Pay: $80,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year
Location: Chicago, IL and Milwaukee, WI
Candidates may be based in either market. Regional travel between sites may be required.
Job description:
Rethink Electric is seeking an experienced Solar O&M Technician to support a growing portfolio of commercial and distributed generation solar assets across the Midwest.
This role is ideal for a technician who enjoys troubleshooting, solving complex electrical problems, and working independently in the field. You'll work on a variety of inverter platforms and solar technologies while helping maintain and improve fleet performance across multiple sites.
Company vehicle provided. Competitive compensation based on experience.
About Rethink:
Rethink Electric operates a growing portfolio of commercial and distributed generation solar assets throughout the Midwest. We are seeking an experienced Solar O&M Technician to support troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair activities across our fleet.
This is a field-based role for a technician who enjoys solving complex electrical problems, working independently, and making a direct impact on system performance.
Position Overview:
The Senior Solar Technician serves as a technical leader within the region, supporting complex troubleshooting efforts and mentoring junior technicians when needed. This position is designed for an experienced solar professional who is comfortable operating with minimal technical oversight, making sound field-level judgment calls, and identifying true root causes—not just restoring operation temporarily.
As a senior member of the field team, this individual serves as a technical leader within the region. The Senior Solar Technician supports complex troubleshooting efforts, shares knowledge with junior technicians, and helps promote consistent maintenance and troubleshooting practices across the fleet. While this is not a formal management position, the role provides an opportunity to influence field operations, contribute to technical best practices, and help develop the next generation of solar technicians.
Commercial, C&I, or utility-scale solar troubleshooting experience is strongly preferred.
Key Responsibilities:
Advanced Troubleshooting & Field Authority
- Diagnose and resolve inverter faults, DC field issues, and AC-side electrical problems across a mixed fleet of DG and C&I systems.
- Perform insulation resistance testing, DC string isolation, current/voltage analysis, and inverter HMI diagnostics to determine root cause.
- Make informed, independent field decisions to restore production safely and efficiently.
- Support remote troubleshooting efforts in collaboration with the Regional Manager to reduce unnecessary dispatches.
- Verify inverter parameters via HMI when required and assess configuration integrity.
Ownership & Documentation Discipline
- Document findings, root causes, corrective actions, and follow-up recommendations within the work order system.
- Ensure repairs are completed safely, accurately, and with long-term reliability in mind.
- Complete JSAs, service reports, and required documentation in a timely and professional manner.
- Communicate site conditions, emerging issues, and recommended corrective actions to management and customers as needed.Mentorship & Technical Leadership
- Serve as a technical resource for junior technicians during troubleshooting and maintenance activities.
- Share troubleshooting techniques, lessons learned, and best practices with field personnel.
- Promote safe work practices, diagnostic discipline, and consistent workmanship standards.
- Support the continued development of regional technical capabilities through mentoring and knowledge sharing.Preventive & Corrective Maintenance
- Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on inverter systems, DC combiners, AC disconnects, monitoring equipment, and other balance-of-system components.
- Troubleshoot and repair equipment failures to maximize system availability and performance.
- Identify recurring equipment issues and communicate recommendations for long-term corrective action.
- Manage field-level spare parts usage and provide input regarding inventory requirements and stocking strategies.
Qualifications:
- 3+ years of commercial, C&I, or utility-scale solar operations and maintenance experience required; 5-years preferred
- Demonstrated experience troubleshooting and repairing string or central inverter systems.
- Strong understanding of DC and AC electrical systems, including the ability to independently diagnose and resolve field issues.
- Proficiency with common electrical test equipment, including multimeters, clamp meters, and insulation resistance testers (megger).
- Experience using inverter HMIs and manufacturer diagnostic tools.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, schematics, and equipment documentation.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently, prioritize work effectively, and make sound field-level decisions.
- Experience mentoring, training, or supporting less experienced technicians is preferred.
- Valid driver's license and ability to travel regularly between sites.Strongly Preferred:
Strongly Preferred:
- Familiarity with SCADA/DAS systems and performance monitoring tools.
- Experience mentoring or guiding junior technicians in the field.
Not Considered:
- Residential-only installation experience without commercial or utility-scale troubleshooting background.
This role is best suited for technicians with troubleshooting and maintenance experience rather than installation-only experience.
We do not accept unsolicited agency resumes and we are not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes. We request that recruiters and agencies refrain from contacting us regarding this or any other role within the company. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Rethink Electric is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Location Preference: Milwaukee, WI
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Pay: $80,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
