Solar Field Technician - Chicago, IL

Location: Chicago, IL

Department: Field Operations

As a Solar Field Technician at QE Solar, you are responsible for providing ongoing field services support to multiple solar, battery storage (BESS) or other renewable energy systems on a continual/on-demand basis in order to optimize equipment performance, troubleshoot/resolve equipment issues, support emergency repairs and other provide ongoing O&M compliance support. In this role you will assist with all routine site inspections, maintenance projects, equipment & system testing, and other project compliance, troubleshoot or restoration matters. Field Service Technicians regularly participate in field support, training and project safety orientations/classes in order to develop skills and technical expertise in one or multiple disciplines including PV array, inverter, medium voltage, BESS and other solar services. Operations Leads, Solar Engineers and other management will provide regular coaching and training and will qualify technicians for field operations.

Essential 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.

Education Required:

• High School or Technical School Degree, Or, equivalent combination of education and experience; Veterans or military experienced candidates are strongly encouraged to apply

Experience Required:

• 0-2+ years of specialist, technical experience with solar projects, BESS, or other renewable systems; Experience with data acquisition systems.

Experience Preferred:

• Experience working with 600v-1500v systems; Strong knowledge of NEC, IEEE and current NFPA-70e requirements; Proficient with technology and computing programs/platforms; C&I/Utility Scale solar work experience; Experience with operations of solar sites and/or project maintenance and compliance.

Specialized or Technical Knowledge Licenses, Certifications Preferred:

• Inverter and/or BESS manufacturers’ certifications (e.g SunGrow, Power Electronics, Solectria, BYD, etc) a plus
• Thermography certifications (Level 1)
• IT/networking skills: Familiarity with RS485, Modbus, tcp/ip, etc.
• NABCEP PV Installer Certification
• Minimum OSHA 10/30 Certification
• Completion of NFPA 70E courses
• CPR/First Aid

QE Solar is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The physical and mental demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. This role is performed primarily in field, construction, or industrial environments. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

This position requires:

• Working in indoor and outdoor environments, including solar sites, construction sites, and industrial facilities, in varying weather conditions (heat, cold, wind, rain, etc.)
• Prolonged periods of standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, and climbing on uneven terrain
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment up to 50 pounds or more, with or without assistance
• Use of hands and fingers to operate tools, testing equipment, and technical devices with precision
• Ability to safely climb ladders, scaffolding, and work at heights
• Ability to work in confined spaces and near energized equipment while maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols
• Visual acuity to read blueprints, schematics, and technical documents, and to identify potential hazards
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, harnesses, arc-flash protection, and other job-specific gear
• Effective verbal communication skills to coordinate with team members, supervisors, and other trades in active work environments

QE Solar offers incredible benefits! We enjoy: 

• 100% paid employee premium on health benefits; additional dependents at low costs and great plans for Health, Dental, Vision, FSA or HSA
• Wellbeing and Employee Assistance
• Perks at Work Marketplace for discounts on gym memberships, classes, tech, vacations, tickets, and more
• Family Building and Adoption Assistance Programs
• Learning & Development Opportunities
• Discounted Life & Disability Insurance 

Workplace Type: On-site 
Salary Range: $25.00 - $35.00 per hour
Employment Type: Full-time
Location: Chicago, IL 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.

About the Company

About QE Solar

We're making clean energy more efficient! For over a decade, the team at QE Solar has brought technical expertise, curiosity, and an investigative approach to the Solar Operations & Maintenance sector, maximizing asset uptime and return on investment while prioritizing safety. QE Solar manages well over 3GWs of PV/BESS projects and hundreds of employees, providing renewable assets  owners the most reliable renewable asset service from coast-to-coast. QE Solar is known for an owner’s mindset in delivering consistent quality and service to our clients with a sense of urgency because we know maintenance issues impact the bottom line.