Solar Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary: 

The Operations Engineer provides technical oversight and performance management of commercial-scale solar assets during their operational lifecycle. This role focuses on maximizing system performance, reliability, and safety through proactive monitoring, troubleshooting, and coordination of maintenance activities. The Operations Engineer works closely with internal teams and external service providers to ensure assets operate efficiently, comply with all regulatory requirements, and deliver expected financial returns. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Monitor operational performance of solar PV systems using SCADA and other monitoring platforms; analyze data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and potential issues. 

• Coordinate and oversee routine and corrective maintenance activities, including scheduling, documentation, and follow-up with service providers. 

• Troubleshoot the root causes behind system faults and performance issues, and working with team members, vendors, and contractors to resolve problems promptly. 

• Review and interpret system performance reports, warranty claims, and service tickets; ensure timely resolution and documentation. 

• Conduct site visits (as needed) to inspect operational assets, verify satisfactory resolution of maintenance work, and ensure compliance with safety and operational standards. 

• Support the team in maintaining up-to-date records of system performance, maintenance activities, and regulatory compliance. 

• Collaborate with the Asset Management, Engineering, and Construction teams to optimize system performance and implement upgrades or retrofits where required. 

• Support the Director of Asset Management in preparing reports, budgets, and recommendations for asset optimization. 

• Ensure all operational activities comply with NEC, OSHA, and company safety standards. 

• Provide technical support for interconnection, utility coordination, and regulatory reporting as needed. 

• Participate in meetings and technical presentations to internal stakeholders and external partners. 

• Provide engineering/technical input and direction to internal and external stakeholders. 

• Review specifications for existing assets and coordinate with equipment vendors to identify technical challenges and create innovative solutions. 

• Identify appropriate equipment for use in PV systems. 

• Provide technical support, review, and performance analysis to O&M team members, project construction teams, and development teams for projects coming into Vigilant O&M or late stage / operating portfolios. 

• Perform electricity tariff analysis, electricity bill analysis, and load versus energy generation analysis as required. 

• Audit solar PV systems to confirm they are built according to the plans and in compliance with codes, standards, and SSI specifications. 

• Coordinate with other engineering roles (Development, Design, or Project) and other departments within SSI as directed / required. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• BS or MS degree in an engineering discipline from an ABET Accredited institution, (i.e., BSEE, BSME, BSCE, BSChE) – Electrical Engineering, Energy Engineering, or Renewable Energy Engineering degrees are preferred. 

• 2-5 years minimum engineering experience; minimum of one year of large-scale solar PV engineering experience.  

• NABCEP PV Installation Professional (PVIP) is preferred. 

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. 

• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills are required. 

• Organized with the ability to simultaneously manage multiple operational tasks simultaneously. 

• Proficiency with working with PVsyst, monitoring platforms (e.g., SCADA), Microsoft Excel, and MS Office suite. 

POSITION ROUTINELY INTERFACES WITH: 

• Customers and the general public 

• Operations & Maintenance and Asset Management Team members  

• Service providers and contractors 

• Engineering team 

• Construction and Integrated Project Team departments 

• All employees, including Senior and Executive Management 

Work Environment 

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. Interfaces with customers, vendors, and the public. All employees, including Senior and Executive Management, Sales & Finance. 

Physical Demands 

Physical working conditions may involve the following: 

• Field and office work, including local travel to operational sites as needed. 

• Lifting up-to 50 pounds. 

• Extended periods of sitting, walking, standing, reaching, and/or bending. 

• Extended periods of reading fine print on a computer or in paper-based format. 

NON-PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

Routine aspects of this position may require the following non-physical demands: 

• Analytical and logical reasoning. 

• Problem solving and researching skills. 

• Time management and organizational skills.  

• Self-driven and able to work independently with minimal guidance.  

• Communication skill within office and remote co-workers  

• Full time in-office. 

• Professional decorum in a diverse, inclusive working environment. 

POTENTIAL HAZARDS: 

Routine aspects of this position may place the incumbent in situations where they may be susceptible to potential hazards from the following: 

• Trips, slips and/or falls while on customer property. 

• Chemical abrasives used in office and kitchen cleaning. 

• Lifting items up to 50 pounds in weight. 

• Other hazardous conditions on customer premises, not otherwise defined here. 

Standard Solar is EOE/AA/Minority/Female/Veteran/Disabled employer.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.