Team Lead, Field Operations

At AES Clean Energy, we're accelerating the future of energy, together, while transforming customer experience and delivering unique customer products and solutions.  Field Operations Team Leaders support our expanding teams locally in Hawaii and help grow our portfolio of photovoltaic (PV) solar and battery energy storage systems (BESS) facilities while connecting the region to the broader Field Operations network.

Safety First - Self-starter - Innovative Thinker - Driven by Excellence - Team Player - Accountable

If these characteristics describe you, join our team's exciting journey

A day in the life of the Field Operations Team Leader will include, but is not limited to:

Lead and manage YOUR team at solar+battery facilities on the island of Kauai (Lawai & Kekaha) sites and other sites currently under construction.  Build and create a motivated TEAM of technicians to safely and proactively troubleshoot and repair all equipment at the facility.  The equipment to learn and maintain includes PV solar modules, PV arrays, inverters, and battery energy storage system (BESS battery containers).   Candidate must be able to bring a TEAM together and earn trust. Communicate effectively to solve complex issues with the site team, the Hawaii region team, and the AES Clean Energy engineers across North America.  Prioritize effectively a long list of concerns and challenges and develop a plan of action for correction.  Work daily to ensure that all equipment is operating to maximum efficiency to keep our customers grid stable for power to the local communities.  Lead, coordinate and support third party technicians in their site location in performing preventive & corrective maintenance and supporting ongoing construction activities. Plan, coordinate and manage the safe, efficient, and reliable delivery of field services to facility owners and assist the Regional Manager in planning to meet regional maintenance obligations. Work closely with the Regional Manager, Engineering team, and others to remediate site issues and enhance the operating portfolio's performance.  Goal: maximum equipment availability. Coordinate and manage contractors engaged to support maintenance activities and ensuring AES Safety procedures are followed. Safe and efficient operations are the name of the game at AES Clean Energy.  Integrity, training, and qualification in our TEAM leads to best performance through ownership, level of knowledge, procedural compliance, a questioning attitude, and formal use of procedure are the pillars we strive for in daily success. 

The successful candidate will have a depth of experience in the managing technical maintenance teams for the operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of AC and DC electrical systems of varying types and voltages - especially experience working with PV solar systems and substations (MV/HV).  This position will be based onsite at Lawai & Kekaha solar+battery sites.  Some remote work will be  required in the support of the Hawaii region, and other site that are under construction. 

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage YOUR team at solar+battery facilities at Lawai & Kekaha sites and other sites currently under construction.  Build and create a motivated TEAM of technicians to safely and proactively troubleshoot and repair all equipment at the facility.  Equipment to learn and maintain includes PV solar modules, PV arrays, inverters, and battery energy storage system (BESS battery containers). 
• Lead coordination with third party teams for solar PV site and substation operations and maintenance efforts including advanced troubleshooting in accordance with applicable safety and environmental obligations.
• Lead and manage every business day and any time during emergency needs at site to ensure better coordination with the site field operations team.
• Stop unsafe work, report and correct unsafe conditions or hazards - review and submit applicable accident / incident report.  Work with and support Regional Safety Manager.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement of O&M activities to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable delivery of field services.
• Support, or lead as necessary, warranty claims processes with EPC providers and equipment vendors.
• Maintain responsive and positive relationship with plant owner representatives.
• Ensure the scheduling and implementation of site training and qualification efforts.
• Assist in third-party contractor and vendor identification and onboarding- develop work scopes and manage and schedule contractors as needed.
• Ensure the establishment of annual on-call schedule and communicate that schedule as needed to internal and external parties; respond to "after-hours" emergency situations as necessary.
• Ensure timely, complete, and high-quality documentation related to O&M activities, including but not limited to service tickets, maintenance reports, switching orders, and safety-related documentation such as JHAs/JSAs, Safe Work Permits, LOTO, Energized Electrical Work Permits, and excavation permits, etc.).
• Work with engineering to review investigation results and/or recommendations from OEMs and institute plant solutions/modifications, document through change management system.
• Collaborate with procurement team for accurate tracking of inventory levels - initiate re-order of consumables and spare parts as needed.
• As needed, participate in the construction/ commissioning of the facilities within the region to ensure a high-quality build, successful commissioning, timely project punch list closeout, and smooth transition of responsibility to the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Team.

• Ensure compliance with all applicable safety and environmental (EHSS) requirements, regional and federal regulations, and AES company policies.
• Stay abreast of applicable technical & safety standards and share with the team.

• Facilitate effective communication for all activities using phone, email, and other business software such as our Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Perform and lead other duties and administrative tasks as assigned by management.

Skills and Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to lead a team and achieve goals.  5 years or more supervisory experience is a plus. Must be able to balance your time working with the TEAM in the field, and time where you are working in the office at site. 
• Knowledgeable in the systems, processes and protocols guiding the operations and maintenance of industrial PV solar plants and electrical systems (OSHA standards, NFPA 70e, Lockout/ Tagout/ Grounding, etc.). Operation of relays, pad mounted switchgear, PV modules, PV arrays, inverters, and battery storage containers.  
• Appropriate Electrical trade qualification with at least 5-years working on utility scale electrical systems.
• Experience working with C&I or utility scale power plants required, PV systems a plus. 
• Competence with relevant computer systems including but not limited to CMMS, DAS/SCADA, equipment-specific maintenance programs, and Microsoft Office programs.
• Ability to work remotely and utilize technology to stay connected to the local team, as well as colleagues at administrative offices in Hawaii and North America.
• Ability to lead a team and achieve goals with minimum direct supervision and high degree of self-motivation and reliance.  Must be forward leaning in leadership approach to ensure success. 
• High degree of commitment to a quality safety culture and an incident-free work environment.  Safety must be part of your DNA and be part of all that you do.
• NFPA 70E and OSHA 30 Certification.
• College degree in a related field a plus.
• Candidates considered will have to provide documentation for college degrees and certification.  This will be performed by an outside company that works with AES Clean Energy.
• Ability to read and interpret equipment/facility schematics, maintenance instructions, procedures/manuals, process/procedure documents.
• Personal values consistent with those of the AES:  Safety First, Highest Standards, and All Together.
• Ability to excel in a collaborative, cross-functional and geographically diverse organization.
• Excellent English written and verbal communication skills.
• Positive, professional, and collaborative work ethic.
• Detail oriented, high-energy, adept at problem solving and time management in sometimes high stress situations, highly organized.
• Must be able to lift 35 lbs. (OSHA) without assisted lift device or another employee.
• Must have eyesight corrected to 20/20, must have good hearing.  Candidates cannot be color blind.