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AES

Solar Technician Apprentice

US, Smith Field, VA7 days ago

About The AES Corporation

The AES Corporation is the largest US-based global power company with a team of 8,300 employees across 12 countries. AES has been ranked #1 by BloombergNEF in renewable energy sales to corporations in the US and Americas for five consecutive years, providing electricity for millions of people worldwide.

The company has earned prominent positions in Great Place to Work™ rankings across the markets where we operate, and was named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the 13th consecutive year in 2026. AES is the only seven-time winner of the Edison Electric Institute's Edison Awards in the twenty-first century.

About the Role

AES CE is an established and rapidly growing renewable energy company with regional headquarters in Salt Lake City, UT. This position will cover assigned O&M activities associated with the solar PV sites and substations associated with the utility-scale Solar Energy Plants in Surry, VA.

The AES Operations team is looking for a Solar Apprentice with an understanding of performing Preventative & Corrective maintenance. This individual would play a pivotal and integral role in ensuring that AES CE operates the portfolio to standards that exceed the industry's best practices. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter and can take direction from Field Service leads/team members.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

  • Responsible for assigned O&M activities associated with the solar PV sites and substations associated with the utility-scale Solar Energy Plants in Surry, VA
  • Performs/assists with corrective, preventive, and emergency maintenance and operations for which they are qualified to safely and efficiently perform for equipment, including but not limited to installed Inverters (TMIEC, Prolec), Trackers (ATI), Combiner Boxes, PV Modules, DC Collection equipment and systems, AC Collection and Distribution equipment and systems
  • Performs/assists with routine maintenance work (electrical troubleshooting and repair, instrumentation calibration and troubleshooting, basic Inverter troubleshooting) up to their capabilities, as assigned and directed by the supervisor and work orders from our maintenance planners
  • Assist/learn how to Prepare and implement switching and clearance orders
  • Operates electrical and mechanical power plant systems
  • Participate in comprehensive and ongoing training as required, demonstrating AES CE's commitment to your professional development
  • Performs/assists with technical and administrative duties associated with operating and maintaining a power plant
  • May assist with site vegetation management plans, including running tractors, riding mowers, and other vegetation maintenance equipment as needed
  • Writes/assists with Plant Orders, Plant Procedures, Operating Instructions, and other documents assigned
  • Ensures work follows Environmental and Safety requirements and is appropriately documented
  • May perform work independently and in work crews, depending upon skills, experience, and job in hand

Requirements

Mandatory:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Ability to pass background check and possess a TWIC card within 60 days of employment
  • Understands and promotes general workplace safety and the ability to follow safety standards and help the company improve upon the standards in place
  • Experience with electrical systems and familiarity with basic safety principles including LOTO and Electrical Safety
  • Must have experience operating personal computers with technical proficiency in standard business software
  • Ability to read, write, and understand English
  • Knowledge of applicable safety and environmental regulations

Desired:

  • Technical degree or Solar certification
  • Experience in solar system installation as an asset
  • Basic knowledge of electrical or mechanical fundamentals

Desired Skills, Expertise, and Competencies

  • Ability to excel in a collaborative, cross-functional, and geographically diverse organization
  • Integrity and excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing, with leaders and colleagues
  • Promotes the site team; is an assertive teammate willing to assist others when appropriate
  • High-energy, developed interpersonal skills and a strong work ethic
  • Meticulous, able to synthesize complex analysis, approach new challenges creatively, and summarize information to support critical decision-makers
  • Excellent hands-on abilities with strong technical skills
  • Demonstrates proactive enthusiasm for solving problems and adding value to the company
  • Maintains a current level of professional knowledge
  • Focuses on personal growth and development by actively seeking feedback and responding with action
  • Ability to establish a positive and professional working relationship with all individuals
  • Communicates openly and honestly and does not engage in gossip
  • Model's professional behaviors of conduct and etiquette

Working Conditions

  • Working outside in a standard solar power plant and office environment, including high/low ambient temperatures and high/low humidity areas, and possibly working at heights
  • Requires standing, sitting, walking, kneeling, twisting, climbing stairs and ladders, and entering plant equipment to access, inspect, or collect data on plant equipment
  • Requires personal protective safety equipment (FR Clothing, safety glasses, hard hat, appropriate footwear, ear plugs, etc.)
  • May be required to work around rotating and energized equipment, hazardous materials, and chemicals
  • Performs other duties as assigned
  • Work overtime and non-standard working hours as required
  • Travel to sites outside the typical area to support team members in our region
  • On-call duties are at least one week each month unless other team members are willing to cover your shift

Compensation and Benefits

Salary: The expected salary for this position, at commencement of employment, is between $26.00 and $31.03 per hour; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Additional Compensation: Annual bonus

Benefits:

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Life insurance
  • 401(k) eligibility
  • Paid time off (including vacation, sick leave time, and parental leave)

Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if a candidate receives an offer of employment.

Employment Terms

Employee will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Equal Opportunity

AES is an Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed to building strength and delivering long-term sustainability through diversity and inclusion. Respecting all backgrounds, differences and perspectives enables us to improve the lives of our people, customers, suppliers, contractors, and the communities in which we live and work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, race, national origin, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

Application Deadline

11/12/2026

About AES

<cite index="3-1">The AES Corporation is an American utility and power generation company</cite> that <cite index="3-2">owns and operates power plants, which it uses to generate and sell electricity to end users and intermediaries like utilities and industrial facilities</cite>. <cite index="1-8">The company is organized into four market-oriented strategic business units (SBUs): US and Utilities, South America, MCAC (Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean), and Eurasia</cite>.

Industry
Utilities
Head office
Arlington, Virginia, United States
Company size
8,336
Founded
1981
Power generationEnergy distributionRenewable energyEnergy storageBattery storageSolar energyWind energyGreen hydrogen
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Solar Technician Apprentice