Solar Technician Apprentice

AES Corporation; Smithfield (VA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

AES CE is seeking a Solar Apprentice to support preventative and corrective maintenance across solar PV sites and substations in Charles City, VA. Under Field Service leads, you will assist with electrical troubleshooting, maintenance, and switching orders, ensuring safe, reliable operations.

Ideal candidates are self-starters who can learn quickly, collaborate across teams, and grow with AES as the renewables portfolio expands. Training and hands-on experience are provided.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; technical degree or solar certification preferred.
• Experience with electrical systems and basic safety principles including LOTO and electrical safety.
• Familiarity with SCADA and CMMS systems is highly recommended.

Responsibilities

• Assist with assigned O&M activities for solar PV sites and substations.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance, electrical troubleshooting, and instrumentation checks.
• Support switching and clearance orders and document activities.
• Operate plant systems and participate in safety trainings and procedures.
• Contribute to plant documentation and procedures as needed.

Skills

Electrical safety

SCADA familiarity

Teamwork

Troubleshooting

Strong communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical degree or Solar certification (preferred)

Tools

SCADA

CMMS

Job description

Are you ready to be part of a companythat'snot just talking about the future, but actively shaping it? Join The AES Corporation, the largest US-based global power company witha teamof 8,300employees across 12 countries. AES has beenranked #1 byBloombergNEFin renewable energy sales to corporations in the US and Americas for five consecutive years, providing electricityformillions of peopleworldwide. We are proud to foster a strong workplace culture, earning prominent positions in Great Place to Work rankings across the markets where weoperate. AES was also named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the 13th consecutive year in 2026, highlighting our dedication to integrity, transparency, and responsible business practices.

Our spirit of innovation continues to earn industry recognition. AES is the only seven-time winner of the Edison Electric Institute's Edison Awards in the twenty-first century, a distinction honoringglobal leadership in advancing the electric power industry. Ifyou'reready to be part of a companythat'snot just adapting to change, but driving it, AES is the place for you.We'renot just building a more sustainable future, we're powering it.

AES CE is an established and rapidly growing renewable energy company with regional headquarters in Salt Lake City, UT. This position will cover assigned O&M activities associated with the solar PV sites and substations associated with the utility-scale Solar Energy Plants in Charles City, VA. The AES Operations team is looking for a Solar Apprentice with an understanding of performing Preventative & Corrective maintenance. This individual would play a pivotal and integral role in ensuring that AES CE operates the portfolio to standards that exceed the industry's best practices. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter and can take direction from Field Service leads/team members. As AES CE grows to become one of the leading IPPs in the industry, this role will provide an unparalleled opportunity for professional growth.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for assigned O&M activities associated with the solar PV sites and substations associated with the utility-scale Solar Energy Plants in Charles City, VA.
• Performs/assists with corrective, preventive, and emergency maintenance and operations for which they are qualified to safely and efficiently perform for equipment, including but not limited to installed Inverters (SUNGROW, HITACHI, SIEMENS, ABB), Trackers (SOLTEC & ATI), Combiner Boxes, PV Modules, DC Collection equipment and systems, AC Collection and Distribution equipment and systems,
• Performs/assists with routine maintenance work (electrical troubleshooting and repair, instrumentation calibration and troubleshooting, basic Inverter troubleshooting) up to their capabilities, as assigned and directed by the supervisor and work orders from our maintenance planners.
• Assist/learn how to Prepare and implement switching and clearance orders.
• Operates electrical and mechanical power plant systems.
• Participate in comprehensive and ongoing training as required, demonstrating AES CE's commitment to your professional development.
• Performs/assists with technical and administrative duties associated with operating and maintaining a power plant.
• May assist with site vegetation management plans, including running tractors, riding mowers, and other vegetation maintenance equipment as needed.
• Writes/assists with Plant Orders, Plant Procedures, Operating Instructions, and otherdocuments assigned.
• Ensures work follows Environmental and Safety requirements and is appropriately documented.
• May perform work independently and in work crews, depending upon skills, experience, and job in hand.

Desired Skills, Expertise, and Competencies

• Understands and promotes general workplace safety and the ability to follow safety standards and help the company improve upon the standards in place.
• Experience with electrical systems and familiarity with basic safety principles including LOTO and Electrical Safety.
• Must have experience operating personal computers with technical proficiency in standard business software. Experience with SCADA and Computerized Maintenance Management Systems is highly recommended.
• Ability to excel in a collaborative, cross-functional, and geographically diverse organization.
• Integrity and excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing, with leaders and colleagues.
• Promotes the site team; is an assertive teammate willing to assist others when appropriate.
• High-energy, developed interpersonal skills and a strong work ethic.
• Meticulous, able to synthesize complex analysis, approach new challenges creatively, and summarize information to support critical decision-makers.
• Excellent hands-on abilities with strong technical skills.
• Ability to read, write, and understand English.
• Knowledge of applicable safety and environmental regulations
• Demonstrates proactive enthusiasm for solving problems and adding value to the company.
• Maintains a current level of professional knowledge.
• Focuses on personal growth and development by actively seeking feedback and responding with action.
• Ability to establish a positive and professional working relationship with all individuals
• Communicates openly and honestly and does not engage in gossip.
• Model's professional behaviors of conduct and etiquette.

Education / Experience

• Possess a high school diploma or GED.
• (Preferred) Possess a Technical degree or Solar certification
• Experience in solar system installation as an asset.
• Basic knowledge of electrical or mechanical fundamentals

Working Conditions

• Working outside in a standard solar power plant and office environment, including high/low ambient temperatures and high/low humidity areas, and possibly working at heights.
• Requires standing, sitting, walking, kneeling, twisting, climbing stairs and ladders, and entering plant equipment to access, inspect, or collect data on plant equipment.
• Requires personal protective safety equipment (FR Clothing, safety glasses, hard hat, appropriate footwear, ear plugs, etc.).
• May be required to work around rotating and energized equipment, hazardous materials, and chemicals.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Work overtime and non-standard working hours as required.
• Travel to sites outside the typical area to support team members in our region.
• On-call duties are at least one week each month unless other team members are willing to cover your shift.

Compensation

• Commensurate with experience; competitive.

AES is an Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed to building strength and delivering long-terminational sustainability through diversity and inclusion. Respecting all backgrounds, differences and perspectives enables us to improve the lives of our people, customers, suppliers, contractors, and the communities in which we live and work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, race, national origin, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic