Solar O&M Leader: Site Performance & Safety

onwardenergy; 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 and optimize PV site operations. You will oversee safety, reliability, and cost management across multiple solar facilities, guiding supervisors and staff toward best-in-class performance.

The role requires technical solar knowledge, strong budgeting skills, and the ability to drive continuous improvement in safety and efficiency across cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor's or associate degree in engineering, physics, power generation, or related field; experience may substitute for degree.
• Minimum 7 years in operations/maintenance in power generation, with solar industry and supervisory experience.
• Strong leadership, budgeting, and cross-functional collaboration capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee Solar O&M at assigned PV sites to ensure safe, reliable, and cost-effective operations.
• Develop and manage budgets, forecast operating expenses, and drive cost optimization while maintaining reliability and safety.
• Lead supervisors and site personnel through coaching, training, and performance management to achieve KPIs and safety goals.
• Coordinate with Asset Management, Engineering, Supply Chain, Compliance, and ROC to improve performance and efficiency.
• Oversee CMMS processes, maintenance planning, and vendor management to ensure high-quality service.

Skills

Safety leadership

Communication skills

Budgeting & cost control

Project leadership

Team leadership

MS Office

Enterprise work management systems

PV system knowledge

Education

Bachelor's/Associate degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

CMMS

SCADA

ERP systems

Job description

Onward Energy is seeking a Solar Operations & Maintenance Manager in Bakersfield, CA to lead and optimize PV site operations. You will oversee safety, reliability, and cost management across multiple solar facilities, guiding supervisors and staff toward best-in-class performance.

The role requires technical solar knowledge, strong budgeting skills, and the ability to drive continuous improvement in safety and efficiency across cross-functional teams.