Lead Solar & Storage Operations Engineer

TOTAL Deutschland GmbH; Austin (TX); On-site; Full time

Job description

Lead the Technical Backbone of a Growing Renewable Portfolio

TotalEnergies Renewables USA is scaling one of the most dynamic distributed generation (DG) portfolios in the country—and we are seeking an Operations Engineer to serve as the technical authority ensuring our solar and battery energy storage assets operate safely, reliably, and at peak performance.

This role sits at the intersection of engineering, operations, asset management, and vendor oversight, with national responsibility across a diverse DG fleet. You will lead technical problem‑solving, drive reliability improvements, and ensure operational excellence from pre‑COD transition through long‑term operations.

What You’ll Do

Safety, Governance & Compliance

• Serve as the technical subject‑matter expert for DG solar and storage operations.
• Ensure compliance with all HSE requirements, operational standards, and company policies.
• Oversee third‑party O&M safety performance and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Review and enforce site‑specific HSE and maintenance plans across the fleet.

Reliability Engineering & Performance Leadership

• Act as the escalation point for complex operational, performance, and reliability issues.
• Lead fleet‑wide reliability initiatives including root cause analysis, serial defect investigations, and corrective/preventive actions.
• Analyze performance data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities to improve availability and asset life.
• Interface with utilities and authorities on protection schemes, reclosing logic, and operational constraints.

Continuous Improvement & Technical Excellence

• Lead Closed Loop Learning (CLL) initiatives and drive standardization of best practices.
• Support deployment of operational technologies and tools that improve responsiveness, insights, and outcomes.
• Provide technical leadership across engineering, operations, asset management, and performance teams.
• Define and execute sourcing strategies for outsourced O&M and technical services.
• Lead vendor qualification, onboarding, SOW development, pricing negotiations, and performance management.
• Support RFI/RFP processes and contract negotiations for operational scopes.
• Ensure contractors meet contractual obligations, reporting requirements, and performance expectations.

Quality Assurance & Asset Transition

• Develop and maintain QA/QC frameworks across development, EPC, transition, and operations.
• Support warranty claims, quality investigations, and technical escalations.
• Lead pre‑COD readiness reviews and asset handover activities to ensure smooth transition into operations.
• Define O&M scopes and technical requirements for assets under development.
• Partner closely with EPCs, O&M providers, OEMs, asset managers, internal engineering teams, and customers.
• Provide technical input to reporting, escalations, and customer communications.
• Represent the operational engineering perspective in internal decision‑making forums.

Candidate Profile

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent experience.
• 6+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, in solar PV and/or battery energy storage systems across development, construction, commissioning, transition, and operations.
• Strong background in operational engineering, reliability engineering, or O&M technical support.
• Deep understanding of PV and BESS systems including inverters, protection schemes, meters, SCADA, and balance‑of‑plant.
• Proven experience acting as an owner’s representative or technical authority.
• Hands‑on expertise in root cause analysis, QA/QC oversight, and performance troubleshooting.
• Working knowledge of NEC, NFPA 70E, NFPA 70B, NETA ATS, and applicable industry standards.
• OSHA 30 and NFPA 70E certifications (or ability to obtain).

Key Strengths

• Exceptional ability to influence outcomes across cross‑functional teams without direct authority.
• Strong communicator able to translate complex technical issues into clear, actionable guidance.
• Highly organized, analytical, and process‑driven with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast‑paced operational environment.

TotalEnergies values diversity, promotes individual growth and offers equal opportunity careers.

What We Provide

TotalEnergies offers a competitive salary, the opportunity to contribute to innovative and responsible energy solutions, and the chance to work alongside dedicated experts across disciplines. Employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes employer‑subsidized Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance; Short‑ and Long‑Term Disability; a 401(k) plan with both matching and non‑matching employer contributions; Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts; Employee Assistance Program (EAP); Educational Assistance; a generous fitness reimbursement; Parental Leave, Paid Time Off, and 12 Paid Holidays.

International Consideration

TotalEnergies regrets that it is unable to sponsor employment Visas or consider individuals on time‑limited visa status for this position.