Solar Project Technician (East Coast Region)

Nevados; Winchester (VA); Remote; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job description

Company Overview

Nevados is the premier solar tracker company for PV power plants built on sloped and rolling terrain. We offer innovative all-terrain trackers paired with a comprehensive software suite in an integrated technology platform that optimizes solar performance, improves plant reliability and respects the natural landscape. Headquartered in Oakland and backed by institutional capital, Nevados is transforming utility-scale PV deployment with our tracking solutions and partnership approach.

Nevados is a distributed organization with many team members working remotely, while other roles require an in-office and on-site presence. Specifics of the work location, travel expectations and other role requirements are outlined in the position overview. Ideal candidates are self-motivated and able to manage their time effectively.

Position Description

The Solar Projects Technician has day-to-day activities both on project sites as well as monitoring of sites remotely through the Nevados Dashboard and compiling reports for distribution among the Nevados team. This is a travel-heavy position with greater than 50% travel, and candidates will ideally be based in a region that allows travel easily to our sites. East coast projects are primarily based in Michigan, New York, Virginia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Maine, with potential to expand to other areas in the near future.

Ideal candidates have experience with reporting and data analysis, strong computer savviness and experience with Microsoft tools, including Excel.

Commissioning of New Sites

• Technicians will be on site with proper equipment. Nevados will provide all equipment and tools necessary, this includes: Laptop, laptop commissioning equipment, hand tools, and spare parts. Spares will include batteries, keypad membranes, at least 1 Row Controller, XBEE’s (radio for the Row Controller), antennas (Row Controller and Zone Controller), etc.
• Familiarity with hand tools and power tools is required. This includes Philips Screwdriver, basic socket set 8mm-19 mm, MC-4 connector removal tool, Flat Head Screwdriver, impact driver, torque wrench, multiple styles of pliers, socket extensions, 10mm hex head, wire cutters, Digital Multimeter.
• Be the onsite point of contact between the off-site commissioning and controls team.
• Updating commissioning reports after site visits for distribution to Nevados internally.
• Creates detailed reports on the field service work and monitoring data.
• Updating onsite trouble shooting reports after site visits for distribution to Nevados internally.
• Updating Quality controls checks and reports after site visits for distribution to Nevados internally.
• General clean up of jobsite after work is completed.

Day to Day Activities when Not Onsite

• Provide timely monitoring and audits of solar systems via monitoring portals.
• The technician will coordinate the resolution with both internal and external teams and resolve any issues as soon as possible.
• Completing site visit summaries, weekly reports on how the sites are performing and what is needed to rectify issues onsite.
• Technician will request spare parts needed for job site visits.
• Attend weekly calls with project owners and Nevados team.
• Other duties include mechanical testing of newly designed products, (this will take place mainly at our headquarters in Oakland CA with some travel to our manufacturing facilities).
• Scheduling site visits for the new potential customers (you will develop a relationship with the onsite personnel).
• Training the onsite O&M team on the product, how it works, the dashboard, and how to diagnose and rectify the issues onsite.
• Support the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) activities to maintain the performance of solar systems.
• Provides training to partners on monitoring best practices.

Qualifications

• Previous Solar installation experience a plus, will also consider those with experience as automotive mechanic, electrician, and HVAC Technician.
• Ability to lift heavy objects of 50-100lbs of weight throughout onsite jobsite visits.
• Basic understanding of mechanical, hydraulic, and electronic assemblies.
• Knowledge and ability to create word documents and PowerPoint presentations.
• Ability to pull and work with data from multiple places including proprietary software.
• Strong Excel experience and ability to analyze data.
• Ability to multitask.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Computer savviness.
• Ability to read and understand blueprints and plans.
• Ability to read and understand installation manuals and troubleshooting various parts onsite as needed.
• Ability to use a laptop to plug in to equipment onsite with guidance of off-site controls team to install software firmware.
• Ability to set up and climb ladders if needed.
• Ability to work in various climates (hot sun, cold, etc.).
• Must be able to work in a safe manner and conform to OSHA standards.
• English fluency (verbal and written).
• Ability to meet and exceed customer support satisfaction.

Travel Requirements

• Travel heavy position, up to 50%.
• Visits to job sites within continental USA. Travel will vary based on client needs.
• Valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.
• Ability to drive long distances as needed.
• Reliable vehicle and up-to-date insurance.
• Travel to job sites within driving distance will require use of personal vehicle, travel outside of this radius will require flying to site.

$30 - $35 an hour

These ranges indicate base salary. See more regarding total compensation packages below. Actual compensation will be determined based on candidate experience, skillset, and location.

Benefits & Total Compensation Package

Nevados offers competitive base salary, bonus, commission (if applicable to the role) and stock options commensurate with qualifications and experience. Full time employees and their eligible dependents are offered medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long term disability and vol life. We also offer 401(k) participation, unlimited PTO, generous sick leave, paid company holidays and additional benefit offerings as we continue to grow.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Unless otherwise explicitly stated as a requirement of the role, candidates must be willing to travel at least 10-20% of the time for company off-sites, conferences, trade shows, site visits, and other potential events as needed.

Don't meet every qualification listed in the job posting above? Apply anyway! Nevados is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to building a more inclusive ecosystem that integrates women, people of color, and other underrepresented groups into the cleantech sector and the broader tech industry. We strongly encourage applications from qualified individuals, even if your past experience doesn't align perfectly. You might be a fit for this role or another open position.

Interview Process

At Nevados, our interview process is designed to be comprehensive and thorough to ensure the best fit for both the candidate and our team. It typically entails 3-5 conversations over the course of 3-4 weeks. This timeline and format may vary based on the role as well as availability of team members and the candidate. The process is subject to change at any time.

Phone Screen: An initial call with Recruiting to discuss your background, expectations, and interest in the role.

Discussions with Hiring Managers: In-depth calls with hiring managers/team members to assess your technical skills and fit.

Cross Functional Team Member Interviews: Meetings to gauge team dynamics and working style.

Executive Leadership Conversations: Discussions with our executive team to ensure alignment with the company's strategic goals and vision.

Professional Reference Checks: The final step before an offer involves contacting your provided professional references to verify your qualifications and past performance.

We look forward to getting to know you better and exploring the possibility of you joining our team!