Solar Technician Apprentice

The Solar Technician Apprentice role at AES supports operations and maintenance for utility-scale solar PV sites and substations in Charles City County, VA. AES CE maintains regional headquarters in Salt Lake City, UT, and this position assists with preventive, corrective, and emergency work on inverters, trackers, combiner boxes, PV modules, and both DC and AC collection systems. The apprentice participates in ongoing training and may work independently or in crews as skills develop.

Responsibilities

• Perform assigned O&M activities at solar PV sites and substations in Charles City County, VA.
• Assist with corrective, preventive, and emergency maintenance on installed inverters (SUNGROW, HITACHI, SIEMENS, ABB), trackers (SOLTEC & ATI), combiner boxes, PV modules, DC collection equipment, and AC collection and distribution systems.
• Conduct routine electrical troubleshooting and repair, instrumentation calibration, and basic inverter troubleshooting as directed.
• Prepare and implement switching and clearance orders.
• Operate electrical and mechanical power plant systems.
• Assist with vegetation management using tractors, riding mowers, and related equipment.
• Support preparation of plant orders, procedures, and operating instructions.
• Ensure work complies with environmental and safety requirements and is properly documented.
• Complete technical and administrative duties associated with power plant operation.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required; technical degree or solar certification preferred.
• Experience in solar system installation preferred.
• Basic knowledge of electrical or mechanical fundamentals.
• Proficiency with personal computers and standard business software.
• Familiarity with SCADA and computerized maintenance management systems recommended.
• Understanding of LOTO and electrical safety principles.
• Ability to work outside in solar power plant environments with high or low ambient temperatures, high or low humidity, and at heights.
• Capability to stand, sit, walk, kneel, twist, climb stairs and ladders, and enter plant equipment for inspection or data collection.
• Requirement to wear personal protective equipment including FR clothing, safety glasses, hard hat, appropriate footwear, and ear plugs.
• Ability to work around rotating and energized equipment, hazardous materials, and chemicals.
• Willingness to work overtime, non-standard hours, and on-call duty for at least one week per month.
• Readiness to travel to sites outside the typical area to support regional team members.

Benefits

• Hourly pay range of $26.00 to $31.03, plus annual bonus.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life insurance.
• 401(k) eligibility.
• Paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and parental leave.