Team Lead, Field Operations

AES Corporation is seeking a Team Lead for Field Operations in Petersburg, IN, to oversee maintenance for solar, battery energy storage, and balance of plant systems. The role involves leading technicians, ensuring safe and efficient service delivery, and collaborating with management and engineering teams to enhance performance. The ideal candidate should have experience in preventative and corrective maintenance, be a self-starter, and commute daily to the Pike County BESS project site. Join AES in shaping a sustainable energy future.
Are you ready to be part of a company that's not just talking about the future, but actively shaping it? Join The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES), a Fortune 500 company that's leading the charge in the global energy revolution. With operations spanning 14 countries, AES is committed to shaping a future through innovation and collaboration. Our dedication to innovation has earned us recognition as one of the Top Ten Best Workplaces for Innovators by Fast Company in 2022. And with our certification as a Great Place to Work, you can be confident that you're joining a company that values its people just as much as its groundbreaking ideas.

AES is proudly ranked #1 globally in renewable energy sales to corporations, and with $12.7B in revenues in 2023, we have the resources and expertise to make a significant impact as we provide electricity to 25 million customers worldwide. As the world moves towards a net-zero future, AES is committed to meeting the Paris Agreement's goals by 2050. Our innovative solutions, such as 24/7 carbon-free energy for data centers, are setting the pace for rapid, global decarbonization.

If you're ready to be part of a company that's not just adapting to change, but driving it, AES is the place for you. We're not just building a cleaner, more sustainable future - we're powering it. Apply now and energize your career with a true leader in the global energy transformation.

At AES Indiana, we are dedicated to improving lives and making a difference. AES Indiana provides retail electric service to more than 500,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers in Indianapolis, as well as in portions of other Central Indiana communities surrounding Marion County. AES Indiana is part of The AES Corporation, one of the world’s largest global power companies. Together we raise the quality of life around the world by changing the way energy works. Everyone makes an impact every day in our small, global teams.

The AES Indiana Renewable Operations team is looking for a Renewable Team Lead with Solar (PV), Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), and/or Balance of Plant (BOP) Preventative & Corrective maintenance experience. This individual would play a pivotal role in ensuring that AES Indiana operates the portfolio to standards that exceed industry best-practice. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter and can take direction from Field Service Leadership.

This role will work on our Pike County BESS(Battery Energy Storage System), project (the address of the site is 6418 N Blackburn Rd, Petersburg, IN 47567. The candidate must be able to commute daily to the site.

A day in the life of the Field Operations Team Leader will include but is not limited to:
1. Lead and support AES Technicians and/or third-party technicians in their assigned location/region in performing preventive & corrective maintenance and supporting ongoing construction activities.
2. Plan, coordinate, and manage the safe, efficient, and reliable delivery of field services to facility owners and assist the Renewable Energy Manager in planning to meet maintenance obligations.
3. Work closely with the Renewable Energy Manager, Engineering team, and others to remediate site issues and enhance the operating portfolio’s performance.
4. Coordinate and manage contractors engaged to support maintenance activities and ensuring AES Safety procedures are followed.

The successful candidate will have a depth of experience in the managing technical maintenance teams for the operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of AC and DC electrical systems of varying types and voltages – especially experience working with PV solar systems, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and substations. This position will be based on site near Petersburg, Indiana – some remote work may be required, but this is not a full-time remote work position.

