Solar Technician

Clearway Energy seeks a Solar Technician to join its operations team in Lancaster, California. Reporting to the Maintenance Manager, you will troubleshoot, maintain, service, and repair solar PV systems and associated equipment to ensure safe, effective, and profitable operation of utility-scale solar facilities.

About the Role

This position offers four advancement levels based on experience and demonstrated competency. Entry-level trainees work under direct supervision, shadowing experienced technicians and learning system fundamentals. Level I technicians assist senior staff with PV system maintenance and site operations. Level II technicians perform independent corrective, preventive, and emergency maintenance across multiple facilities. Level III technicians execute complex electrical troubleshooting, inverter and control system diagnostics, and oversee plant documentation and procedure development.

Responsibilities

Technician Trainee:

• Follow safety procedures and maintain a safe working environment under direct supervision
• Shadow and assist experienced technicians in PV systems and electrical component maintenance
• Maintain hand tools in good working order and organized
• Operate and maintain service vehicle
• Work flexible on-call schedule including weeknights, weekends, and holidays
• Demonstrate willingness to learn and accept guidance from supervising technicians
• Pass advancement exam and oral board within six months of hire

Solar Technician Level I:

• Assist higher-level technicians with troubleshooting, maintaining, servicing, and repairing solar PV systems and associated equipment
• Perform technical and administrative duties associated with power facility operations and maintenance
• Help with all site operations as directed by site leadership with minimal supervision
• Ensure work complies with environmental and safety requirements
• Pass advancement exam and oral board within six months of hire

Solar Technician Level II:

• Perform corrective, preventive, and emergency maintenance independently and in work crews
• Travel as needed between facilities
• Pass advancement exam and oral board within six months of hire

Solar Technician Level III:

• Execute routine electrical troubleshooting and repair on PV systems
• Perform instrumentation calibration and troubleshooting
• Troubleshoot distributed control systems and inverters
• Complete work orders for preventive maintenance management system
• Perform corrective, preventive, and emergency maintenance on all PV solar equipment
• Prepare and implement switching and clearance orders with Operations Center
• Operate all electrical and mechanical PV solar power plant systems
• Participate in job hazard analyses, pre-job briefs, and LOTO documentation
• Write plant orders, plant procedures, and operating instructions as assigned
• Ensure work complies with environmental and safety requirements
• Pass exam and oral board within six months of hire

Requirements

Technician Trainee:

• High school diploma or GED required, or willingness to obtain within first six months
• Valid driver's license and good driving record
• Demonstrable mechanical aptitude; no prior electrical experience required
• Ability to safely work in adverse climates and environments
• Ability to travel as required
• Knowledge and ability to use various hand tools
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to create, edit, and modify Microsoft Word and Excel documents
• Ability to work overtime and non-standard hours (nights, holidays, weekends)

Solar Technician Level I:

• Demonstrable mechanical aptitude and basic electrical knowledge from direct work experience in electrical construction trades, power generation, utility environment, or licensed/apprentice electrician work
• Ability to work with electrical wires and differentiate between color-coded wires
• Understanding of general workplace safety and ability to follow safety standards
• Ability to read schematics and wiring diagrams (preferred)
• Verbal and written communication skills and ability to work without direct supervision
• Ability to meet requirements of Clearway Energy Group's Qualified Electrical Worker program
• Knowledge of applicable safety and environmental regulations
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Solar Technician Level II (Additional Requirements):

• 1+ years of power plant or PV solar operations and maintenance/EPC experience
• Alternatively, 2+ years of field experience with instrumentation, electrical controls, or commercial/industrial electrician work
• Demonstrated knowledge of electrical or mechanical fundamentals such as electrical measurements, control circuits, and solid state theory
• Basic knowledge of operational characteristics of power facility equipment and associated control devices
• Demonstrable mechanical aptitude and basic electrical knowledge

Solar Technician Level III (Additional Requirements):

• 4+ years of PV solar experience; instrumentation, electrical controls, or commercial/industrial electrician experience will be considered in lieu
• Proven experience with multiple electrical and construction projects
• Demonstrated knowledge of electrical or mechanical fundamentals and journeyman-level skills such as electrical measurements, control circuits, and solid state theory
• Knowledge of complex analog and digital instrumentation and control systems
• Proper methods for troubleshooting, repairing, and adjusting instruments and control systems
• Experience administering safe methods to clear equipment and knowledge of plant safety rules
• Understanding of reporting, 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 solar generation facilities and switchyards
• Verbal and written communication skills and ability to work without direct supervision
• Ability to travel approximately 5%

General Requirements:

• Must be authorized to work in the United States; Clearway will not sponsor nonimmigrant visas for this position
• 2-year technical degree or equivalent journeyman certification preferred

Benefits

Clearway Energy offers eligible employees working 20+ hours per week comprehensive benefits including generous paid time off, medical, dental, and vision coverage, health and dependent care FSAs, commuter benefits, 401(k) with employer match, life and accident insurance, fertility and adoption assistance, parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and benefits for same-sex marriages and domestic partnerships.

Compensation: Salary ranges by level: Technician Trainee $50,000–$60,000; Solar Technician I $54,000–$77,000; Solar Technician II $62,000–$88,000; Solar Technician III $88,000–$107,000. Actual pay depends on geographic location, skills, experience, education, training, and certifications. This role is eligible to earn an annual cash bonus subject to personal and company performance goals.