Ternion Energy Services is seeking experienced Up-Tower Wind Turbine Technicians with Qualified Signalperson credentials to support major component exchange (MCE), maintenance, construction, and repower projects throughout North America.
This position is intended for experienced wind professionals who are comfortable performing hands-on major corrective work up tower and are qualified to safely communicate and direct crane movements during lifting operations.
At Ternion, safety and quality are paramount. We recognize the demands and sacrifices that come with a career in the wind industry and believe employees who work hard, perform quality work, act professionally, and take ownership of their work should be compensated accordingly. We strive to provide long-term career opportunities, competitive industry wages, and an organization that understands field operations because our leadership comes from the industry.
Responsibilities
- Perform up-tower wind turbine major component exchanges, maintenance, construction, repower, and corrective work.
- Serve as a Qualified Signalperson during crane and lifting operations as assigned.
- Provide clear, accurate, and consistent hand and/or radio signals to crane operators during lifting operations.
- Maintain awareness of load movement, crane operations, personnel locations, obstructions, and changing site conditions throughout lifts.
- Immediately communicate unsafe conditions and exercise stop-work authority when necessary.
- Perform major component exchange activities involving gearboxes, generators, main bearings, blades, hubs, transformers, and other turbine components.
- Assist with component removal, installation, alignment, bolting, torquing, tensioning, and related mechanical activities.
- Perform work in accordance with OEM procedures, technical instructions, lift plans, Ternion standards, and customer requirements.
- Inspect and properly use rigging, lifting equipment, tools, and other project equipment within the employee's training and qualifications.
- Assist qualified rigging personnel with rigging activities when appropriately trained and authorized.
- Participate in Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) activities in accordance with applicable procedures and qualifications.
- Assist with troubleshooting and diagnosis of mechanical and electrical turbine faults.
- Read and follow OEM procedures, technical manuals, mechanical drawings, schematics, and work instructions.
- Participate in daily safety meetings, Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), pre-task planning, lift planning, and other required safety activities.
- Complete required Safety and Quality documentation accurately and on time.
- Communicate effectively with Lead Technicians, Field Managers, crane operators, rigging personnel, customers, and other project personnel.
- Maintain tools, equipment, and work areas in a safe, clean, and organized condition.
- Assist with ground operations and other project activities as required.
- Perform other duties as assigned by project supervision.
Qualifications
Required:
- Previous Major Component Exchange (MCE), wind turbine construction, or major corrective experience.
- Experience performing hands-on work up tower on utility-scale wind turbines.
- Current Qualified Signalperson certification or qualification meeting applicable regulatory and project requirements.
- Demonstrated knowledge of standard crane hand signals and radio communication practices.
- Understanding of basic crane, rigging, and lifting operations as they relate to wind turbine major component work.
- Wind-industry Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) experience.
- Current applicable GWO certifications.
- Ability to read, understand, and follow OEM procedures and technical work instructions.
- Ability to effectively use computers, tablets, smartphones, and common field reporting applications.
- Ability to communicate clearly with crane operators, technicians, supervision, customers, and other project personnel.
- Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
- Willingness and ability to travel extensively throughout North America.
Preferred:
- 2+ years of wind turbine Major Component Exchange experience.
- MCE experience on one or more of the following platforms: Nordex / Acciona, Vestas, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE), GE
- Current Qualified Rigger certification or qualification.
- Experience signaling large hydraulic or lattice-boom crawler cranes.
- Experience with gearbox, generator, main bearing, blade, hub, or transformer exchanges.
- Mechanical troubleshooting experience.
- Experience with hydraulic torque and tensioning equipment.
- Experience reading mechanical drawings, schematics, and technical documentation.
- Wind turbine commissioning experience.
Signalperson Expectations
The Qualified Signalperson is a critical member of the major corrective team and must maintain continuous situational awareness during lifting operations.
Employees performing signalperson duties are expected to:
- Understand and use the standard hand signals required for the crane and lifting operation.
- Understand the basic operation and limitations of the equipment being directed as they relate to signaling activities.
