Solar & BESS Technician I

The Solar & BESS Technician I role with AES is based at the Waikoloa solar+battery facility on Big Island, Hawaii, with support for other Hawaii-region sites under construction. The position performs preventative and corrective maintenance on PV modules, arrays, inverters, and BESS containers while assisting with ongoing construction activities and third-party contractors. Some regional remote work and on-call coverage are required.

Responsibilities

• Perform assigned preventative and corrective O&M activities on PV solar modules, PV arrays, inverters, combiner boxes, and BESS containers in accordance with safety and environmental obligations.
• Stop unsafe work, report and correct hazards, and submit applicable accident or incident reports.
• Coordinate with the Lead Technician and Regional Safety Manager on safety matters and continuous improvement of O&M activities.
• Maintain standard service for vehicles and equipment and coordinate repair needs or shared equipment use.
• Support warranty claim processes with EPC providers and equipment vendors.
• Assist with scheduling and implementing site training and qualification efforts.
• Identify, onboard, and manage third-party contractors and vendors, including development of work scopes and schedules.
• Maintain an annual on-call schedule and respond to after-hours emergencies as needed.
• Complete timely documentation including service tickets, maintenance reports, switching orders, JHAs/JSAs, Safe Work Permits, LOTO, Energized Electrical Work Permits, and excavation permits.
• Track inventory levels and initiate re-orders of consumables and spare parts in coordination with procurement.
• Participate in construction and commissioning activities to support high-quality build, punch-list closeout, and transition to O&M.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable EHSS requirements, regulations, and company policies.
• Perform other duties and administrative tasks as assigned.

Requirements

• One year of experience as a solar PV technician or three years of experience in a power plant with utility-scale electrical systems.
• Technical degree or equivalent Journeyman qualification in an electrical trade.
• Knowledge of 1500 Vdc combiner boxes, 3-phase 850 Vac inverters, 1216-1500 Vdc AC/DC operating range, 625-1475 Vdc DC/DC SOC voltage range, and 1312 Vdc maximum BESS container operating range.
• Knowledge of OSHA standards, NFPA 70E, Lockout/Tagout/Grounding protocols for industrial PV solar plants and electrical systems.
• Experience operating relays, pad-mounted switchgear, PV modules, PV arrays, inverters, and battery storage containers.
• Ability to read and interpret equipment schematics, maintenance instructions, procedures, and manuals.
• Competence with CMMS, DAS/SCADA, equipment-specific maintenance programs, and Microsoft Office.
• NFPA 70E and OSHA 30 Certification.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain a TWIC card.
• Ability to lift 35 lbs without assistance.
• Eyesight corrected to 20/20, good hearing, and no color blindness.
• Ability to work in a power plant environment 24/7, including overtime of 2-3 hours daily as needed, around rotating and energized equipment, hazardous materials, and chemicals.
• Ability to work outside in high/low temperatures and humidity, at heights, standing, sitting, walking, kneeling, twisting, climbing stairs and ladders, and entering plant equipment.
• Regional travel by company vehicle and occasional air travel; must maintain valid driver’s license.

Benefits

• Hourly pay range of $28.50 to $34.21 at commencement, with annual bonus eligibility.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life insurance.
• 401(k) eligibility.
• Paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and parental leave.