Description
As a Solar Operations Lead you are responsible for providing people leadership, direction, supervision, and direct support and technical expertise for ongoing O&M and compliance support. This includes leading your team and providing direct hands-on support to troubleshoot/resolve equipment issues, support emergency repairs and other services that optimize equipment performance. In this role you will be called upon for your specific skills and technical expertise in one or multiple disciplines including PV array, inverter, medium voltage, battery storage (BESS) and other solar services. Provide technical skills, functional and safety related training to field service technicians, electricians and other members of the organization. Participates in hiring, coaching, performance evaluation, and disciplinary activities. You will be responsible for coaching and training new Solar Techs, conducting performance reviews, leading initiatives, coordinating and communicating with customers, scheduling work, conducting maintenance, equipment installations, and qualifying technicians and contractors/sub-contractors for field operations.
Travel Requirements: Extensive travel regionally and occasionally nationally, to meet client field operations needs.
Essential Duties & Approximate Commitment Of Time
Performance of Technical Duties: Diagnose and repair systems failures as existing solar sites, identify and correct potential issues that may impact site performance in the future. Assist and support field teams with real-time solutions to site operations issues and execute the same. Diagnose/troubleshoot equipment failures and perform regular preventative maintenance on a variety of solar, BESS and other project equipment. Support field teams and clients via oversight/support of warranty matters regarding equipment and systems for use or replacement. Installs, removes, troubleshoots and the maintenance of solar, BESS and other related electrical equipment. Ensure a safe, event-free work environment through strict adherence to company and client protocols, safety procedures and regulations. Ensure compliance with all safety requirements and safe best practices (e.g. lock-out/tag-out compliance, JHA completion, LDL testing, and compliance with all company safety policies or procedures and work practices). Prepare service tickets and reports for site visits, emergency repairs, equipment modifications and equipment improvement investigations. Provide reports, written and oral communication in a timely and complete fashion. Communicate with technical leads, project leads/managers, and third-party sub-contractors to ensure timely resolution to all required activities; Support recommended performance improvements and at address site safety and compliance concerns; Other responsibilities as directed by manager.
Team Leadership & Supervisory Responsibilities
Coordinate and assign work schedules, time off, approvals, and daily responsibilities of technicians; provide continuous performance and coaching feedback, provide recognition and offer input to management for corrective action; use QE’s Performance Management system for self and team performance objectives, track progress and assess results; participate in hiring and onboarding of new team members; train/mentor junior technicians in the repair and maintenance of facility equipment; assist in the development, execution and oversight of technician training (qualifications, safety, fundamentals and regulatory); build and foster a productive, team–oriented environment; maintain effective communication with team members, customers, clients and other QE employees
Position Requirements
Education Required:
High School or Technical School Degree, Or, equivalent combination of education and experience
Experience Required
4+ years, technical experience with PV Systems, BESS, Data acquisition systems; Experience working with 600v-1500v systems; Strong knowledge of NEC, IEEE and current NFPA-70e requirements; Proficient with technology and computing programs/platforms; 3+ years C&I/Utility Scale solar work experience; 3+ years leading operations of solar sites and/or project maintenance and compliance
Experience Preferred
3+ years of supervising direct reports
Specialized Or Technical Knowledge Licenses, Certifications Preferred
Inverter and/or BESS manufacturers’ certifications (e.g. SunGrow, Power Electronics, Solectria, BYD, etc)
Thermography certifications (Level 1)
AVO transformer, SEL, Relay certificates of training
IT/networking skills: i.e. IP addressing, familiarity with RS485, Modbus, tcp/ip, etc.
NABCEP PV Installer Certification
Minimum OSHA 10/30 Certification
Completion of NFPA 70E courses
CPR/First Aid
Functional Knowledge
Knowledge of National Electrical Code and standard design/construction practices; Clear understanding of OSHA safe workplace practices and procedures; Ability to read and understand electrical single-line and three-line diagrams
Company/Industry Related Knowledge
Electric and related utilities and utility maintenance
Solar energy installation, maintenance and optimization
Physical Requirements
Ability to lift 50 pounds regularly
Ability to move safely over uneven terrain
Ability to sit or drive for prolonged periods
Ability to safely climb ladders while carrying 50 pounds
Ability to work in extreme weather
Job-specific Competencies
In addition to the specific work experience and skills, QE Solar also seeks someone with the qualities listed below:
Exceptional work ethic, with strong values and principles
Able to supervise and coach others in a matrix work environment
Organization, Analyzing Information, and Problem Solving
Willingness to work irregular schedules to meet client/project deadlines
Exceptionally strong communication skills, both written and verbal, interpersonal, and teamwork skills
A firm commitment to client, team, and organization success
Flexible and accommodating and able to go above and beyond the basic expectations when required
High follow-up and organizational skills
Detailed-oriented, with attention to detail for tasks that have zero tolerance for errors
Curiosity
Candor and transparency
Workplace Type: On-site
Salary Range: $75,000-$85,000 Per Year
Employment Type: Full-time
Location: Baltimore, MD United States
Statement To All Third-Party Agencies And Similar Organizations
QE Solar accepts resumes only from contracted recruiting agencies with formal service agreements. Please do not send unsolicited resumes or outreach emails to our QE Solar employees, hiring managers, or team members without expressed consent or contract for services. QE Solar is not responsible for any fees or charges associated with unsolicited resumes or services.