- Maintain clear communication with the crane operator throughout lifting activities.
- Position themselves to safely observe the load, work area, and relevant personnel whenever conditions allow.
- Understand the planned movement and intended placement of suspended loads.
- Recognize when conditions prevent a lift from proceeding safely.
- Avoid conflicting instructions by maintaining clear control of signaling responsibilities.
- Immediately communicate a stop signal when an unsafe condition is observed.
- Remain focused on signaling responsibilities and avoid distractions while actively directing crane movements.
- Follow the lift plan, site requirements, customer requirements, and direction of project supervision.
All employees, regardless of position, have the authority and responsibility to communicate an emergency stop signal when an unsafe condition exists.
Safety & Quality Expectations
Every Ternion technician is responsible for performing work safely and correctly.
Successful Up-Tower Technicians:
- Follow approved procedures rather than taking shortcuts.
- Maintain situational awareness around suspended loads, cranes, moving equipment, and other project hazards.
- Inspect tools and equipment before use.
- Properly use fall protection and required PPE.
- Communicate questions or concerns before proceeding with unfamiliar or unclear work.
- Stop work when conditions are unsafe or the work cannot be completed in accordance with approved procedures.
- Take responsibility for the quality of their work.
- Maintain professional conduct when interacting with coworkers, customers, OEM representatives, crane crews, and subcontractors.
- Support less-experienced technicians and contribute to a productive team environment.
Physical Requirements
Wind turbine major corrective work is physically demanding. Employees must be able to safely perform the essential functions of the position, including:
- Climb wind turbine towers typically 80–110 meters in height.
- Perform multiple turbine climbs during a workday when required.
- Climb while carrying tools and equipment weighing up to approximately 30 lbs.
- Lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
- Work for extended periods at height.
- Work inside nacelles, hubs, towers, and other restricted or confined work areas.
- Enter confined or enclosed spaces in accordance with required procedures.
- Work in and around cranes, rigging, suspended loads, and heavy equipment.
- Walk and work on uneven, rough, muddy, icy, or slippery terrain commonly encountered on wind farms and heavy construction sites.
- Work outdoors in changing and potentially extreme weather conditions.
- Wear required fall-protection equipment and other personal protective equipment for extended periods.
- Meet applicable manufacturer limitations and safety requirements for fall-protection, rescue, climbing, and access equipment.
Travel & Schedule
This position requires extensive travel throughout North America, potentially up to 100% depending on project assignments.
Projects may require employees to remain away from home for extended periods. Work schedules are driven by customer requirements, crane availability, weather, project schedules, and turbine conditions and may include:
- Extended workdays
- Overtime
- Weekends
- Early mornings or night work
- Extended project rotations
- Short-notice mobilizations
- Schedule changes due to weather or project conditions
What We Look For
Ternion is looking for wind professionals who are safety-conscious, mechanically capable, dependable, attentive, and professional.
For this position in particular, we are looking for technicians who understand the responsibility that comes with directing crane movements. A strong signalperson communicates confidently, remains calm during critical lifts, maintains situational awareness, and is willing to stop an operation when something does not look right.
We value employees who want to build a career with one organization rather than continually move from project to project. Employees who demonstrate strong performance, professionalism, technical ability, and commitment to safety and quality are recognized and compensated accordingly.
About Ternion Energy Services
Ternion Energy Services is an employee-centric technical service provider supporting the renewable energy industry throughout North America. We specialize in wind turbine maintenance, major component exchange, construction, repower, demolition, project management, and inspection services.
Our commitment to Health, Safety and Environmental performance and effective Quality programs is at the core of every project we perform. We believe successful projects require skilled people, strong leadership, careful planning, and a culture in which employees are empowered to perform their work safely and correctly.
Employment Requirements
Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of applicable pre-employment requirements, including:
- Background screening
- Drug screening
- Verification of required certifications and qualifications
- Customer or project-specific onboarding requirements
Ternion Energy Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by applicable law.
Pay: From $35.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- On-the-job training
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Safety equipment provided
- Vision insurance
Work Location: On the road
