Solar Technician

Clearway Energy seeks Solar Technicians for its McKittrick, California solar facility, reporting to the Plant Manager. This role involves troubleshooting, maintaining, servicing, and repairing solar PV systems and associated equipment to ensure safe, efficient, and profitable operations. Three career levels are available with corresponding salary ranges and responsibilities.

About the Role

This is an on-site position at a utility-scale solar generation facility. The Solar Technician performs preventive, corrective, and emergency maintenance on PV solar systems, electrical and mechanical equipment, inverters, and associated instrumentation. Work may include independent task completion or crew-based operations, with occasional travel as needed.

Responsibilities

Solar Technician I:

• Assist higher-level technicians in performing maintenance on solar PV systems and equipment
• Perform technical and administrative duties associated with operating and maintaining the power facility
• Complete work in accordance with environmental and safety requirements
• Participate in required training including on-the-job training, self-study, computer-based training, and classroom instruction

Solar Technician II (additional responsibilities):

• Perform corrective, preventive, and emergency maintenance and operations independently and/or in work crews
• Execute assigned work safely and efficiently within scope of qualification
• Travel as needed for job requirements

Solar Technician III (additional responsibilities):

• Execute routine electrical troubleshooting and repair on PV solar systems
• Perform instrumentation calibration and troubleshooting
• Handle complex maintenance including distributed control systems and inverter troubleshooting
• Complete work orders for the preventive maintenance management system
• Perform corrective, preventive, and emergency maintenance on all PV solar equipment
• Prepare and implement switching and clearance orders in coordination with Operations Center
• Operate all electrical and mechanical PV solar power plant systems
• Participate in training, job hazard analysis (JHA), pre-job briefings (PJB), and lockout/tagout (LOTO) documentation
• Write plant orders, plant procedures, operating instructions, and related documentation as assigned
• Ensure all work meets environmental and safety requirements

Requirements

Solar Technician I:

• High school diploma or GED (or willingness to obtain GED within first 6 months of employment)
• Demonstrable mechanical aptitude and basic electrical knowledge
• Understanding of general workplace safety and ability to follow safety standards
• Valid state driver's license with good driving record (will drive company vehicle)
• Ability to work overtime and non-standard hours (nights, holidays, weekends) as needed
• Professionalism and excellent communication skills
• Computer operation ability with technical proficiency in standard business software
• Knowledge of applicable safety and environmental regulations
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multitasking team

Solar Technician II (additional requirements):

• 1+ years of experience in a power plant or PV solar operations & maintenance (O&M) or engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) experience
• Alternatively, 2+ years of field experience with significant instrumentation & electrical (I&E), instrumentation & controls (I&C), or commercial & industrial (C&I) electrician experience
• Demonstrated knowledge of electrical or mechanical fundamentals including electrical measurements, control circuits, and solid state theory application
• Basic knowledge of operational characteristics of equipment and associated control devices in power facilities

Solar Technician III (additional requirements):

• 4+ years of PV solar experience required; I&E, I&C, and/or C&I electrician experience may substitute for applicable experience
• Proven experience with multiple electrical and construction projects
• Demonstrated knowledge of electrical or mechanical fundamentals (journeyman-level skills) including electrical measurements, control circuits, and solid state theory application
• Knowledge of complex analog and digital instrumentation and control systems
• Proper methods for troubleshooting, repairing, and adjusting instruments and control systems
• Experience administering safe equipment clearance methods, proper tool use, and plant safety rules
• Understanding of reporting procedures and practices and maintenance procedures and practices
• Knowledge of electrical and mechanical prints
• Familiarity with PV solar plant terminology and nomenclature
• Qualified to perform routine and emergency operations at a solar generation facility and switchyard
• Able to communicate verbally and in writing; able to work without direct supervision during task performance
• Able to travel approximately 5%
• U.S. work authorization (Clearway will not sponsor nonimmigrant visas for this position)

Benefits

Clearway Energy offers eligible employees working 20 or more hours per week a comprehensive benefits package including generous paid time off (PTO), medical, dental, and vision care, health savings accounts (HSAs) with company contributions, dependent daycare flexible spending accounts (FSAs), commuter benefits, 401(k) plan with employer match, life and accident insurance, fertility programs, adoption assistance, generous parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and benefits for employees in same-sex marriages, civil unions, and domestic partnerships.

Pay Ranges by Level:

• Solar Technician I: $54,000 – $77,000 annually
• Solar Technician II: $62,000 – $88,000 annually
• Solar Technician III: $88,000 – $107,000 annually

Final compensation depends on geographic location, skills, relevant and demonstrated experience, education, training, certifications, and other factors permitted by law. This role is eligible to earn an annual cash bonus subject to personal and company performance goals.

Preferred Qualification: 2-year technical degree or equivalent journeyman certification/qualifications.