Solar Technician Apprentice

AES CE seeks a Solar Technician Apprentice to support operations and maintenance activities at utility-scale solar photovoltaic plants in Charles City, Virginia. This apprenticeship-track role involves hands-on work with inverters, trackers, combiner boxes, DC/AC collection systems, and associated electrical equipment at active solar facilities. You will work under the supervision of field service leads, participate in preventative and corrective maintenance tasks, and receive structured training to build technical competency in solar plant operations.

Responsibilities

• Perform or assist with preventative, corrective, and emergency maintenance on solar PV equipment including inverters (SUNGROW, HITACHI, SIEMENS, ABB), trackers (SOLTEC, ATI), combiner boxes, PV modules, DC collection systems, and AC collection/distribution systems
• Conduct electrical troubleshooting, repair, and basic inverter troubleshooting up to assigned capability level
• Assist with instrumentation calibration and troubleshooting
• Prepare and implement switching and clearance orders under supervision
• Operate electrical and mechanical power plant systems
• Participate in comprehensive, ongoing technical training as required
• Assist with technical and administrative duties related to power plant operation and maintenance
• Support site vegetation management activities, including operation of tractors and riding mowers
• Assist with development and documentation of plant orders, procedures, operating instructions, and related documents
• Ensure all work complies with environmental and safety requirements and is properly documented

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• Basic knowledge of electrical or mechanical fundamentals
• Ability to operate personal computers and standard business software
• Familiarity with LOTO (lockout/tagout) and electrical safety principles
• Experience with SCADA and Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (preferred)
• Ability to read, write, and understand English
• Technical degree or solar certification (preferred)
• Experience in solar system installation (preferred)
• Ability to work outdoors in high/low ambient temperatures and humidity
• Ability to stand, sit, walk, kneel, twist, climb stairs and ladders, and work at heights
• Ability to work around rotating and energized equipment, hazardous materials, and chemicals
• Requirement to wear personal protective equipment (FR clothing, safety glasses, hard hat, appropriate footwear, ear plugs)
• Availability for overtime and non-standard working hours
• Availability for on-call duty (minimum one week per month unless covered by team members)
• Willingness to travel to regional sites as needed to support team operations

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Life insurance
• 401(k) eligibility
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, parental leave)
• Annual bonus eligibility

Compensation: $26.00–$31.03 per hour, commensurate with experience. Base pay may vary based on market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Location: Charles City County, Virginia

Application Deadline: August 14, 2026