Operations Engineer

Standard Solar; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 114,000; Full time

Job summary

Standard Solar in Rockville, MD, is looking for an Operations Engineer to oversee technical performance of solar assets throughout their lifecycle. Your role includes proactive monitoring, troubleshooting, and coordinating maintenance activities to ensure compliance and optimal efficiency.

The ideal candidate has a BS/MS in engineering, experience in solar PV systems, and strong problem-solving skills. This full-time position offers a dynamic work environment focusing on safety, efficiency, and compliance.

Qualifications

• 2-5 years minimum engineering experience, with one year in solar PV.
• NABCEP PV Installation Professional (PVIP) preferred.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Monitor operational performance of solar PV systems.
• Coordinate and oversee maintenance activities.
• Troubleshoot system faults and performance issues.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Proficiency with SCADA

Organizational skills

Education

BS or MS degree in an engineering discipline

Tools

PVsyst

Microsoft Excel

MS Office suite

Job description

Job Location: ROCKVILLE, MD 20850
Position Type: Full Time
Salary Range: $85,000.00 - $114,000.00

Job Summary

The Operations Engineer provides technical oversight and performance management of commercial‑scale solar assets during their operational lifecycle. This role focuses on maximizing system performance, reliability, and safety through proactive monitoring, troubleshooting, and coordination of maintenance activities. The Operations Engineer works closely with internal teams and external service providers to ensure assets operate efficiently, comply with all regulatory requirements, and deliver expected financial returns.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitor operational performance of solar PV systems using SCADA and other monitoring platforms; analyze data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and potential issues.
• Coordinate and oversee routine and corrective maintenance activities, including scheduling, documentation, and follow‑up with service providers.
• Troubleshoot the root causes behind system faults and performance issues, and work with team members, vendors, and contractors to resolve problems promptly.
• Review and interpret system performance reports, warranty claims, and service tickets; ensure timely resolution and documentation.
• Conduct site visits (as needed) to inspect operational assets, verify satisfactory resolution of maintenance work, and ensure compliance with safety and operational standards.
• Support the team in maintaining up‑to‑date records of system performance, maintenance activities, and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with the Asset Management, Engineering, and Construction teams to optimize system performance and implement upgrades or retrofits where required.
• Support the Director of Asset Management in preparing reports, budgets, and recommendations for asset optimization.
• Ensure all operational activities comply with NEC, OSHA, and company safety standards.
• Provide technical support for interconnection, utility coordination, and regulatory reporting as needed.
• Participate in meetings and technical presentations to internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Provide engineering/technical input and direction to internal and external stakeholders.
• Review specifications for existing assets and coordinate with equipment vendors to identify technical challenges and create innovative solutions.
• Identify appropriate equipment for use in PV systems.
• Provide technical support, review, and performance analysis to O&M team members, project construction teams, and development teams for projects coming into Vigilant O&M or late‑stage/operating portfolios.
• Perform electricity tariff analysis, electricity bill analysis, and load versus energy generation analysis as required.
• Audit solar PV systems to confirm they are built according to the plans and in compliance with codes, standards, and SSI specifications.
• Coordinate with other engineering roles (Development, Design, or Project) and other departments within SSI as directed/required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• BS or MS degree in an engineering discipline from an ABET‑Accredited institution (e.g., BSEE, BSME, BSCE, BSChE) – Electrical Engineering, Energy Engineering, or Renewable Energy Engineering degrees preferred.
• 2‑5 years minimum engineering experience; minimum of one year of large‑scale solar PV engineering experience.
• NABCEP PV Installation Professional (PVIP) preferred.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Organized with the ability to simultaneously manage multiple operational tasks.
• Proficiency with PVsyst, monitoring platforms (e.g., SCADA), Microsoft Excel, and MS Office suite.

Position Routinely Interfaces With

• Customers and the general public
• Operations & Maintenance and Asset Management Team members
• Service providers and contractors
• Engineering team
• Construction and Integrated Project Team departments
• All employees, including Senior and Executive Management

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment. It routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines. Interfaces with customers, vendors, and the public.

Physical Demands

• Field and office work, including local travel to operational sites as needed.
• Lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Extended periods of sitting, walking, standing, reaching, and/or bending.
• Extended periods of reading fine print on a computer or in paper‑based format.

Non‑Physical Demands

• Analytical and logical reasoning.
• Problem solving and researching skills.
• Time management and organizational skills.
• Self‑driven and able to work independently with minimal guidance.
• Communication skill within office and remote co‑workers.
• Full time in‑office.
• Professional decorum in a diverse, inclusive working environment.

Potential Hazards

• Trips, slips and/or falls while on customer property.
• Chemical abrasives used in office and kitchen cleaning.
• Lifting items up to 50 pounds in weight.
• Other hazardous conditions on customer premises, not otherwise defined here.

Standard Solar is an EOE/AA/Minority/Female/Veteran/Disabled employer.

Please note: this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.