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Overnight Solar Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Satellite Operator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$44 - $49/hr

Astranis builds advanced satellites for high orbits, expanding humanity's reach into the solar ... This role requires regular, consistent evening and overnight shifts, as well as weekend work to ...

Concrete Foreman

San Diego, CA · On-site

$45 - $60/hr

Job Overview: RCSI is seeking an experienced Concrete Foreman to lead field crews on solar and ... Skilled in operating construction equipment such as telehandlers, skid steers, man lifts, and ...

NICX Technician (Remote)

San Diego, CA · Remote

$21 - $28.75/hr

Utility scale solar power plants testing for EPC or Utilities in the United States * Fiber ... Adheres to and ensures all site team membersunderstandsstandard operating procedures. * Leads and ...

NICX Technician (Remote)

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$21 - $28.75/hr

Utility scale solar power plants testing for EPC or Utilities in the United States * Fiber ... Adheres to and ensures all site team members understands standard operating procedures. * Leads and ...

Overnight Solar Operator information

What is an overnight solar operator?

Overnight Solar Operators are professionals responsible for monitoring and managing the operations of solar power plants during nighttime hours. Their duties typically include overseeing system performance, responding to alarms or faults, performing routine checks, and ensuring the site remains secure and operational when sunlight is not available. They play a crucial role in maintaining the efficiency and safety of the facility by handling issues that may arise outside of regular daytime shifts. This position often requires familiarity with solar energy systems, monitoring software, and basic troubleshooting skills.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an overnight solar operator?

To thrive as an Overnight Solar Operator, you need a solid understanding of solar power systems, electrical troubleshooting, and basic mechanical skills, typically backed by a high school diploma or technical certification in a related field. Familiarity with SCADA monitoring systems, remote diagnostics tools, and safety protocols is essential for managing solar plant operations overnight. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help you quickly identify and resolve issues while coordinating with team members or on-call engineers. These abilities are crucial to ensure continuous, safe, and efficient solar energy production during off-peak hours.

What challenges do overnight solar operators face and how can they be managed?

Overnight Solar Operators often encounter challenges such as monitoring and maintaining equipment when sunlight is unavailable, handling unexpected alarms or equipment faults, and ensuring site security during off-hours. Effective management involves being vigilant with remote monitoring systems, following established protocols for troubleshooting, and maintaining clear communication with the daytime operations team for seamless handovers. Staying organized and prepared for periodic site visits, even at night, helps ensure optimal system performance and safety.

What is the difference between Overnight Solar Operator vs Solar Technician?

AspectOvernight Solar OperatorSolar Technician
CertificationsOSHA safety training, basic electrical knowledgeElectrical certifications, PV system training
Work EnvironmentNight shifts, outdoor solar sitesDay shifts, outdoor/indoor solar installations
Job FocusMonitoring, operating solar systems overnightInstalling, maintaining solar panels

While both roles work within the solar industry, the Overnight Solar Operator primarily monitors and operates solar systems during night shifts, requiring safety and electrical knowledge. In contrast, the Solar Technician focuses on installing and maintaining solar equipment during daytime hours. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right role based on their skills and preferred work schedule.

What are the most commonly searched types of Solar Operator jobs in California?

The most popular types of Solar Operator jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Overnight Solar Operator jobs in California?

For Overnight Solar Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Overnight Solar Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Overnight Solar Operator jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Overnight Solar Operator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Overnight Solar Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Overnight Solar Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Key Responsibilities The Maintenance Supervisor leads the on-site maintenanceteam responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of theCompany's utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) plants in Southern California,currently comprising Imperial Sun Solar and Overnight Solar. The portfoliois expected to grow as additional PV assets under development in SouthernCalifornia and Arizona reach commercial operation, and this role will play akey part in bringing those new sites into steady-state operations andmaintenance.
The Supervisor directs the day-to-day work of maintenancetechnicians, oversees preventive and corrective maintenance across PV modules,inverters, trackers, combiner boxes, and balance-of-plant equipment, and servesas the primary on-site point of escalation for equipment failures, safetyevents, and performance issues. This is a full-time, position based in theImperial Valley, with regular travel between plant sites as the portfolioexpands.

1. Team Supervision & Workforce Management
Supervise, schedule, and develop a team of PV maintenance technicians across Imperial Sun Solar, Overnight Solar, and additional sites as the portfolio expands.
Assign daily work, balance staffing across sites, and ensure adequate coverage for planned maintenance, corrective work, and emergency response.
Conduct performance reviews, one-on-ones, and skills assessments; identify training needs and support technician development and retention.
Establish and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), safety protocols, and work-quality standards across all supervised sites.
Serve as the primary point of escalation for technicians on complex equipment issues or field safety concerns.
2. Preventive & Corrective Maintenance
Plan and oversee preventive maintenance (PM) programs for PV modules, inverters, combiner boxes, trackers, transformers, switchgear, and balance-of-plant systems.
Direct corrective maintenance response to equipment failures, underperformance alerts, and inspection findings to minimize downtime and lost generation.
Review maintenance data and performance trends to identify recurring failure modes and drive root-cause analysis with O&M engineering.
Ensure spare parts availability and coordinate with procurement/supply chain on critical components and long-lead items.
3. Safety, Compliance & Site Standards
Champion a strong safety culture; ensure full compliance with Lock Out / Tag Out (LOTO), arc-flash, and high-voltage safety procedures across all sites.
Conduct or oversee job safety analyses (JSAs), toolbox talks, and safety audits; ensure timely close-out of corrective actions.
Ensure compliance with OSHA, NEC, and NFPA 70E requirements, plus applicable state and local environmental regulations.
Maintain site access, security, and environmental compliance standards (stormwater, vegetation management, and habitat requirements as applicable).
4. Monitoring Coordination & Work Order Management
Partner with the Remote Operations Center (ROC) / SCADA monitoring team to triage alarms, prioritize response, and confirm resolution of equipment issues.
Ensure technicians create, update, and close SAP Plant Maintenance (PM) Work Orders, or the equivalent CMMS, accurately and on schedule.
Monitor Work Order backlog and escalate aging or high-priority items to the O&M Manager and asset management team.
Participate in daily and weekly maintenance planning meetings to align field activity with generation forecasts and outage schedules.
5. Vendor, Warranty & Contractor Management
Coordinate on-site work performed by OEM service providers, warranty technicians, and specialty subcontractors (module, inverter, tracker, and electrical contractors).
Track warranty claims and performance-guarantee issues; ensure timely documentation and follow-up with OEMs.
Oversee contractor safety orientation, site access, and compliance with the Company's site rules.
6. Outage & Site Coordination
Coordinate planned outages and equipment isolations with the ROC/scheduling coordinators to minimize generation loss and ensure safe system states.
Authorize and document switching operations, clearances, and equipment isolation for field work.
Maintain accurate records of planned work, site access, and crew activity across supervised sites.
7. Reporting & Documentation
Prepare and deliver regular maintenance and performance reports (availability, Performance Ratio, Work Order cycle time, downtime causes) to the O&M Manager and asset management.
Maintain accurate maintenance logs, inspection records, and incident reports for each site.
Support post-event investigations and document lessons learned to prevent recurrence.
8. New Site Integration & Portfolio Growth
Support the transition of new Southern California and Arizona PV sites from construction/commissioning into steady-state operations and maintenance.
Help build out maintenance staffing plans, spare parts inventories, and SOPs for incoming sites.
Participate in commissioning punch-list resolution, acceptance testing support, and initial performance troubleshooting for newly energized assets.
Travelto new or existing sites as needed to support ramp-up activities andcross-train technicians across the growing portfolio