Field Service Technician I – Solar (Entry Level, Paid Training)

WORK ARRANGEMENT: ON-SITE, FIELD-BASED. THIS IS NOT A REMOTE OR WORK-FROM-HOME JOB.

This role is performed in person, outdoors, on solar sites in and around Chicago, Illinois. You must already live within commuting distance of Chicago or be prepared to relocate there at your own expense before your start date.

You may see this listed as "field-based." That means you drive from your home to job sites rather than reporting to an office each morning. It does not mean you can work from another city or state. Applications from candidates who are not located in — or actively relocating to — the Chicago area cannot be considered for this posting.

Territory: [30–90 minutes typical, rarely over 3 hours]. Overnight travel: [under 10%]. Schedule: [M–F, 7am–3pm or 8am–4pm]. On-call: [rotational Saturday 8am–12pm]. Overtime: [paid biweekly; 40–45 hours typical; 1.5x over 40].

NO SOLAR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED. WE WILL TRAIN YOU AND PAY FOR YOUR CERTIFICATIONS.

Energy Support Services keeps solar and energy storage systems safe, reliable, and producing clean power. As a Field Service Technician I – Solar, you’ll perform routine inspections, preventative maintenance, and basic troubleshooting on solar energy systems alongside senior technicians who are expected to teach you.

We are actively hiring people from other trades. If you can diagnose a problem, use hand tools and a multimeter, work safely at height, and show up reliably, we can teach you solar. That is not a slogan — it is our hiring plan for this role.

COMING FROM ANOTHER TRADE? THIS IS THE PART TO READ.

Most of what makes someone good at this job has nothing to do with solar. Here’s how your current experience maps over:

• Automotive, diesel, or fleet technician — You already diagnose from symptoms, trace circuits, read wiring diagrams, use a multimeter, follow torque specs, and document your work on a repair order. That is the bulk of this job. Two things you’ll notice immediately: you are paid for the hours you actually work, not flat-rate book time, and we buy the tools.
• HVAC/R technician — You troubleshoot electrical controls and low-voltage circuits, work on rooftops and ladders in brutal heat and cold, run service calls alone, and explain findings to a customer. All of it transfers.
• Telecommunications, cable, or line technician — You’re comfortable working at height, pulling and terminating conductor, using test equipment, and working from prints. You’ll pick up the electrical side fast.
• Industrial, facilities, or ag equipment maintenance — You run preventative maintenance schedules, practice lockout/tagout, and keep equipment from going down. Same discipline, different asset.
• Military — Power generation, electronics, avionics, aviation maintenance, and similar technical specialties transfer directly. Your safety culture is already where we need it.
• Electrical apprentice or helper — You’ll advance quickly here, and we’ll pay for your continued training.

What’s genuinely different about solar (so you can decide honestly)

• You work outdoors year-round, in the weather, on sites that are often rural and exposed.
• Solar involves high-voltage DC — a different hazard profile than most trades. This is why our safety training is extensive, paid, and non-negotiable.
• There’s real windshield time. You drive between sites rather than staying in one shop.
• Crews are small. You’ll work closely with one or two people, sometimes independently once you’re signed off.

PAY
$40,000 – $55,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Tools and equipment: provided. You will never spend your own money on tools here — no tool truck payment, no tool debt.
• Bonus: Up to a 4% performance bonus, paid annually.
• Apparel: Company-provided PPE and flame-resistant clothing kit (bibs, jackets, pants, shirts) at no cost to you.
• Health: Medical, dental, and vision. We pay 80% of your health insurance premiums.
• Retirement: 401(k) with up to a 7.5% company match.
• Time off: PTO accrued each pay period — 120 hours/year (years 0–2), 160 hours (years 3–9), 200 hours (10+ years) — plus 11 paid holidays.
• Family: 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Insurance: Company-paid Life and AD&D insurance at 1x your annual salary.
• Certifications — we pay, you keep them: OSHA 10/30, NFPA 70E/70B, FAA Part 107 (drone), and our internal O&M Tech course series. These certifications stay with you for the rest of your career.
• Advancement: A published Field Tech Development Pathway with defined progression to Technician II. You move up on demonstrated capability, not on how long you’ve been here.
• Education: Tuition reimbursement up to $10,000 per year for approved programs.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Safety

• Follow all safety regulations, company policies, and procedures — without shortcuts.
• Identify and report potential field hazards immediately.
• Wear and correctly use the required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
• Participate actively in safety training, Pre-Job Briefs, and Job Safety Analysis (JSA) — a structured hazard review the crew performs before work begins.

