Solar Technician

The Solar Technician position at Clearway Energy is located in Newburgh, New York, and supports PV assets across Newburgh NY, Shoreham NY, New London CT, and Bridgeport CT. The role covers troubleshooting, maintenance, service, and repair of solar PV systems and associated equipment at four progression levels, with compensation ranging from $50,000-$60,000 for Trainee to $88,000-$107,000 for Level III. The position requires on-call availability, possible travel, and passage of an advancement exam and oral board within six months of hire. No visa sponsorship is available.

Responsibilities

• Follow safety procedures and maintain a safe working environment under direct supervision while shadowing experienced technicians on PV system and electrical component maintenance.
• Keep hand tools organized and in working order, operate and maintain a service vehicle, and work a flexible on-call schedule that may include weeknights, weekends, and holidays.
• Assist higher-level technicians with troubleshooting, maintenance, service, and repair of solar PV systems and associated equipment, and perform other technical and administrative duties at power facilities.
• Complete corrective, preventive, and emergency maintenance and operations for which qualified, working independently or in crews, and ensure compliance with environmental and safety requirements.
• Perform routine electrical troubleshooting and repair, instrumentation calibration, distributed control systems and inverter troubleshooting, and complete work orders in the preventive maintenance management system.
• Prepare and implement switching and clearance orders in coordination with the Operations Center, operate all electrical and mechanical PV solar power plant systems, and participate in training, JHA, PJB, and LOTO documentation.
• Write plant orders, procedures, operating instructions, and other documents as assigned, and perform all duties within the scope of the assigned level.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required or obtained within the first six months of employment, plus a valid driver’s license and good driving record.
• Demonstrable mechanical aptitude and knowledge of various hand tools; ability to safely work in a wide range of adverse climates and environments and to travel as required.
• Ability to meet Clearway Energy Group’s Qualified Electrical Worker program requirements and knowledge of applicable safety and environmental regulations.
• Level I requires demonstrable mechanical aptitude and basic electrical knowledge from qualifying backgrounds such as electrical construction trade work, power generation or utility experience, or licensed/apprentice electrician work, including ability to work with color-coded wires; ability to read schematics and wiring diagrams is preferred.
• Level II requires 1+ years of power plant or PV solar O&M/EPC experience, or 2+ years of field experience with significant I&E, I&C, or C&I electrician work in lieu of solar experience, plus demonstrated knowledge of electrical or mechanical fundamentals such as electrical measurements, control circuits, and solid-state theory application.
• Level III requires 4+ years of PV solar experience, or equivalent I&E, I&C, or C&I electrician experience, plus proven experience with multiple electrical/construction projects, knowledge of complex analog and digital instrumentation and control systems, proper troubleshooting and repair methods for instruments and controls, safe equipment clearing methods, reporting and maintenance procedures, electrical and mechanical prints, and PV solar plant terminology and nomenclature.
• Qualification to perform routine and emergency operations at a solar generation facility and switchyard; ability to travel approximately 5% for Level III.
• 2-year technical degree or equivalent journeyman certification/qualifications preferred.

Benefits

• Generous PTO, medical, dental and vision care, HSAs with company contributions, health FSAs, dependent daycare FSAs, commuter benefits, relocation assistance, 401(k) plan with employer match, life and accident insurances, fertility programs, adoption assistance, generous parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and benefits for employees in same-sex marriages, civil unions, and domestic partnerships.
• Eligibility for an annual cash bonus based on personal and company performance goals.