Job Description

Operations Manager, Solar & Energy Storage

Location: Jones County, Texas, near Abilene

Work arrangement: Field-based/home-based, with regular site presence

Salary: $130,000 to $150,000 annually, plus a 20% annual bonus

About Lightsource bp

Lightsource bp is on a mission to become a global leader in onshore renewables, anchored by our proven track record in solar development.

For over a decade, we have worked to diversify the way our world is powered through sustainable and responsible renewable energy. We safely deliver affordable, reliable, utility-scale renewable energy and storage solutions that support global decarbonization, long-term economic growth, and energy security.

Lightsource bp was fully acquired by bp in 2024.

The opportunity

Lightsource bp is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to support operational excellence across a portfolio of utility-scale solar and battery energy storage assets in the Abilene, Texas area.

Reporting to the Director of Operations, you will serve as an Operations and Maintenance subject matter expert, oversee third-party service providers, and work closely with Asset Management, Engineering, Construction, and other cross-functional teams. You will play a critical role in establishing a strong culture of safety and compliance while improving plant performance, reliability, and operating efficiency.

This is a field-based/home-based position requiring regular presence at our operational sites in Jones County, outside Abilene. Candidates who do not live locally must be able to work on-site for at least two weeks each month.

What you’ll do

• Lead operations for a portfolio of solar and battery energy storage assets.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure work is completed in accordance with Lightsource bp procedures.
• Manage and evaluate third-party O&M, vegetation management, and other service providers.
• Conduct performance reviews and audits of O&M providers.
• Ensure preventive maintenance programs reflect warranty requirements and electrical best practices.
• Monitor compliance with interconnection agreements, power purchase agreements, O&M contracts, and applicable NERC and RTO/ISO requirements.
• Lead investigations into plant outages, DC underperformance, SCADA issues, and other unexpected operating conditions.
• Analyze asset performance, repair times, and other metrics to identify trends and implement improvement plans.
• Develop and maintain LOTO, de-energization, re-energization, availability forecasting, and outage notification procedures.
• Partner with Construction and Engineering teams to manage project handoffs and transition new assets into the operating fleet.
• Perform acceptance inspections and site walkdowns for newly constructed photovoltaic facilities.
• Manage warranty documentation, spare-parts practices, and equipment repair or replacement records.
• Support environmental compliance, including hazardous waste, spill prevention, avian studies, wildlife conservation, vegetation management, and biodiversity initiatives.
• Help implement consistent operating procedures and best practices across the portfolio.

What you’ll bring

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, project management, or another relevant technical field.
• Previous people or service-provider management experience in an operations environment.
• Technical knowledge of utility-scale power plant operations and maintenance.
• Strong understanding of large-scale, ground-mounted solar systems.
• Familiarity with solar SCADA, generation and transmission fundamentals, AC/DC wiring, and applicable electrical codes.
• Strong project management, troubleshooting, and analytical skills.
• Battery energy storage system experience is preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate across technical and business functions.
• A solutions-oriented mindset and the ability to work effectively with limited supervision.
• Willingness and ability to maintain the required presence at our Jones County sites.

What we offer

• Annual base salary of $130,000 to $150,000
• 20% annual bonus opportunity
• Medical, dental, prescription, and vision coverage beginning on your first day
• Retention bonus program
• Four weeks of vacation, three weeks of sick leave, and 11 paid holidays annually
• 401(k) plan with a 3% nonelective employer contribution
• Monthly personal phone reimbursement of up to $100
• Lifestyle Savings Account and additional benefits

At Lightsource bp, you can be yourself, contribute ideas, and build a meaningful career. You will join a collaborative, international organization committed to safety, integrity, respect, sustainability, and drive.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, socioeconomic status, neurodiversity or neurocognitive functioning, veteran status, disability status, or any other legally protected status.

Individuals with disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation related to the Lightsource bp recruitment process.