The Lead IT Technician is a critical role in the Service & Maintenance department at Sunspear. This position focuses on remote system intelligence, first-line resolution, and performance optimization for photovoltaic (PV) & battery energy storage system (BESS) installations across the islands. Reporting to the Service Operations Manager, the Lead IT Technician owns monitoring troubleshooting, remote diagnostics, system optimization, apprentice training, risk reduction across the O&M portfolio, and direct client communication on technical matters. As the department's subject matter expert (SME) for solar IT, monitoring, and remote systems, this role provides authoritative guidance, resolves complex technical questions, and represents the company in OEM and utility discussions. Strong experience with solar monitoring platforms (e.g., Enphase, SolarEdge, SMA), SCADA systems, networking, inverters, and data loggers is required; NABCEP or equivalent certification is preferred.
The ideal candidate brings proven experience in the installation and servicing of commercial and/or residential solar PV systems with a communications & IT focus, with the ability to work independently, supervise & mentor junior team members, and collaborate effectively to resolve issues & lead projects to successful completion.
Core Responsibilities
LMA - Lead training Apprentice IT Technicians on solar software/tools
- Lead structured training and hands-on mentoring for Apprentice IT Technicians to build proficiency in solar-specific software, monitoring platforms, diagnostic tools, and remote troubleshooting techniques.
- Deliver sessions on interpreting performance data, using OEM portals, and applying best practices in Hawaiʻi’s unique environment (e.g., handling weather-induced data anomalies or inter-island connectivity).
- Create and maintain training materials, track apprentice progress, provide constructive feedback, and recommend certifications or role advancements in alignment with EOS GWC criteria.
Identify & resolve system monitoring, SCADA, software, and network issues
- Proactively identify and resolve problems across the full monitoring ecosystem, including SCADA platforms, software configurations, network connectivity, and data transmission failures.
- Perform detailed root-cause analysis on alerts, performance drops, or communication outages.
- Implement fixes such as network reconfiguration, software patches, gateway resets, or API troubleshooting to restore reliable data flow and visibility for both internal teams and clients.
- Troubleshoot inverters, batteries, data loggers, communication failures
- Diagnose and resolve faults in inverters, batteries, data loggers, optimizers, gateways, and associated communication paths (cellular, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Zigbee, etc.).
- Use error codes, event logs, voltage/current readings, and remote access tools to isolate issues like ground faults, firmware mismatches, optimizer failures, or signal interference.
- Execute remote corrections where possible and prepare precise field handover instructions when on-site work is required.
Optimize system performance via remote diagnostics
- Conduct ongoing remote diagnostics to identify underperformance opportunities and execute optimizations that improve energy yield and reliability.
- Analyze trends in production data, string imbalances, clipping, degradation patterns, and environmental impacts.
- Apply remote adjustments including firmware updates, parameter tuning (voltage/power factor settings), inverter mode changes, and optimizer reconfigurations.
- Document improvements and quantify gains (e.g., kWh recovered) to demonstrate value to clients and support MSA commitments.
De-risk O&M portfolio
- Proactively reduce operational and financial risks across the managed solar portfolio by identifying potential failure modes early, preventing escalations, and minimizing warranty claims or performance shortfalls.
- Monitor for emerging patterns (e.g., recurring inverter faults by model, batch-specific issues, or grid-interaction risks with HECO/Maui Electric).
- Recommend preventive actions, coordinate with OEMs for proactive firmware pushes, and maintain accurate risk documentation to protect long-term asset performance and client satisfaction.
- Serve as the department's subject matter expert (SME) for solar IT systems, remote diagnostics, monitoring platforms, and inverter/network technologies—providing authoritative technical guidance to internal teams, clients, utilities, and OEM partners on complex or escalated issues.
Own Client communication
- Serve as the primary technical point of contact for clients on monitoring, performance, and remote resolution matters.
- Provide clear, timely updates on system status, diagnostic findings, remote fixes applied, and expected outcomes.
