Solar Operations Lead

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.

Salary : $75,000 - $85,000