Solar Technician Apprentice

Socket.dev; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 74,501,000 - 88,784,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) eligibility

Paid time off

Job summary

AES CE is seeking a Solar Apprentice to support O&M activities for solar PV sites and substations in Spotsylvania, VA and Orange County. The role requires performing preventative, corrective, and routine maintenance, with a focus on safety and reliable plant operations.

The ideal candidate has a high school diploma or GED, and preferably a technical degree or solar certification. Travel to regional sites and ongoing training are part of the job.”

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Technical degree or Solar certification is preferred.
• Experience in solar system installation is a plus.
• Basic knowledge of electrical or mechanical fundamentals.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and operate solar PV sites and substations.
• Perform preventative, corrective, and emergency maintenance and operations.
• Follow safety standards including LOTO and electrical safety.
• Prepare and implement switching and clearance orders.
• Operate electrical and mechanical power plant systems.
• Participate in ongoing training for professional development.

Skills

Safety Awareness

Team Collaboration

Technical Aptitude

Communication Skills

Problem Solving

English Literacy

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical degree or Solar certification

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'repowering 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 inSpotsylvania,VA& Madison Solar in Orange County. The AES Operations team is looking for a SolarApprenticewithan understanding of performingPreventative & Corrective maintenance.This individual would play a pivotaland integralrole in ensuring that AES CEoperatesthe portfolio to standards that exceedthe industry’s best practices. The ideal candidate will be aself-starter andcantake direction from Field Service leads/team members. As AES CE grows to become one of the leading IPPs in the industry, this role willprovidean 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 inSpotsylvania,VA& Orange County.
• 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 (SMA,TMIEC,EATON), Trackers (NEXTracker & 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 thesupervisor and work orders fromourmaintenanceplanners.
• Assist/learn how to Prepare and implementswitching and clearance orders.
• Operates electrical and mechanical power plant systems.
• Participateincomprehensive and ongoing training asrequired,demonstratingAES CE's commitment to your professional development.
• Performs/assists with technical and administrative duties associated with operating andmaintaininga power plant.
• Mayassistwith site vegetation management plans,including running tractors, riding mowers, and other vegetation maintenance equipmentas needed.
• Writes/assists with Plant Orders, Plant Procedures, Operating Instructions,and otherdocumentsassigned.
• Ensures workfollowsEnvironmental and Safety requirementsandis appropriately documented.
• May perform work independentlyandin 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 standardsandhelp the companyimprove uponthe standards in place.
• Experience with electrical systems and familiaritywith basic safety principles includingLOTO and Electrical Safety.
• Must have experienceoperatingpersonalcomputers with technicalproficiencyinstandard 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 assertiveteammatewilling toassistothers whenappropriate.
• High-energy, developed interpersonalskillsanda strongwork ethic.
• Meticulous,ableto synthesize complex analysis, approach new challengescreatively, and summarize information to support critical decision-makers.
• Excellenthands-onabilities 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 toestablisha positive and professional working relationship with all individuals
• Communicates openly and honestlyanddoes not engage in gossip.
• Model’sprofessional behaviors of conduct andetiquette.

Education / Experience

• Possessahigh school diploma orGED.
• (Preferred) PossessaTechnical degree or Solar certification
• Experience in solar systeminstallation asan asset.
• Basic knowledge of electrical or mechanical fundamentals

Working Conditions

• Working outside ina standardsolar power plantandoffice environment, including high/low ambient temperatures and high/low humidity areas, andpossibly 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 berequiredto work around rotating and energized equipment, hazardous materials,and chemicals.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Work overtime and non-standard working hours asrequired.
• Travel to sites outsidethetypical areato support team membersin ourregion.
• On-call dutiesare at least one week each month unless other team members are willing to cover your shift.

AES is an Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed to building strength and delivering long-term 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 protected under applicable law. E-Verify Notice: AES will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.

The expected salary for this position, at commencement of employment, is between $26.00 and $31.03/per hour; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position also includes annual bonus. The benefits offered for this position are: medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, 401(k) eligibility, and paid time off (including vacation, sick leave time, and parental leave). Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if a candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.