Job Description: Field Technician – Solar PV + BESS

Location: Hinkley, California (Overnight Solar)
Department: Operations & Maintenance
Reports To: Field Supervisor – Solar PV
Employment Type: Full-Time
Sites: Overnight Solar — 150 MW PV with 4-hour Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)

Position Summary

The Field Technician performs hands-on preventive and corrective maintenance on the Company's utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage (BESS) equipment at Overnight Solar, a 150 MW PV facility paired with a 4-hour BESS located in Hinkley, California. Working under the direction of the Field Supervisor, the Technician carries out day-to-day field work across PV modules, inverters, trackers, combiner boxes, balance-of-plant equipment, and BESS systems, and helps ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the site.

This is a full-time, hourly position based on-site at Overnight Solar. The role requires close coordination with the Field Supervisor and the Remote Operations Center (ROC), strict adherence to safety procedures around high-voltage and battery storage equipment, and the flexibility to respond to equipment alarms and emergent maintenance needs as they arise.

Key Responsibilities

Preventive & Corrective Maintenance

• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance (PM) on PV modules, string/central inverters, trackers, combiner boxes, and balance-of-plant equipment per approved procedures.

• Perform preventive maintenance and routine inspections on BESS equipment, including battery racks, power conversion system (PCS) units, and associated thermal management and fire-suppression systems.

• Troubleshoot and repair equipment failures and underperformance alerts identified through SCADA/DAS alarms or work orders.

• Support root-cause analysis on recurring failure modes alongside the Field Supervisor and O&M engineering.

• Flag spare parts and consumables needs to the Field Supervisor to support parts availability for critical components.

Safety, Compliance & Site Standards

• Follow Lock Out / Tag Out (LOTO), arc-flash, and high-voltage safety procedures on every task; stop work and escalate immediately when conditions are unsafe.

• Participate in job safety analyses (JSAs), toolbox talks, and safety audits; complete assigned corrective actions on schedule.

• Comply with OSHA, NEC, and NFPA 70E requirements, plus applicable state and local environmental regulations.

• Maintain site access, security, and environmental compliance standards (stormwater, vegetation management, and habitat requirements as applicable).

Monitoring Coordination & Work Order Management

• Respond to alarms triaged by the Remote Operations Center (ROC)/SCADA monitoring team and confirm resolution of equipment issues in the field.

• Create, update, and close SAP Plant Maintenance (PM) Work Orders, or the equivalent CMMS, accurately and on schedule.

• Keep the Field Supervisor informed of Work Order status, aging items, and recurring issues.

• Participate in daily and weekly maintenance planning meetings as required.

BESS O&M Support

• Perform visual inspections, cleaning, and functional checks of battery enclosures, PCS units, transformers, and switchgear associated with the 4-hour BESS system.

• Monitor BESS temperature, state-of-charge, and alarm conditions; escalate anomalies per site procedures.

• Support fire-detection/suppression system inspections and emergency response drills specific to battery storage equipment.

• Coordinate with OEM technicians during BESS commissioning support, warranty work, and scheduled maintenance.

Vendor & Contractor Support

• Support on-site work performed by OEM service providers, warranty technicians, and specialty subcontractors (module, inverter, tracker, BESS, and electrical contractors).

• Assist with contractor safety orientation, site access, and compliance with the Company's site rules.

• Document warranty-related issues and support follow-up with OEMs as directed by the Field Supervisor.

Outage & Switching Support

• Support planned outages and equipment isolations coordinated with the ROC/scheduling team to minimize generation loss and ensure safe system states.

• Perform switching operations, clearances, and equipment isolation for field work under the direction of the Field Supervisor, consistent with site procedures.

• Maintain accurate records of planned work, site access, and crew activity.

Reporting & Documentation

• Complete maintenance logs, inspection records, and incident reports accurately and on time.

• Provide input to the Field Supervisor for maintenance and performance reporting (availability, Performance Ratio, Work Order cycle time, downtime causes).

• Support post-event investigations and document lessons learned to prevent recurrence.

Site Inventory Management

• Incoming materials checks, inspections for damages and specifications

• Storage and organization of items, logs into inventory

• Inventory tracking and control, cycle counting

• Critical spares control

• Issuing and material handling

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; vocational/technical training in electrical, electronics, or renewable energy systems preferred.

• Minimum 1–3 years of experience in solar PV operations & maintenance, electrical maintenance, battery energy storage systems, or related utility-scale power plant maintenance.

• Working knowledge of PV system components: modules, string/central inverters, trackers, combiner boxes, and MV/HV transformers and switchgear.

• Basic understanding of battery energy storage system (BESS) components and associated safety considerations.

• Knowledge of electrical safety practices, including LOTO and arc-flash awareness; ability to work under the direction of a qualified supervisor on high-voltage equipment.

• Proficiency with hand and power tools and test equipment (multimeters, insulation testers) and basic diagnostic software.

• Valid driver's license.

• Ability to work outdoors in a desert environment, including extreme heat, and to work at heights and in confined spaces as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with major PV OEM platforms (e.g., First Solar, SMA, Sungrow, Nextracker, or similar).

• Experience with BESS OEM platforms or formal battery safety training.

• Familiarity with SCADA/DAS monitoring platforms and CMMS/work order systems (SAP PM or equivalent).

• OSHA 10-Hour certification or equivalent electrical safety credentials.

• Bilingual (English/Spanish).

Core Competencies

Field Execution

• Hands-on troubleshooting & repair

• Attention to detail & procedure adherence

• Safety-first mindset

• Clear communication & reporting

Technical Acumen

• PV systems knowledge (modules, inverters, trackers, balance-of-plant)

• BESS components & safety awareness

• SCADA/DAS monitoring & alarm response

• SAP PM / CMMS work order proficiency

Working Conditions

• Primary work location: Overnight Solar, Hinkley, California.

• Outdoor desert environment; exposure to extreme heat, sun, dust, and remote site conditions.

• Full-time position; on-call availability may be required for after-hours equipment alarms, safety events, and grid emergencies.

• Must be able to work at heights, in confined spaces, and around energized high-voltage and battery storage equipment while following required safety protocols.

• Must be able to lift and carry equipment and materials as required for maintenance tasks (up to 50 lbs).

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status

Salary Range: $80,000-$120,000