Team Lead, Field Operations - Solar & BESS

AES Clean Energy seeks a Team Lead for Field Operations to direct maintenance and construction support activities across solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage system (BESS) facilities in the Mojave/California City region. You will lead a team of 4–10 technicians in preventive and corrective O&M work, coordinate contractors, manage safety protocols, and support the Regional Field Services Manager in meeting regional maintenance obligations.

Responsibilities

• Lead solar PV, BESS, and substation operations and maintenance efforts, including advanced troubleshooting of AC/DC electrical systems, in compliance with safety and environmental standards.
• Direct preventive and corrective O&M activities assigned to the team; stop unsafe work, report and correct hazards, and submit incident reports.
• Provide performance and developmental leadership to team members; identify continuous improvement opportunities for safe, efficient, reliable service delivery.
• Schedule and implement site training and qualification programs; manage team certification and competency tracking.
• Coordinate and manage contractors and third-party vendors; develop work scopes, manage schedules, and ensure AES safety procedures are followed.
• Support or lead warranty claims processes with equipment manufacturers and engineering providers.
• Establish and maintain annual on-call schedules; respond to after-hours emergency situations as necessary.
• Generate and maintain timely, complete documentation: service tickets, maintenance reports, switching orders, and safety documentation (JHAs/JSAs, Safe Work Permits, LOTO, Energized Electrical Work Permits, Excavation Permits).
• Facilitate adoption of computerized maintenance management system (CMMS); ensure accurate inventory tracking and timely re-ordering of consumables and spare parts.
• Collaborate with engineering teams on investigation results and OEM recommendations; institute plant solutions and document changes through change management systems.
• Participate in construction and commissioning activities as needed to ensure quality builds, successful commissioning, and smooth transition to operations.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA standards, NFPA 70E, NFPA standards, applicable environmental regulations, and company policies.
• Stay current on relevant technical and safety standards; share knowledge with team.
• Oversee standard maintenance for vehicles and equipment; coordinate shared equipment usage and repair needs.
• Work closely with Regional Manager and Engineering to remediate site issues and enhance operating portfolio performance.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of hands-on experience with utility-scale electrical systems.
• Experience with utility-scale or commercial & industrial (C&I) PV systems required; BESS experience preferred.
• Appropriate electrical trade qualification (e.g., electrician license or equivalent).
• Operational knowledge of SEL relays, pad-mounted switchgear, re-closers, and Fluence Smart Grid Racking Systems.
• Hands-on experience with utility solar inverters: Power Electronics HEC, HEC 1500V, AE 1000NX, AE 500NX, SMA 750CP, TMEIC, Schneider CS 1670, Sungrow, and Power One Trio string inverter.
• Experience with PV array tracker systems: ATI (V2, V2.5, V3).
• Knowledge of OSHA standards, NFPA 70E, lockout/tagout/grounding procedures, and DC/AC electrical system troubleshooting.
• Proficiency with CMMS, DAS/SCADA systems, equipment-specific maintenance programs, and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to read and interpret equipment schematics, maintenance manuals, procedures, and technical documentation.
• NFPA 70E and OSHA 30 certifications strongly preferred.
• Valid driver's license; ability to travel regionally via company vehicle and regional air travel.
• Ability to work in outdoor solar power plant environments, including high/low temperatures and humidity; capability to work at heights, climb ladders, kneel, twist, and access plant equipment for inspection and data collection.
• Ability to occasionally lift as appropriate for job duties.
• Willingness to work non-standard hours and respond to after-hours emergencies as plant readiness requires.
• College degree in a related field is a plus.
• 3 or more years of supervisory experience is a plus.

Benefits

• Salary: $119,500–$149,175/year, based on location, knowledge, skills, and experience; subject to modification for performance and market factors.
• Annual performance bonus eligibility.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life insurance.
• 401(k) eligibility.
• Paid time off: vacation, sick leave, and parental leave.