Solar Technician Apprentice

AES Corporation seeks a Solar Technician Apprentice to support operations and maintenance activities at utility-scale solar PV plants in Spotsylvania, VA and Orange County, VA. You will work under the direction of Field Service leads and supervisors, performing preventative and corrective maintenance on solar equipment, substations, and associated systems while building technical expertise in a rapidly growing renewable energy operation.

Responsibilities

• Perform and assist with corrective, preventive, and emergency maintenance and operations on solar PV equipment, including inverters (SMA, TMIEC, EATON), trackers (NEXTracker and ATI), combiner boxes, PV modules, DC collection equipment, and AC collection and distribution equipment and systems
• Conduct routine maintenance work including electrical troubleshooting and repair, instrumentation calibration and troubleshooting, and basic inverter troubleshooting as assigned by supervisor
• Assist with preparation and implementation of switching and clearance orders
• Operate electrical and mechanical power plant systems
• Assist with site vegetation management activities, including operation of tractors, riding mowers, and other vegetation maintenance equipment as needed
• Assist with preparation of plant orders, plant procedures, operating instructions, and related technical and administrative documentation
• Ensure work compliance with environmental and safety requirements and proper documentation
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development programs
• Work independently or as part of work crews depending on skills, experience, and specific assignments
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• Ability to read, write, and understand English
• Basic knowledge of electrical or mechanical fundamentals
• Familiarity with LOTO (lockout/tagout) and electrical safety principles
• Proficiency with personal computers and standard business software
• Experience with SCADA and Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (preferred)
• Experience in solar system installation (preferred)
• Technical degree or solar certification (preferred)
• Knowledge of applicable safety and environmental regulations
• Ability to work in outdoor solar power plant and office environments, including high/low ambient temperatures and high/low humidity
• Ability to work at heights and in confined spaces for equipment access, inspection, and data collection
• Capability to stand, sit, walk, kneel, twist, climb stairs and ladders, and perform physical labor
• Required to wear personal protective equipment (FR clothing, safety glasses, hard hat, appropriate footwear, ear plugs)
• Ability to work around rotating and energized equipment, hazardous materials, and chemicals
• Availability to work overtime and non-standard hours as required
• Availability for on-call duties at least one week per month
• Willingness to travel to regional sites to support team members

Benefits

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

Compensation: $26.00–$31.03 per hour, based on location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.