Inspections and preventative maintenance

• Conduct routine inspections of solar energy systems to confirm they’re operating efficiently.
• Perform preventative maintenance: inspecting solar modules, checking wiring integrity, torquing and tightening connections.
• Identify and report equipment deficiencies, anomalies, or structural issues to senior team members.

Troubleshooting

• Assist senior technicians with basic troubleshooting of solar energy systems.
• Use fundamental diagnostic tools — multimeters, clamp meters, and similar — to isolate basic system issues.
• Perform minor repairs under direct supervision.

Documentation

• Complete work order documentation accurately and on time.
• Maintain clean, accurate records of daily inspections, maintenance, and repairs.

Learning and growth

• Participate in company-provided training to build technical and solar-specific skills.
• Ask questions, seek feedback, and keep improving. Nobody here expects you to arrive knowing solar.
• Support your teammates and take on other duties as assigned.

WHAT YOU NEED

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Hands-on mechanical, electrical, or technical experience in any industry — automotive, diesel, HVAC/R, telecom, construction, industrial maintenance, general labor, military, or solar. 0–1 years is fine. What matters is that you’ve worked with your hands and your head at the same time.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and basic troubleshooting instincts.
• Comfortable and proficient with hand tools, impact drivers, electric power tools, and hammer drills.
• Willingness to work in low-voltage and non-hazardous electrical situations under supervision, and to complete our paid electrical safety training.
• Clear written and verbal communication; solid time management; genuine willingness to work as part of a team.
• Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.

Helpful, but we’ll teach you

• Any solar or photovoltaic (PV) experience.
• OSHA 10 or 30, NFPA 70E, or FAA Part 107 certifications — we pay for all of these.
• Familiarity with electrical schematics or wiring diagrams.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Drive a vehicle confidently and with a high degree of safety.
• Stand for long periods and walk distances up to three miles per day.
• Navigate ladders, stairs, scaffolding, and ramps while maintaining three points of contact.
• Have visual acuity for depth perception, no field-of-vision issues, and the ability to distinguish between colors.
• Work comfortably in a range of climate conditions, including extreme heat (above 100°F) or extreme cold (below 32°F), for periods of more than one hour.
• Exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 30 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time.

The expected annual wage for this opportunity: $40,000 – $55,000 annually encompassing base pay and bonus. This range is a good faith estimate based on the position's requirements. Specific compensation offered to the selected candidate may vary depending on factors such as relevant knowledge, skills, training, experience, and market conditions. Additionally, this position may qualify for a comprehensive benefits package, including Retirement Benefits, Medical, Dental & Vision, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account, Life Insurance and Disability, Tuition Reimbursement, Voluntary Benefits, Paid Absences, and more.

ABOUT US:

At New Energy Equity, a proud subsidiary of ALLETE, we’re leading the charge in transforming the energy landscape with innovative solar solutions 🌞. As a top player in the renewable energy sector, we’ve successfully developed over 600MW of solar projects and closed more than $1.2 billion in clean energy investments 💼. Our projects deliver sustainable electricity to a wide range of clients, including commercial, industrial, municipal, and utility customers 🌍. But there’s more to us than just impressive numbers. We pride ourselves on a dynamic and engaging work environment where teamwork, continuous learning, and environmental stewardship are at the core of what we do 🌿. Our inclusive and collaborative culture encourages creativity and innovation, making our office a place where every idea is valued, and growth is a priority 💡. At New Energy Equity, you’ll join a passionate team that not only drives the clean energy future but also enjoys celebrating our successes together 🎉. With over 250 projects across the U.S. 🌎, our supportive atmosphere ensures a balanced work-life dynamic ⚖️ and a fun, fulfilling career path 🌟. Join us and be part of a forward-thinking company where your contributions are celebrated, and your professional development is supported as we work towards a brighter, sustainable future 🌍.

The statements above outline the essential functions, nature, and level of work expected as of the document’s preparation date. They are not exhaustive lists of all duties and responsibilities. New Energy Equity reserves the right to modify this job description at any time, without notice.

New Energy Equity is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.

If you are an individual with disabilities who needs accommodation or you are having difficulty using our website to apply for employment, contact our HR department at amekonnen@newenergyequity.com