1

Solar Operations Manager Jobs in Salinas, CA (NOW HIRING)

The Senior Solar Farm Technician will be responsible for performing, supervising, and/or ... Perform operational analysis as required to support Asset Management and Project Development

The Senior Solar Farm Technician will be responsible for performing, supervising, and/or ... Perform operational analysis as required to support Asset Management and Project Development

Journeyman Electrician

Soledad, CA · On-site

$41.50 - $56.75/hr

Connecting solar panels to electrical systems, including inverters, batteries, and the grid ... Checking installed systems for safety, proper operation, and compliance with electrical codes.

Solar Operations Manager information

See Salinas, CA salary details

$33.3K

$68.2K

$127.3K

How much do solar operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar operations manager in Salinas, CA is $68,177.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $83,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a solar operations manager do?

A Solar Operations Manager oversees the daily operations and maintenance of solar energy facilities to ensure optimal performance and efficiency. Their responsibilities include monitoring system output, managing maintenance teams, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards, and coordinating repairs or upgrades as needed. They also analyze performance data, prepare reports for stakeholders, and work to minimize downtime while maximizing the energy output of solar installations. This role requires a strong understanding of solar technology, project management skills, and the ability to troubleshoot technical issues quickly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a solar operations manager?

A Solar Operations Manager needs expertise in solar energy systems, operations management, and a relevant engineering or technical degree. Familiarity with SCADA systems, maintenance management software, and industry certifications like NABCEP is often required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills are essential for managing teams and coordinating with stakeholders. These skills ensure efficient plant performance, safety compliance, and the successful delivery of renewable energy projects.

What are some typical challenges a solar operations manager faces when overseeing multiple solar sites?

A Solar Operations Manager often contends with challenges such as coordinating maintenance schedules across geographically dispersed sites, managing real-time performance data, and responding promptly to system outages or technical issues. Balancing the demands of regulatory compliance, safety protocols, and cost efficiency is also crucial. To address these challenges, strong communication with technicians, clear documentation practices, and effective use of monitoring software are essential. Collaboration with engineering teams and external service providers further supports smooth operations and minimizes downtime.

What is the difference between Solar Operations Manager vs Solar Project Engineer?

AspectSolar Operations ManagerSolar Project Engineer
CredentialsRelevant certifications (e.g., NABCEP), experience in operationsEngineering degree, technical certifications
Work EnvironmentOversees daily operations, maintenance, and team managementDesign, planning, and technical analysis of solar projects
Employer & Industry UsageUtility companies, solar firms, project developersEngineering firms, project developers, EPC contractors
Search & Comparison IntentOperational roles, team management, maintenanceDesign, technical planning, project development

The Solar Operations Manager focuses on overseeing daily operations, maintenance, and team management within solar projects, ensuring smooth functioning. In contrast, the Solar Project Engineer concentrates on designing, planning, and technical aspects of solar projects during development. Both roles are essential in the solar industry but serve different functions related to project lifecycle stages.

What job categories do people searching Solar Operations Manager jobs in Salinas, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Solar Operations Manager jobs in Salinas, CA are:

What cities near Salinas, CA are hiring for Solar Operations Manager jobs?

Cities near Salinas, CA with the most Solar Operations Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Solar Operations Manager job openings in Salinas, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,177 per year, or $32.8 per hour.

