Renewable Energy Operations & Maintenance Jobs

Careers in Renewable Energy Operations & Maintenance

1. What Are Renewable Energy Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Roles?

O&M professionals in renewable energy focus on operational optimization and risk management for wind turbines, solar panels, and other energy generating equipment. Their job involves routine and scheduled maintenance, troubleshooting and corrective actions, along with safety and environmental compliance. They perform both proactive and reactive maintenance on the equipment to maximize system availability.

Organizations like Siemens Gamesa and Next Era Energy are always on the lookout for O&M personnel to manage and enhance their renewable energy portfolios.

2. Why Are O&M Jobs Vital to the Renewable Energy Sector?

Similar to other assets, renewable energy sources such as wind farms and solar parks require occasional maintenance and management. The increase in global investments in renewable energy has resulted in a growth in demand for skilled O&M professionals. That O&M is anticipated to be a major employer for the renewables industry in the next decade is, as per the IRENA report, due to the fact that effective management and maintenance of assets is essential for sustainability.

These positions are pivotal in taking full advantage of the life and performance efficiency of the renewable energy generation plants; which are facilitating the countries in achieving their renewable energy goals.

3. Which Skills Are Crucial for O&M Professionals in Renewable Energy?

Core competencies of O&M professionals encompass the following:

• Specialized Skills: Working knowledge of renewable energy systems such as wind turbines, solar panels, and energy storage systems.
• Systems Failure Repair: The capability to quickly and accurately troubleshoot system malfunctions.
• Safety Standards: Following safety protocols, especially when dealing with electrical high voltage systems or work at heights.

Having maintenance renewables energy credentials such as Certified Maintenance Manager (CMM) or Wind Turbine Technician increases chances of employment.

Operations and maintenance is where the rubber meets the road in renewable energy. It's about maximizing uptime and energy production. - Jim Gordon, President of Cape Wind

4. What Are the Salary Expectations for O&M Professionals in Renewable Energy?

The first figure give an indication of the salaries:

• USA: From 50.000$, 90. 000$ for O&M managers.
• Europe: O&M Technicians posted wage range of €35000-60000 per year in other EU countries.

Try wage comparison of different renewables sections and regions at the Indeed and Sustainability jobs salaries pages, don’t forget that with the industry booming O&M positions are very lucrative and stable.

5. Which Companies Are Hiring for O&M Roles in Renewable Energy?

‍Renewable energy industry O&M employers include:

• GE Renewable Energy: Currently recruiting for wind turbine and solar panel maintenance technicians.
• NextEra Energy: Focused on solar and wind farm O&M.
• Vestas: World’s leading company in wind turbine operation and maintenance.

With the further development of renewable energy infrastructure across the globe, O&M roles have the potential for growth and career advancement in a fast changing industry.