Field Technician
NineDot Energy
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Salary Range: $120,000 - $130,000 plus bonus and incentive stock options
Reports to: Director, Operations & Maintenance
Location: New York City, NY (Field based role)
About The Company:
NineDot's name derives from the classic mathematical puzzle for sparking out-of-the-box solutions. As a leading community-scale, clean energy developer with a growing portfolio of projects across a range of technologies, NineDot Energy is creating innovative energy solutions that support a more resilient electric grid, deliver economic savings, address environmental justice and reduce carbon emissions. We plan to develop, build and operate more than 400 MW of clean energy systems by 2026 that will strengthen the local power grid infrastructure and provide clean, reliable and resilient power to tens of thousands of New York households and businesses. This is all in support of New York State’s mission to achieve 100% clean energy by 2040.
With the backing of Manulife Investment Management and The Carlyle Group - two of the world’s leading infrastructure investors - NineDot is continuing to expand its core battery energy storage pipeline, deliver enhanced products and services, explore new regions and consider potential acquisitions all to advance the decarbonization of New York’s grid. This is an exciting opportunity to build a platform from the ground-up with a world-class team of developers and innovators. NineDot is committed to building a company that exemplifies diversity, equity and inclusion values in its team culture, as well as business practices and community engagement.
Job Summary
The Field Technician at NineDot Energy will be responsible for performing the day-to-day technical tasks necessary to ensure the reliable operation and maintenance of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Reporting directly to the Director, Operations and Maintenance, this role plays a hands-on part in troubleshooting, repairs, and preventive maintenance of systems and equipment.
This is a field-based role requiring frequent travel to NineDot Energy’s operating sites across New York City with a focus on Queens. The Field Technician must be prepared to work nights, weekends, and off-hours as needed to respond to operational challenges and maintain system uptime. A valid driver’s license in good standing is required, along with the ability to work safely and effectively across multiple locations.
Responsibilities:
- Perform routine inspections, preventive maintenance, and corrective repairs on BESS, solar PV, inverters, substations, e-houses, switchgear, protection systems, and related balance-of-plant (BOP) equipment across multiple sites.
- Monitor system performance, conduct current/voltage readings, and troubleshoot operational issues to ensure safe and reliable operation.
- Perform operations and maintenance activities within substations and e-houses, including medium- and high-voltage switching, breaker operations, relay and protection system checks, and coordination with utilities and grid operators.
- Respond promptly to alarms, outages, abnormal conditions, and emergent issues, including outside traditional operating hours.
- Execute work orders, complete Lock-Out-Tag-Out (LOTO), Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), Permit-to-Work, and maintain accurate documentation of all maintenance and repair activities.
- Collect performance data, prepare reports, and maintain detailed records of equipment performance, spare parts inventory, and site activities.
- Ensure all tasks are carried out in compliance with company protocols, vendor requirements, and site operating procedures.
- Support testing, commissioning, upgrades, and modifications of new and existing systems.
- Assist in implementing and improving maintenance plans, schedules, and processes to ensure long-term system reliability.
- Identify gaps in safety practices, proactively recommend improvements, and contribute lessons learned from operational sites.
- Follow all safety policies, OSHA standards, environmental regulations, and site-specific HSE requirements.
- Ensure site access, security, inspections, and deliveries are managed in accordance with established protocols.
- Support emergency response activities, including equipment failures and grid-related incidents.
- Work closely with O&M Director, engineers, and technical teams to optimize performance and share operational insights.
- Manage and monitor contractors on-site, ensuring adherence to NineDot Energy standards, safety protocols, and quality of work.
- Build and maintain professional working relationships with vendors, contractors, and internal stakeholders.
- Perform other duties as assigned by management in alignment with company values and behaviors.
Core Competencies:
- Collaborates - Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
- Drives Results - Constantly achieving results, even under tough circumstances.
- Interpersonal Savvy - Relating openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people.
- Manages Ambiguity - Operating effectively, even when things are not certain or the way forward is not clear.
- Nimble Learning - Actively learning through experimentation when tackling new problems, using both success and failures as learning fodder
- Plans and Aligns - Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
- Tech Savvy - Anticipating and adopting innovations in business-building digital and technology applications.
Required education and experience:
- Education & Credentials
- High School diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s degree in Engineering or related field preferred.
- Valid, unrestricted driver’s license in good standing.
- OSHA certification, First Aid/CPR/AED training.
- Experience
- 4+ years of relevant experience in operations, maintenance, or field service of electrical, mechanical, or related systems; renewable energy, battery energy storage, or solar experience preferred.
- Hands-on experience with power generation, transmission, or distribution systems, including substation equipment, switchgear, and strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills.
- Familiarity with SCADA systems, control systems, and power electronics.
- Demonstrated experience working in substations and e-houses, including medium- and high-voltage switching (e.g., 4kV–138kV or similar), protective relays, switchgear, and substation control systems.
- Technical Skills
- Working knowledge of substation control systems, protective relaying, SCADA integration, and safe medium- and high-voltage switching procedures.
- Experience operating and maintaining MV switchgear (pad-mounted or metal-clad), breakers, transformers, and grounding systems.
- Proven ability to read and interpret schematics, technical manuals, and specifications.
- Competence in electrical safety protocols, NEC requirements, and general power plant safety practices.
- Knowledge of OSHA and environmental safety standards.
- Skilled in use of hand and power tools.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams).
- Professional Skills
- Strong organizational and communication abilities; capable of working independently or as part of a team.
- Ability to complete required documentation (LOTO, JSAs, Tailboards, permits) accurately and independently.
- Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and proactive with strong problem-solving skills and initiative.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet tight deadlines, and adapt to evolving schedules.
- Physical & Work Requirements
- Ability to walk, climb, push/pull, and lift equipment weighing 50+ lbs.
- Comfortable working in extreme weather conditions and standing for long durations.
- Willingness to travel between sites and support other locations as required.
- Flexibility to work nights, weekends, holidays, and respond to emergent conditions.
Preferred Qualifications
- NABCEP certification or licensed Journeyman/Master Electrician.
- Experience in commissioning, QA/QC, and contractor management.
- Ability to prepare and deliver technical presentations (with support as needed).
- Prior exposure to both solar PV and battery storage technologies.
- Adaptability to new technologies, with a continuous improvement mindset.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
At NineDot Energy, we believe diverse perspectives drive innovation and are the foundation of our success. As such, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender expression, gender identity, age, or any other status of an individual or that individual’s associates or relatives that is protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.
If you're passionate about this role but don’t meet every qualification listed, we still encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this or other opportunities with us. We’re committed to building a team that reflects a broad range of experiences, backgrounds, and skills.
NineDot Employee benefits include but are not limited to:
- Medical, dental and vision coverage
- 5% employer match on your 401k retirement account
- 20 paid vacation days off, plus 7 sick days, 9 federal holidays and 3 personal floating holidays
- 12 weeks of 100% paid parental leave for both the primary and secondary caregiver within the first year of birth or adoption
- Wellness initiatives including a $1,000 stipend
- 16 volunteer hours plus two planned company-wide volunteer outings per year