Traveling Field Training Manager - Solar Operations & Maintenance (O&M)

Job Description

Position: Traveling Field Training Manager - Solar Operations & Maintenance (O&M)

Location: Various, primarily in the southeastern United States

Overview:

The Traveling Field Training Manager is responsible for developing, delivering, and validating technical training programs for field maintenance personnel across utility-scale solar facilities. This role serves as the bridge between classroom learning and field execution, ensuring technicians possess the knowledge, skills, and behaviors necessary to perform maintenance activities safely, efficiently, and consistently.

The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise in solar and electrical systems with a passion for workforce development, coaching, and hands-on skills training. This individual will travel extensively to operational sites to conduct field-based instruction, evaluate technician competency, and support the continuous improvement of training programs and maintenance practices.

Main Responsibilities:

Field Training & Competency Development

• Conduct hands-on technical training and skill verification for Level I, II, and III Maintenance Technicians at utility-scale solar facilities.
• Evaluate technician proficiency in preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, corrective maintenance, safety practices, and operational procedures.
• Provide coaching and developmental feedback to technicians and field leaders to support technical growth and career progression.
• Partner with site and regional leadership to identify skill gaps and develop targeted training solutions.

Technical Instruction & Operational Excellence

• Deliver classroom, virtual, and field-based training on solar PV systems, inverters, medium-voltage equipment, trackers, SCADA systems, and other plant equipment.
• Train personnel on company procedures, maintenance standards, and safe work practices.
• Support technician development in electrical testing, troubleshooting methodologies, and diagnostic techniques.
• Reinforce standardized maintenance practices and promote consistency across operating sites.

Curriculum Development & Program Support

• Assist in the development and continuous improvement of technical training materials, qualification programs, assessments, and hands-on exercises.
• Create and maintain competency evaluations, practical assessments, job aids, and knowledge checks.
• Collaborate with Operations, Safety, and Engineering teams to ensure training aligns with company standards and industry best practices.
• Support onboarding, technician qualification programs, and workforce development initiatives.

Safety & Compliance

• Promote a strong safety culture through training, mentoring, and field observations.
• Ensure all training activities comply with company safety requirements, OSHA regulations, NFPA 70E standards, and applicable industry guidelines.
• Reinforce proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), electrical safety procedures, lockout/tagout (LOTO), and energized work controls.
• Support the development of safe work practices and continuous safety improvement initiatives.

Qualifications:

Required Technical Competencies

Electrical Systems

• Strong knowledge of AC and DC electrical systems and troubleshooting methods.
• Ability to perform and teach electrical diagnostic testing and interpretation.
• Understanding of power distribution systems, protection equipment, grounding, and electrical safety practices.

Solar Power Generation Equipment

• Working knowledge of utility-scale PV systems, central and string inverters, combiner systems, trackers, and balance-of-plant equipment.
• Understanding of solar performance monitoring, fault identification, and corrective maintenance practices.

Medium-Voltage Equipment

• Knowledge of medium-voltage collection systems, switching procedures, transformers, protective devices, and substation equipment.
• Familiarity with electrical testing and maintenance practices for transformers and associated infrastructure.

Monitoring & Communications Systems

• Experience with SCADA systems, communication networks, meteorological stations, and performance monitoring tools.
• Ability to troubleshoot communication and equipment integration issues.

Training & Coaching

• Ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to audiences with varying experience levels.
• Skilled in facilitating adult learning and conducting practical, hands-on training.
• Strong coaching, mentoring, and leadership development capabilities.

Non-Technical Qualifications

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in solar operations and maintenance, power generation, electrical maintenance, or a related field.
• Previous experience training, mentoring, supervising, or developing technical personnel preferred.

Education & Certifications

• Journeyman Electrician License, technical degree, military technical training, or equivalent industry experience preferred.
• OSHA, NFPA 70E, NABCEP, NERC, or other applicable industry certifications are a plus.

Travel Requirements

• Ability to travel extensively (up to 75%) to solar sites throughout the assigned region.
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet company driving requirements.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work safely in various weather and environmental conditions.
• Ability to climb ladders, navigate solar facilities, and perform field-based training activities.
• Ability to lift and transport training materials, tools, and testing equipment as required.

Preferred Attributes

• Passion for developing people and building technical capability.
• Strong leadership presence and ability to influence without direct authority.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and facilitation skills.
• Proven ability to balance technical expertise with practical field application.
• Commitment to continuous improvement, operational excellence, and safety leadership.