Solar Operations Lead

Page Mechanical Group, Inc.; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Solar Operations Lead to provide leadership and technical expertise in solar operations and maintenance. This role involves troubleshooting equipment issues, training technicians, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in PV systems and battery storage, along with strong communication and organizational skills. Join a dynamic team dedicated to optimizing solar performance and delivering exceptional service to clients. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in the growing renewable energy sector.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of technical experience with PV Systems and BESS.
• Strong knowledge of NEC, IEEE, and NFPA-70e requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a team for O&M and compliance support.
• Diagnose and repair solar systems and ensure safety compliance.

Skills

Technical Leadership

Problem Solving

Communication Skills

Safety Compliance

Electrical Systems Knowledge

Team Management

Customer Communication

Education

High School or Technical School Degree

Tools

Data Acquisition Systems

Thermography Equipment

Electrical Testing Equipment

Job description

As a Solar Operations Lead you are responsible for providing people leadership, direction, supervision, and direct support and technical expertise for ongoing O&M and compliance support. This includes leading your team and providing direct hands-on support to troubleshoot/resolve equipment issues, support emergency repairs and other services that optimize equipment performance. In this role you will be called upon for your specific skills and technical expertise in one or multiple disciplines including PV array, inverter, medium voltage, battery storage (BESS) and other solar services. Provide technical skills, functional and safety related training to field service technicians, electricians and other members of the organization. Participates in hiring, coaching, performance evaluation, and disciplinary activities. You will be responsible for coaching and training new Solar Techs, conducting performance reviews, leading initiatives, coordinating and communicating with customers, scheduling work, conducting maintenance, equipment installations, and qualifying technicians and contractors/sub-contractors for field operations.

Travel Requirements: Extensive travel regionally and occasionally nationally, to meet client field operations needs.

Essential Duties & Approximate Commitment of Time:

1. Performance of Technical Duties: Diagnose and repair systems failures as existing solar sites, identify and correct potential issues that may impact site performance in the future. Assist and support field teams with real-time solutions to site operations issues and execute the same. Diagnose/troubleshoot equipment failures and perform regular preventative maintenance on a variety of solar, BESS and other project equipment. Support field teams and clients via oversight/support of warranty matters regarding equipment and systems for use or replacement. Installs, removes, troubleshoots and the maintenance of solar, BESS and other related electrical equipment.
2. Ensure a safe, event-free work environment through strict adherence to company and client protocols, safety procedures and regulations. Ensure compliance with all safety requirements and safe best practices (e.g. lock-out/tag-out compliance, JHA completion, LDL testing, and compliance with all company safety policies or procedures and work practices).
3. Prepare service tickets and reports for site visits, emergency repairs, equipment modifications and equipment improvement investigations. Provide reports, written and oral communication in a timely and complete fashion.
4. Communicate with technical leads, project leads/managers, and third-party sub-contractors to ensure timely resolution to all required activities; Support recommended performance improvements and address site safety and compliance concerns; Other responsibilities as directed by manager.

Team Leadership & Supervisory Responsibilities:

1. Coordinate and assign work schedules, time off, approvals, and daily responsibilities of technicians; provide continuous performance and coaching feedback, provide recognition and offer input to management for corrective action; use QE’s Performance Management system for self and team performance objectives, track progress and assess results; participate in hiring and onboarding of new team members; train/mentor junior technicians in the repair and maintenance of facility equipment; assist in the development, execution and oversight of technician training (qualifications, safety, fundamentals and regulatory); build and foster a productive, team-oriented environment; maintain effective communication with team members, customers, clients and other QE employees.

Position Requirements

Education Required: High School or Technical School Degree, Or, equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience Required: 4+ years, technical experience with PV Systems, BESS, Data acquisition systems; Experience working with 600v-1500v systems; Strong knowledge of NEC, IEEE and current NFPA-70e requirements; Proficient with technology and computing programs/platforms; 3+ years C&I/Utility Scale solar work experience; 3+ years leading operations of solar sites and/or project maintenance and compliance.

Experience Preferred: 3+ years of supervising direct reports.

Specialized or Technical Knowledge Licenses, Certifications Preferred:

1. Inverter and/or BESS manufacturers’ certifications (e.g. SunGrow, Power Electronics, Solectria, BYD, etc).
2. Thermography certifications (Level 1).
3. AVO transformer, SEL, Relay certificates of training.
4. IT/networking skills: i.e. IP addressing, familiarity with RS485, Modbus, tcp/ip, etc.
5. NABCEP PV Installer Certification.
6. Minimum OSHA 10/30 Certification.
7. Completion of NFPA 70E courses.
8. CPR/First Aid.

Functional Knowledge: Knowledge of National Electrical Code and standard design/construction practices; Clear understanding of OSHA safe workplace practices and procedures; Ability to read and understand electrical single-line and three-line diagrams.

Company/Industry Related Knowledge:

1. Electric and related utilities and utility maintenance.
2. Solar energy installation, maintenance and optimization.

Physical Requirements:

1. Ability to lift 50 pounds regularly.
2. Ability to move safely over uneven terrain.
3. Ability to sit or drive for prolonged periods.
4. Ability to safely climb ladders while carrying 50 pounds.
5. Ability to work in extreme weather.

Job-specific Competencies:

In addition to the specific work experience and skills, QE Solar also seeks someone with the qualities listed below:

1. Exceptional work ethic, with strong values and principles.
2. Able to supervise and coach others in a matrix work environment.
3. Organization, Analyzing Information, and Problem Solving.
4. Willingness to work irregular schedules to meet client/project deadlines.
5. Exceptionally strong communication skills, both written and verbal, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.
6. A firm commitment to client, team, and organization success.
7. Flexible and accommodating and able to go above and beyond the basic expectations when required.
8. High follow-up and organizational skills.
9. Detailed-oriented, with attention to detail for tasks that have zero tolerance for errors.
10. Curiosity.
11. Candor and transparency.

Workplace Type: On-site
Salary Range: $75,000-$85,000 Per Year
Employment Type: Full-time
Location: Baltimore, MD United States.

Statement to all Third-Party Agencies and Similar Organizations:
QE Solar accepts resumes only from contracted recruiting agencies with formal service agreements. Please do not send unsolicited resumes or outreach emails to our QE Solar employees, hiring managers, or team members without expressed consent or contract for services. QE Solar is not responsible for any fees or charges associated with unsolicited resumes or services.