Senior Solar Plant Operations & Maintenance Leader

Onward Energy; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Onward Energy is seeking a Solar Operations & Maintenance Manager in Bakersfield, CA, to lead the safe, reliable operation of solar plants. This role directs supervisors, plans maintenance, and drives continuous improvement while coordinating with cross-functional teams.

Success requires 7+ years in power generation operations/maintenance, including solar, and proven leadership in budgeting and contractor management. Strong EH&S focus and mobility to manage multiple sites are essential.

Qualifications

• Seven (7) years of work experience in operations and/or maintenance in power generation, transmission, and/or distribution, including at least two (2) years in the solar industry and at least two (2) years in a lead or supervisory position.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Power Generation, or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight for assigned PV plant sites to ensure safe, reliable, and cost-effective operations.
• Own overall site performance, budget execution, workforce development, contractor strategy, reliability improvement, and safety performance.
• Lead and develop Solar O&M Supervisors and site personnel through coaching, mentoring, training, and performance management.
• Develop annual operating budgets and manage site expenditures within approved financial plans.
• Lead annual maintenance planning, outage planning, major maintenance campaigns, and long-term asset preservation strategies.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Project management

Safety leadership

Communication

Team leadership

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Power Generation, or related field

Tools

MS Office

CMMS

Job description

Onward Energy is seeking a Solar Operations & Maintenance Manager in Bakersfield, CA, to lead the safe, reliable operation of solar plants. This role directs supervisors, plans maintenance, and drives continuous improvement while coordinating with cross-functional teams.

Success requires 7+ years in power generation operations/maintenance, including solar, and proven leadership in budgeting and contractor management. Strong EH&S focus and mobility to manage multiple sites are essential.