Senior Solar Farm Technician

RWE

Paicines, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

RWE Americas, LLC
To start as soon as possible, full time, permanent
Functional area: Operations & Maintenance
Remuneration: Non-Exempt
The Senior Solar Farm Technician is responsible for the on-site safety and generation of renewable energy at all plants in their geographical region portfolio. The Senior Solar Farm Technician will be responsible for operating, maintaining, and monitoring solar assets and energy infrastructure projects through close collaboration with RWE Americas' Operators, Engineers, Asset Managers, Project Managers as well as on-site Subcontractors.
The Senior Solar Farm Technician will be responsible for performing, supervising, and/or coordinating the safe execution of daily operation, planned and corrective maintenance, and event response for RWE Americas assets according to applicable contracts, agreements, or procedures. They will be responsible for operating one or more plants (home base), as well as responsible for performing, supervising, and coordinating all operations, maintenance, and event responses at all other plants that they may be assigned to in the region. Additionally, they may be responsible for coordinating, supervising, and monitoring third party contractors on-site. The Senior Solar Farm Technician will furthermore be responsible for ensuring all operations and maintenance activities in the region are performed in accordance with industry best practices, industry best safety practices, RWE Americas procedures, plans, and guidelines as well as all pertinent laws and regulations.
Role Responsibilities:
  • Plant Operations
    • Oversee production of renewable energy at all plants in a particular region, ensuring that plants operate within design parameters in a reliable, safe, and efficient manner
    • Monitor production to ensure plants are meeting performance expectations
    • Coordinate and resolve operational abnormalities
  • Plant Maintenance
    • Supervise and coordinate maintenance, and repair of plant components including BOP "Balance of Plant;" troubleshoot and resolve problems that may arise
    • Perform preventive/predictive maintenance, as required by applicable contracts, agreements, or procedures, to ensure long term profitability, plant reliability and risk minimization
  • Technical Support
    • Perform operational analysis as required to support Asset Management and Project Development
    • Create, review, and distribute daily, weekly, and monthly operational reports
  • Technical Expertise
    • Stay abreast of regulations, codes, and standards as they relate to the industry
    • Develop relationships with suppliers that result in beneficial synergies
  • General
    • Manage contractors as required, act as local RWE liaison, develop long range plans and work with local civic groups as required

Job Requirements and Experiences:
  • High School diploma or equivalent required
  • Associate degree in engineering or related field from an accredited US school other than correspondence or internet preferred
  • NABCEP Certification or Electrical License preferred
  • Unrestricted driver license in good standing
  • Minimum 6 years' experience in a related renewable energy field
  • Minimum 6 years' experience in power plant operations environment
  • Minimum 6 years' experience in troubleshooting and maintenance, or supervising maintenance of medium voltage, high voltage, collection, transmission, and substation systems
  • Prior supervisory experience preferred
  • Preference will be given to the candidate with renewable energy experience, preferably solar
  • Must be skilled in at least one of the following: power plant operations, electrical and mechanical equipment maintenance; substation maintenance
  • Must be competent in power plant safety protocols
  • Must be competent in electrical safety
  • Must be competent in understanding the NEC
  • Knowledge of and experience with the use of hand and power tools
  • Knowledge of environmental and safety policies and procedures
  • Ability to work within tight deadlines
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Ability and willingness to travel to and from job sites as assigned
  • Routine operation of a computer/tablet and other office productivity machineries, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer
  • Frequent oral and written communications
  • Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays as required
  • Complete all required training in a satisfactory manner and timeframe
  • First aid/CPR/AED
  • OSHA Certified
  • Shift work
  • Must be trainable
  • Must be adaptive to new technologies and methods
  • Must take ownership of responsibilities and look beyond the work task, with regards to discovering new opportunities for corrective work
  • Must communicate verbally and orally at an extremely high level

Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to push/pull/lift tools and equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to work safely in extreme environments (hot sun, cold, etc.)
  • Ability to walk, climb, and stand extensively during the workday
  • This position is an office-based role with some travel and visits to other RWE Americas offices and field locations
  • Must be able to sit, walk, or stand for long durations of time

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. RWE Americas is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time.
Pay range: The hourly base range for this position in California is $42.08 - $56.93. The listed salary range represents our good faith estimate for this position and represents the range for new hire salaries across all U.S locations. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. RWE considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's education & work experience, training & certifications, and key skills as well as market and business considerations at the time of the offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays. Eligible employees also participate in short-term incentives, in addition to salary.
Apply with just a few clicks: ad code 92678. Any questions? Contact HR: rwe_americas_recruiting@rwe.com
We look forward to meeting you. Of course, you can find us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Xing, too.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.
RWE Americas, a subsidiary of RWE, is a US-based energy company that is helping to meet the growing demand for energy across the United States. Backed by RWE's 125-year global legacy of managing diverse power assets, RWE Americas operates approximately 13 GW of power projects across 27 states. With a talented workforce of 2,000 employees, RWE Americas develops, constructs and operates wind, solar and battery storage projects that safely deliver affordable, reliable electricity to our customers. Committed to responsible development, RWE Americas invests in local and rural communities, creating jobs and partnering with stakeholders to support and strengthen the places where we live and work. Learn more about how RWE Americas is generating impact at americas.rwe.com.
At RWE Americas, we foster a culture defined by our Essential Behaviors - Have Courage, Create Impact and Actively Collaborate. We encourage bold thinking and continuous learning, and we value ownership, resilience and inclusion in everything we do. When you join us, you become part of a team that supports your development, respects your contributions and celebrates shared success. This is a place where you can grow your career and make a meaningful difference.
Yes