and operational competitiveness.

• Support the development of O&M cost estimates for new projects within the U.S. portfolio.

• Provide coaching, mentorship, performance feedback, and development opportunities that promote employee growth and engagement.

• Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and safety-focused culture where team members feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best work.

• Serve as a key operational representative to senior leadership, investors, lenders, joint venture partners, customers, and other stakeholders.

• Communicate operational and financial performance results to executive leadership and external stakeholders.

• Lead the fleet vehicle program for the O&M organization.

• Partner with Human Resources on workforce planning, talent development, and strategic hiring initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

• 10 -15 years of experience leading renewable energy operations, asset management, maintenance, power generation, or related technical operations functions, typically gained through progressively responsible leadership roles.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field.

• Experience leading multi-site operations teams through managers and supervisors in geographically dispersed environments.

• Ability to interpret and understand equipment and facility schematics.

• Knowledge of systems, processes, and standards related to the operation and maintenance of utility-scale solar plants and electrical systems, including applicable IEEE, NERC, OSHA, NFPA 70E, Lockout/Tagout, Grounding, and related standards.

• Familiarity with SCADA, DAS, remote monitoring systems, and associated operational protocols.

• Demonstrated commitment to fostering a strong safety culture and maintaining a safe work environment.

• Alignment with AES values, including Safety First, Highest Standards, and All Together.

• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other business productivity tools.

• Ability to travel up to 30% as business needs require.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MBA, Master's degree, or similar graduate-level education).

• Experience with P&L ownership and financial accountability.

• Experience supporting operations and maintenance activities for thermal generation assets.

• Demonstrated ability to lead through complexity, drive results, and build high-performing teams.

• Experience managing utility-scale solar, BESS, and wind portfolios.

• Experience leading remote and geographically dispersed teams.

• Experience managing third-party service providers and performance-based contracts.

• Experience presenting to executive leadership teams, boards, investors, lenders, or other external stakeholders.

AES is an Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed to building strength and delivering long-term sustainability through diversity and inclusion. Respecting all backgrounds, differences and perspectives enables us to improve the lives of our people, customers, suppliers, contractors, and the communities in which we live and work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, race, national origin, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. E-Verify Notice: AES will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.

The expected salary for this position, at commencement of employment, is between $183,000 and $238,000/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

The total compensation package for this position also includes annual bonus and long term compensation.

The benefits offered for this position are: medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, 401(k) eligibility, and paid time off (including vacation, sick leave time, and parental leave). Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if a candidate receives an offer of employment.

If hired, employee will be in an \"at-will position\" and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

The deadline to apply for this role is 09/30/2026