Solar Tech - Multiple Levels (associate and staff)

DTE is one of the nation’s largest diversified energy companies. Our electric and gas companies have fueled our customer’s homes and Michigan’s progress for more than a century. And as Michigan’s largest source of renewable energy, we’re creating a cleaner, healthier environment to power our future. We’re also serving communities beyond Michigan, where our affiliated businesses offer renewable energy, emission control technologies, and energy services to industries in 19 states.

But we’re more than a leading energy company... and working at DTE is more than just a job. At DTE, we take great care of each other and our customers, and we use our energy to be a force for growth and prosperity in our communities.  When you join us, you’ll be part of a team that welcomes, recognizes, and celebrates differences and values everyone’s health, safety, and wellbeing.  Are you ready to make that kind of difference? Bring your energy to DTE. Together, we can achieve great things.

Testing Required:

On-Site Role: Must be available to work on-site at this assigned work location.

Emergency Response: Yes – Must be available to perform a primary assignment in support of DTE’s emergency response to storms or other events that impact service to our customers.

Job Summary

Operates and maintains utility scale solar photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage electric systems, independently and as part of a team. Monitors equipment and perform routine inspections.  Provides input and recommendations for enhancement of operations and the review of work procedures. Performs planned and corrective maintenance, advanced troubleshooting, equipment monitoring, and balance-of-plant work, while also helping improve site performance through process enhancements and work procedure updates. Supports warranty claims, develops standard operating and lockout/tagout procedures, and works both independently and collaboratively in the field.

Span of Control: Individual Contributor

Key Accountabilities

•    Performs planned and corrective maintenance activities on solar generation assets by repairing and/or replacing PV modules, tracking system/components, Direct Current (DC) cabling/connectors, DC Disconnects/Combiner Boxes, Inverters, switchgear, MV transformers, thermal imaging, filtration systems, environmental conditioning systems and communication networks. 
•    Performs planned and corrective maintenance activities of energy storage assets by repairing and/or replacing power conversion systems, battery modules, battery management systems, environmental conditioning systems, and communication networks. 
•    Perform balance of plant work activities, such as, inspections, electrical switching, applying protection, and maintaining substation and/or power distribution centers.  Examples of equipment include, breakers, switchgear, disconnects, meters, Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems, capacitor banks, operating between 34.5kv and 345kv. 
•    Performs advanced on-site and remote troubleshooting, testing, diagnostic checks, and equipment resets for solar and battery energy storage systems using tools such as SCADA, Historians, OEM platforms, and third-party applications.
•    Monitors site generation, performance and reliability and provides recommendations for enhancements by implementing any approved improvements to increase plant performance while utilizing tools (i.e. IV curve tracing) and resources. 
•    Leads Original Equipment Manufacturer and construction contractor warranty claim process, including documentation and submittals. 
•    Creates and revises standard work procedures and operating instructions to enhance process
•    Creates and leads Lockout/Tagout(LOTO) procedures for the site by utilizing prints/drawings, diagrams, manuals, work instructions and training to electrically isolate equipment and make safe.

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements for Staff Solar Tech

This is a multi-track base requirement job; education and experience requirements must be satisfied through one of the following options:

•    High School diploma or GED equivalent with a valid state issued driver’s license and one of the following:
o    3 years of electrical experience (at 480VAC or 1000VDC or above) – OR – 
o    3 years of experience in operations or maintenance of commercial, industrial or utility scale renewable energy projects – OR – 

•    Associate Degree in Electrical or Electrical Engineering Technician or Electrical Engineering with 1 year of electrical experience (at 480VAC or 1000VDC or above) or 1 year of experience in operation and maintenance of renewable energy projects. 

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements for Associate Solar Tech

This is a multi-track base requirement job; education and experience requirements must be satisfied through one of the following options:

•    High School diploma or GED equivalent with a valid state issued driver’s license and one of the following:
o    1 years of hands on/on the job electrical experience or experience in operations or maintenance of renewable energy projects – OR –
o    Technical certificate in Solar or Energy Storage Service Technician, or North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners NABCEP) certification – OR – 
o    Completed DTE sponsored onboard/training programs with successful completion of 30-60 hours. 

Other Qualifications

Preferred 
•    Experience in reading technical prints, schematics, electrical diagrams 
•    Knowledge of plant level communication/ network controls and low voltage equipment, and Electrical safety procedures 
•    Knowledge with insulation resistance testing, IV Curve Tracing and common electrical testing procedures 

Other Requirements: 
•    May require travel to various sites throughout the state of Michigan 
•    Proficiency reading technical specifications documents, site plans and electrical schematics 
•    Obtain and maintain FAA Part 107 certification for operating aerial drone equipment for periodic stie inspections and troubleshooting 
•    Able to work with electricity of 2,000VDC and 345kVAC  
•    Basic data acquisition and networking systems knowledge 
•    Strong interpersonal, analytical, logical reasoning, written and verbal communication skills 
•    Maintaining work vehicles, tools and equipment in good working condition 
•    General computer proficiency and knowledge of Microsoft 365 applications 
•    Able to work effectively outdoors in in varying weather conditions
•    Push, pull and lift tools and equipment weighing up to 75 pounds 

Additional Information

Incumbents may engage in all or some combination of the activities and accountabilities and utilize a variety of the competencies cited in this description depending upon the organization and role to which they are assigned. This description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents in this job. It is not intended as an all-inclusive list of accountabilities or responsibilities, nor is it intended to limit the rights of supervisors or management representatives to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision. 

At DTE Energy, we are committed to providing an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome and a sense of belonging. We seek individuals with a heart for service, a passion to help our communities prosper, and ideas to help shape the future of energy. We are proud to be an equal opportunity, employer that considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, disability, national origin, citizenship, height, weight, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable federal and/or state laws.