Operations Engineer

STANDARD SOLAR INC; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

STANDARD SOLAR INC is seeking an Operations Engineer to oversee commercial-scale solar assets, focusing on performance, reliability, and safety. This role involves proactive monitoring and coordination of maintenance activities to maximize asset efficiency and ensure regulatory compliance.

Candidates should have a degree in engineering, 2-5 years of experience in engineering, and proficiency in relevant software. This is a full-time position based in Rockville, Maryland.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years minimum engineering experience; at least one year in large-scale solar PV engineering.
• NABCEP PV Installation Professional (PVIP) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Monitor performance of solar PV systems using SCADA; analyze data to identify issues.
• Coordinate and oversee maintenance activities, including documentation.
• Conduct site visits to inspect operational assets and ensure compliance.

Skills

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Verbal and written communication skills

Organizational skills

Proficiency with PVsyst

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Education

BS or MS degree in engineering from an ABET accredited institution

Tools

SCADA monitoring platforms

MS Office suite

Job description

Job Summary

The Operations Engineer provides technical oversight and performance management of commercial‑scale solar assets during their operational lifecycle. The role focuses on maximizing system performance, reliability, and safety through proactive monitoring, troubleshooting, and coordination of maintenance activities. The engineer works closely with internal teams and external service providers to ensure assets operate efficiently, comply with 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, working 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 entering or in 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 company specifications.
• Coordinate with other engineering roles (Development, Design, or Project) and other departments within the organization as directed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• BS or MS degree in an engineering discipline from an ABET accredited institution (e.g., BSEE, BSME, BSCE, BSChE). Electrical, Energy, or Renewable Energy Engineering degrees are preferred.
• 2–5 years minimum engineering experience; minimum of one year of large‑scale solar PV engineering experience.
• NABCEP PV Installation Professional (PVIP) is 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, the general public, Operations & Maintenance and Asset Management team members, service providers and contractors, engineering team, construction and integrated project team departments, and all employees including senior and executive management.

Work Environment

This role operates in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines. The engineer interfaces with customers, vendors, and the public, and works full time in‑office.

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.
• 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 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.