Technical Training Manager, PV

AES Clean Energy (ACE) O&M group is seeking a candidate for the Technical Training Specialist in the Technical Training team. The Training team equips Field technicians to safely and effectively maintain and operate PV and BESS sites, at all levels of their career progression. The Training Team manages a training program that includes all Technical Training Requirements (TTR) for PV and BESS technicians ranging from entry-level to advanced. The role supports the Senior Manager of O&M Technical Training by developing, coordinating, and delivering training focused on O&M field activities and skills. 

The ideal candidate: 

• Has been working in the PV field for years, and is ready for the next step in their career 

• Is passionate about sharing their technical experience to help other technicians grow 

• Is a proactive and organized individual with a process-mindset 

• Possesses vast hands-on expertise in PV and/or PV+BESS O&M field best practices 

• Understands the benefits of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and is confident in writing them 

• Has mentoring and leadership experience 

• Can communicate complex technical concepts clearly and effectively 

• Is interested in training both in remote and hands-on practical applications 

• Lives within driving distance of an AES US office location (~XX different locations available) and is able to travel 25% 

Required Qualifications (experience years may overlap): 

• 4+ years of field experience in hands-on operations and maintenance of utility-scale PV or PV+BESS sites with proven track record on, at minimum, the following activities: 

• Experience on 3 or more different utility-scale PV sites. 

• Central inverter routine maintenance and corrective troubleshooting. 

• Diagnosing and troubleshooting PV module issues on performance and manufacturing. 

• Diagnosing and troubleshooting PV ground faults. 

• NABCEP Certified preferred 

• Alternatively, a bachelor’s degree in engineering and robust expertise in PV commissioning and advanced troubleshooting. 

• Certified on at least 2, preferably 3 or more, central inverter manufacturer (OEM) training 

• 2+ years in a senior technician role in O&M of utility-scale PV or PV+BESS sites. Wind or Thermal experience would be considered. 

• 2+ years experience in as an employee of an energy corporation or utility that manages a large amount and range of PV and PV+BESS sites. 

• 3+ years experience in technical training, peer-mentorship, and/or curriculum development, or a proven track record on communicating complex technical concepts clearly and effectively to peers and fellow technicians. 

• Robust experience in project management and/or proven track record in managing multiple initiatives and tasks simultaneously. 

• Leadership experience, preferably with a track record on building consensus and designing processes for a wide audience. 

• Proficient on Microsoft Office Suite software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams) 

• Preferred experience with learning management systems (LMS) and e-learning tools (e.g., Articulate, Captivate, Camtasia). 

The daily activities of the Technical Training Specialist will revolve around supporting the Senior Manager of Technical Training in executing their vision through five clearly defined areas of work:  

Technical Training Requirements (TTR): 

• Support TTR completions by providing remote and/or hands-on training and technical assistance to technicians, by increasing engagement, and by supporting process development and improvement.  

• Lead deployment of in-person training formats, including developing a training and mentoring culture in the field through train-the-trainer best practices.  

• Continuously review technical training content to identify gaps, redundancies, outdated material, and emerging needs. This includes side-by-side analysis and matching with training provided by other departments. 

AES field operations technician profiles: 

• Develop a deep working knowledge of AES PV and PV+BESS field technicians’ skills and activities and how they actively match to different tech job levels, from Apprentice to Lead Technicians (Tech 4) 

• Gain comprehensive understanding of internal AES field operations processes and standard operating procedures.  

• Maintain direct and constant communication with field operations leadership and technicians to identify technical training needs that are most impactful and necessary. 

Training Development: 

• Participate in front-end analysis of scoping content necessary for field operations technicians.  

• Support Senior Manager in training content development including, but not limited to: detailed content scope; oversee contractors and internal SMEs; visualize and plan new training as part of a holistic training program; create new content in various formats; determine pass/fail criteria. 

• Gather and vet content and resources provided by experienced AES field professionals (subject matter experts) to instructional designers for curriculum development. 

• Review, edit, and improve on drafted and finalized course content, both internal and outsourced. 

• Support the Training Program Specialist in handling training enrollments, progress, communications and logistics. 

• Act as a liaison to Reliability Engineering, Planning, Asset Management, Safety, and other teams where there is potential for leveraging lessons-learned and training opportunities applicable to O&M Field Technicians 

• Anticipate new technologies in upcoming projects to integrate appropriate training. 

• Work with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) training vendors to improve training offerings that are outside AES purview but directly affect AES business. 

• Close the gap between the AES Training Program and OEM training through new curriculum development and training, with a focus on increasing AES technician passing rates. 

Training Team processes and structure: 

• Support the inclusion of new training courses and improved processes  

• Ensure the growth and evolution of the AES CE O&M Technical Training Program in general, and specifically integrate feedback loops, expansion needs, and ease of adoption.  

• Support Senior Manager of Technical Training in developing in-person training formats and processes that consider audience needs, with an emphasis on scalability, tracking, and efficiency.   

• Support Senior Manager of Technical Training in developing a cohesive vision and process for PV and BESS OEM training. 

Training communications and reporting: 

• Become a proactive link between field operations personnel and the Training Team for technical training feedback and improvements. 

• Work closely with Training Program Specialist when the team identifies a technician who needs additional support.  

• Oversee process improvements to increase efficiency in OEM training reporting.