Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Energy Technician

🎯 Role Definition

As an Energy Technician, you are the backbone of our operational success. You will be entrusted with ensuring the peak performance and reliability of our diverse energy assets, which may include solar arrays, wind turbines, battery storage systems, or traditional power generation equipment. Your day-to-day will involve a blend of scheduled preventative maintenance, complex troubleshooting, and responsive repair work. This role requires a proactive mindset, the ability to work independently, and a dedication to upholding the highest standards of safety and technical excellence. You will serve as a key technical resource in the field, interfacing with clients, project managers, and engineers to guarantee our systems operate flawlessly and efficiently.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Apprentice Technician or Electrician Helper
Technical/Vocational School Graduate
Military Veteran (e.g., Electrician's Mate, Power-Generation Equipment Repairer)
Industrial Maintenance Technician

Advancement To:

Lead Energy Technician or Senior Technician
Field Service Supervisor or Operations Manager
Site Manager or Project Manager
Commissioning Engineer

Lateral Moves:

Energy Auditor or Analyst
SCADA/Controls Technician
Safety Coordinator
Technical Trainer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform comprehensive preventative and corrective maintenance on utility-scale solar, wind, or battery storage systems to ensure maximum uptime and operational efficiency.
Conduct detailed inspections, testing, and diagnostics of electrical components, including inverters, transformers, switchgear, and collection systems, using advanced diagnostic tools.
Troubleshoot and resolve complex mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical faults in energy generation equipment, documenting root cause analysis and implementing long-term solutions.
Execute the commissioning and performance verification of newly installed energy projects, ensuring all systems meet or exceed design specifications and contractual obligations.
Read, interpret, and work from technical drawings, schematics, and service manuals to perform installations, repairs, and system upgrades.
Adhere strictly to all company, state, and federal safety protocols (e.g., OSHA, NFPA 70E), including lockout/tagout procedures and working safely at heights or in confined spaces.
Operate and maintain a variety of heavy equipment, such as cranes, forklifts, and aerial lifts, in a safe and proficient manner.
Maintain meticulous records of all maintenance activities, service reports, and parts inventory using a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
Respond promptly to emergency service calls and system alarms, working effectively under pressure to restore system functionality as quickly and safely as possible.
Perform site assessments and feasibility studies for potential new energy system installations, providing technical input on design and layout.
Manage and maintain a service vehicle, ensuring it is well-stocked with necessary tools, spare parts, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Interface directly with clients and site owners to provide clear updates on system status, explain technical issues, and ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.
Calibrate and configure system monitoring and control hardware (SCADA) to ensure accurate data reporting and remote operational capability.
Conduct thermal imaging inspections on electrical components and solar modules to proactively identify potential failures or defects.
Replace major components of energy systems, such as wind turbine gearboxes, blades, generators, or large-scale inverters, requiring mechanical and rigging expertise.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to identify performance trends or anomalies.
Provide on-the-job training and mentorship to junior technicians and apprentices, fostering a culture of continuous learning and skill development.
Assist project management teams with construction and installation oversight, ensuring work is completed to a high standard of quality.
Contribute to the development and refinement of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and maintenance best practices.
Manage relationships with third-party vendors and subcontractors, overseeing their work on-site to ensure compliance with our standards.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the broader operations team.
Contribute to the organization's data strategy by providing field-level feedback on data collection and system monitoring tools.
Collaborate with engineering teams to translate operational challenges into actionable engineering requirements for system improvements.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficiency in electrical troubleshooting of AC/DC circuits, up to and including medium voltage systems.
Advanced knowledge of National Electrical Code (NEC) and OSHA safety standards (e.g., Lockout/Tagout, Fall Protection).
Expertise in using diagnostic tools like multimeters, insulation testers (meggers), thermal cameras, and power quality analyzers.
Strong mechanical aptitude with experience in hydraulic, gearing, and rotating equipment maintenance.
Hands-on experience with the installation, commissioning, and maintenance of solar PV systems or wind turbines.
Ability to read and interpret complex electrical schematics, blueprints, and one-line diagrams.
Proficiency with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) for work order tracking and reporting.
Experience with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems for remote monitoring and control.
Relevant industry certifications, such as NABCEP (for solar), GWO (for wind), or a state Journeyman Electrician license.
Competency in operating heavy machinery, including forklifts, aerial lifts, and manlifts.

Soft Skills

Exceptional problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities to diagnose and resolve complex technical issues under pressure.
Strong verbal and written communication skills for creating detailed reports and interacting with clients and team members.
High level of attention to detail and a commitment to quality, precision, and safety.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in remote field environments.
Excellent teamwork and collaboration skills to work effectively with engineers, project managers, and other technicians.
Superior time management and organizational skills to prioritize tasks in a dynamic, fast-paced setting.
Physical stamina and the ability to work at heights, in challenging weather conditions, and lift heavy objects.
A proactive and adaptable mindset with a strong sense of personal accountability.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED, combined with a certificate from a technical/vocational school or a completed apprenticeship program.

Preferred Education:

Associate's Degree (A.A.S.) in a relevant technical discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Renewable Energy Technology
Electrical Engineering Technology
Wind Energy Technology
Power Generation Technology
Industrial Maintenance

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-5 years of hands-on experience in electrical/mechanical maintenance, preferably in the energy, industrial, or manufacturing sectors.

Preferred: 5+ years of direct experience as a Field or Energy Technician working on utility-scale solar or wind projects. Experience with commissioning, medium/high voltage systems, and lead technician responsibilities is highly desirable.