Technician (Solar)

RES; Suffolk (VA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle

Private health insurance

Contributory pension

Job summary

RES is seeking a Technician (Solar) in Suffolk, Virginia, to perform operations and maintenance on utility-scale solar PV plants and BESS. The ideal candidate will be a qualified electrician with experience in maintaining MW-scale power plants.

The role offers a company vehicle, smart phone, and benefits such as a contributory pension and health insurance. Strong candidates may work towards Authorised Person (AP) or Senior Authorised Person (SAP) status.

Qualifications

• Experience with MW‑scale solar PV plants and DC and HV electrical competencies.
• Ability to manage health and safety requirements.
• Experience installing or maintaining Ethernet and fibre optic communications.

Responsibilities

• Perform operations and maintenance duties on solar PV plants.
• Achieve and maintain health and safety standards.
• Conduct inspection, testing, and maintenance of plant and equipment.

Skills

Strong approach to safe working practices

Excellent communication skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving skills

Computer skills for writing reports

Education

Approved Electrician

Inspection and testing qualifications (C&G 2391 or 2394/5)

Health & Safety qualifications (e.g. IOSH Managing Safely, SMSTS)

Tools

SCADA

High Voltage switchgear

Battery storage technology

Job description

Description

The Technician (Solar) is a field‑based role performing operations and maintenance duties on utility‑scale ground‑mounted solar PV plants & BESS. The overall purpose of the role is to ensure the plants achieve outstanding levels of safety, quality and performance at a cost that meets the operational budget, as part of an industry‑leading team of renewable energy specialists.

The ideal candidate will be a fully qualified electrician with experience operating and maintaining MW‑scale power plants, with DC and HV electrical competencies. This is a permanent role and will require availability for weekend on‑call duties as part of a rota. An overtime system is in place.

A company vehicle, smart phone and laptop/tablet will be provided. RES provides a comprehensive package of benefits including contributory pension, private health insurance and investment in role‑specific training. Strong candidates will have the opportunity to work towards Authorised Person (AP) or Senior Authorised Person (SAP) status.

Key Accountabilities

• Adherence to and management of health and safety requirements at all times and helping to maintain and improve safety standards across the plants.
• Achieve and maintain Authorised Person status commensurate with training received, experience gained and in‑line with individual job role requirements.
• Undertaking planned inspection and maintenance according to legal, technical, manufacturer and contractual requirements.
• Inspection, testing and maintenance of plant and equipment.
• Undertaking AC and DC system testing, troubleshooting and fault‑finding.
• Carry out reactive maintenance, fault diagnosis and resolution in a timely manner.
• Troubleshooting and repairs on sensors and communication equipment including RS485, Ethernet and fibre optic networks.
• Configuration of computer‑based devices and components, including firmware updates.
• Occasionally assisting with ground maintenance, cleaning or mechanical work.
• Induct and manage sub‑contractors, ensure their safe working and undertake quality checks on their work.
• Keeping accurate maintenance records and compiling reports.
• Keeping in close communication with the O&M office and team functions.
• Travelling between the sites and offices.
• Occasionally working away from home for training courses or to cover other sites for up to 1 week at a time.
• Other duties commensurate with the role.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of central inverters desirable.
• Principles of High Voltage operations.
• Strong technical understanding of AC, DC, SCADA, instrumentation and communications networks.
• Good knowledge and understanding of solar PV technology is essential.
• Good knowledge and understanding of HVAC, fire protection, security systems is desirable.
• Good knowledge and understanding of battery storage technology, although training can be given in this area if required.

Skills

• Strong approach to safe working practices.
• Excellent communication skills, fluent written and spoken English.
• Attention to detail.
• Positive, can‑do attitude.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Able to respond to changing priorities and emergent issues.
• Enthusiasm for personal development.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to read and interpret schematic diagrams and technical manuals.
• Computer skills for writing reports, reporting progress and communicating by email.
• Passion, Accountability, Collaboration, Excellence.

Experience

• Experience, reading, writing and amending Risk Assessments and Method Statements.
• Experience liaising with equipment vendors to support diagnosis of faults.
• DC and LV installation, fault finding, testing and commissioning.
• Experience of working remotely without close supervision.
• Solar PV installation and O&M experience (MW‑scale or large commercial ground‑mount).
• Battery storage installation and O&M experience (MW‑scale) is desirable.
• Experience installing or maintaining Ethernet and fibre optic communications.
• Experience working with SCADA or data monitoring systems.
• Working with Central inverters.
• Working with High Voltage switchgear.

Qualifications

• Full UK driving licence.
• Approved Electrician.
• Inspection and testing qualifications (C&G 2391 or 2394/5) highly valued.
• First aid qualifications.
• Health & Safety qualifications (e.g. IOSH Managing Safely, SMSTS).

At RES we celebrate difference as we know it makes our company a great place to work. Encouraging applicants with different backgrounds, ideas and points of view, we create teams who work together to solve complex problems and design practical solutions for our clients. Our multiple perspectives come from many sources including the diverse ethnicity, culture, gender, nationality, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, marital status, parental status, education, social background and life experience of our people.