Director, Field Operations

Lead the safe and effective execution of solar, battery energy storage (BESS), and wind field operations across the Eastern United States and Puerto Rico
Oversee Operations and Maintenance (O&M) activities across U.S. sites using third-party O&M providers
Develop and implement cost-optimization strategies while maintaining safety, reliability, and operational performance
Partner with Asset Management, Finance, Commercial, and cross-functional teams to maximize asset performance and profitability
Oversee fleet availability, reliability, safety, operational performance, and cost management through KPIs
Drive continuous improvement and standardization using operational data, analytics, and emerging technologies
Lead U.S. O&M business budget planning
Develop long-term workforce, capital, maintenance, and resource strategies
Establish performance, cost, staffing, and productivity benchmarks
Support O&M cost estimates for new U.S. portfolio projects
Provide coaching, mentorship, performance feedback, and development opportunities
Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and safety-focused culture
Represent operations to senior leadership, investors, lenders, joint venture partners, customers, and other stakeholders
Communicate operational and financial performance to executive leadership and external stakeholders
Lead the O&M fleet vehicle program
Partner with Human Resources on workforce planning, talent development, and strategic hiring

Requirements

• 10–15 years of experience leading renewable energy operations, asset management, maintenance, power generation, or related technical operations functions
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field
• Experience leading multi-site operations teams through managers and supervisors in geographically dispersed environments
• Ability to interpret and understand equipment and facility schematics
• Knowledge of systems, processes, and standards related to utility-scale solar plant and electrical-system operation and maintenance
• Knowledge of applicable IEEE, NERC, OSHA, NFPA 70E, Lockout/Tagout, Grounding, and related standards
• Familiarity with SCADA, DAS, remote monitoring systems, and associated operational protocols
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering a strong safety culture and maintaining a safe work environment
• Alignment with AES values, including Safety First, Highest Standards, and All Together
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other business productivity tools
• Ability to travel up to 30% as business needs require
• Preferred: advanced degree, P&L ownership and financial accountability, thermal generation operations and maintenance, utility-scale solar/BESS/wind portfolio management, remote and geographically dispersed team leadership, third-party service-provider and performance-based-contract management, executive/board/investor/lender/external-stakeholder presentation experience

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in leading renewable energy operations, including solar, battery energy storage, and wind, with a strong focus on safety, performance optimization, and cross-functional collaboration. Proficient in budget planning, workforce development, and maintaining compliance with industry standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Renewable Energy Operations Leadership
• Asset Management
• Utility-Scale Solar Plant Maintenance
• Safety Culture Commitment
• Financial Accountability

Hard Skills

• Operations Management
• Cost Optimization Strategies
• Performance Benchmarking
• Equipment and Facility Schematics Interpretation
• SCADA Systems
• Remote Monitoring Systems
• Multi-Site Operations Leadership
• Budget Planning
• Data Analytics
• Technical Operations Functions

Soft Skills

• Interpersonal Communication
• Mentorship
• Collaboration
• Coaching
• Leadership

Certifications & Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering
• Knowledge of IEEE Standards
• Knowledge of NERC Standards
• Knowledge of OSHA Standards
• Knowledge of NFPA 70E

Industry Keywords

• Solar Energy
• Battery Energy Storage Systems
• Wind Energy
• Operations and Maintenance
• Fleet Management
• Geographically Dispersed Teams
• Third-Party Service Providers
• Performance-Based Contract Management

Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office
• Business Productivity Tools
• DAS
• Operational Protocols