Translate technical details into understandable language, manage expectations around remote vs. field work, and build trust through consistent, · professional communication—especially important in Hawaiʻi for addressing inter-island logistics, utility coordination, and access constraints.
Qualifications and Experience
Required:
- Minimum 4–6 years of hands-on experience in solar PV system monitoring, remote diagnostics, and IT/network troubleshooting, preferably in residential and commercial O&M environments.
- Proven expertise with major solar monitoring and inverter platforms (Enphase Enlighten, SolarEdge Monitoring, SMA Sunny Portal, Tigo, etc.).
- Strong knowledge of inverters, data loggers, optimizers, gateways, SCADA systems, and communication protocols (Modbus, API integrations, cellular/Wi-Fi/Ethernet).
- Experience performing remote troubleshooting, firmware updates, parameter adjustments, and performance optimization in live solar systems.
- Demonstrated ability to lead training or mentoring junior technicians or apprentices in technical solar/IT topics.
- Excellent client-facing communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical issues clearly and professionally.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, island-based environment with inter-island travel coordination, weather variability, and utility (HECO/Maui Electric) interactions.
- OSHA 10 certification.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to pass background checks (required for access to military/condo sites in Hawaiʻi).
Preferred:
- NABCEP Certified PV Technical Sales, PV Installation Professional, or PV System Inspector (or equivalent solar certification).
- IT-related certifications (e.g., CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, or similar) or experience with cybersecurity in IoT/monitoring systems.
- Familiarity with Hawaiʻi-specific solar challenges (e.g., high humidity, salt corrosion, frequent grid events, inter-island logistics).
- Experience coordinating with OEM technical support teams for warranty and escalation cases.
- OSHA 30 certification.
- Proficiency in CRM/ticketing systems (e.g., ServiceTitan, Salesforce, or similar) and basic data analysis tools (Excel, Power BI, or Python for trend analysis).
- Prior supervisory or lead experience in field service or remote operations teams.
Driving Requirement:
- Must possess a valid driver’s license in the state where the work is to be performed.
- Ability to drive a vehicle during the normal course of business.
- Must maintain a clean driving record with the ability to pass a driving background check.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
- Ability to traverse/maneuver job site and survey/assess all aspects of the construction process for extended periods of time
- Ability to climb a ladder onto a roof, walk across a roof, and install equipment on the roof safely
- Work in outdoor conditions: inclement weather, heat and humidity, cold and freezing temperatures, and exposure to poisonous plants, insects, and allergens
- May be exposed to energized electrical equipment/construction chemicals and will be required to take appropriate precautions.
- Employee may handle work equipment and be required to lift, move and install materials up to 50+ pounds
- Noise level is moderate but varies depending on location
- Able to use and learn standard construction equipment/technology with proficiency Typical work hours are M-F in 8-hour shifts, with potential weekends
- Must hold a valid driver’s license and own a registered insured personal vehicle to travel between job sites – no use of motorcycles or scooters during business hours
- Visual acuity to drive motor vehicles/mobile equipment, read printed and electronic documents, and distinguish wiring colors
- Hearing capacity to receive, perceive, and react to common driving/construction environment noises and verbal commands/warnings
Why start an exciting career with Sunspear?
- Be part of a fast-growing company (Top 3 in Hawaii), within a fast-growing industry that provides a valuable service of helping clients save money while simultaneously promoting sustainability.
- Company growth opens doors for career advancement, and we love to promote from within.
- A mentorship environment with a strong team of industry veterans to learn from and who will encourage you to be successful!
- Bonuses for sending us referrals!
- As a company, we have built a positive and family-style culture within the organization; we pride ourselves on a fun team atmosphere with result-based incentives.
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, we comply with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.
Pay: $35.00 - $55.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40.0 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Application Question(s):
- Must live on the island of Oahu
Ability to Commute:
- Honolulu, HI 96817 (Required)
Work Location: In person