Key Responsibilities
• Lead coordination with onsite technicians, third party teams for solar PV and BESS site, and substation operations and maintenance efforts, including advanced troubleshooting, in accordance with applicable safety and environmental obligations.
• Stop unsafe work, report and correct unsafe conditions or hazards – review and submit applicable accident / incident report. Work with and support the Regional Safety Committee.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement of O&M activities to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable delivery of field services.
• Support, or lead as necessary, warranty claims processes with EPC providers and equipment vendors.
• Maintain responsive and positive relationship with plant owner representatives.
• Ensure the scheduling and implementation of site training and qualification efforts.
• Assist in third-party contractor and vendor identification and onboarding– develop work scopes and manage and schedule contractors as needed.
• Ensure the establishment of annual on-call schedule and communicate that schedule as needed to internal and external parties; respond to “after-hours” emergency situations as necessary.
• Ensure timely, complete, and high-quality documentation related to O&M activities, including but not limited to service tickets, maintenance reports, switching orders, and safety-related documentation (such as JHAs/JSAs, Safe Work Permits, LOTO, Energized Electrical Work Permits, Excavation Permits, etc.).
• Work with Engineering to review investigation results and/or recommendations from OEMs and institute plant solutions/modifications, document through change management system.
• Collaborate with Procurement for accurate tracking of inventory levels – initiate re-order of consumables and spare parts as needed.
• As needed, participate in the construction/commissioning of the facilities within the region to ensure a high-quality build, successful commissioning, timely project punch list closeout, and smooth transition of responsibility to the Operations team.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable safety and environmental requirements, regional and federal regulations, and company policies.
• Stay abreast of applicable technical & safety standards and share with team.
• Facilitate effective communication for all activities using phone, email, and other business software such as our Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Perform/lead other duties and administrative tasks as assigned by management.

Skills and Qualifications
• Demonstrated ability to lead a team and achieve goals.
• 5 years or more supervisory experience.
• Knowledgeable in the systems, processes and protocols guiding the operations and maintenance of industrial PV solar plants and electrical systems (OSHA standards, NFPA 70e, Lockout/ Tagout/Grounding, etc.). Operation of SEL relays, Pad Mounted Switch Gear, Re-Closers,
• Appropriate Electrical trade qualification with at least 5-years working on utility scale electrical systems.
• Experience working with C&I or utility scale power plants required, PV systems a plus.
• Competence with relevant computer systems including but not limited to CMMS, DAS/SCADA, equipment-specific maintenance programs, and Microsoft Office programs.
• Ability to work remotely and utilize technology to stay connected to the local team, as well as colleagues at administrative offices.
• Ability to lead a team and achieve goals with minimum direct supervision and high degree of self-motivation and reliance.
• High degree of commitment to a quality safety culture and an incident-free work environment.
• NFPA 70E and OSHA 30 Certification.
• Technical degree or bachelor’s degree in a related field (plus).
• Ability to read and interpret equipment/facility schematics, maintenance instructions, procedures/manuals, process/procedure documents.
• Personal values consistent with those of the AES: Safety First, Highest Standards, and All Together.
• Ability to excel in a collaborative, cross-functional and geographically diverse organization.
• Excellent English written and verbal communication skills.
• Positive, professional, and collaborative work ethic.
• Detail oriented, high-energy, adept at problem solving and time management in sometimes high stress situations, highly organized.

Work Environment
• May be required to work around rotating and energized equipment, hazardous materials, and chemicals.
• Occasionally requires lifting as appropriate to perform duties and responsibilities.
• Occasional non-standard work hours as required to maintain necessary plant readiness.
• Working outside in a normal solar power plant, BESS site, and/or office environment, including high/low ambient temperatures and high/low humidity areas, and possibly working at heights.
• Requires standing, sitting, walking, kneeling, twisting, climbing stairs and ladders, and entering plant equipment to access, inspect, or collect data on plant equipment.
• As necessary, travel regionally in a company provided service vehicle and use regional air travel to support company’s solar and storage assets.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license.

AES is an Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed to building strength and delivering long-term sustainability through diversity and inclusion. Respecting all backgrounds, differences and perspectives enables us to improve the lives of our people, customers, suppliers, contractors, and the communities in which we live and work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, race, national origin, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.
E-Verify Notice: AES will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.

AES is an Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed to building strength and delivering long-term sustainability through diversity and inclusion. Respecting all backgrounds, differences and perspectives enables us to improve the lives of our people, customers, suppliers, contractors, and the communities in which we live and work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, race, national origin, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. E-Verify Notice: AES will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.