Marine Energy Array Technician

Job Details

Sector(s)

Operations & Maintenance

Median Pay

$43,180–$59,380 per year

$20.76–$28.55 per hour

Job Type

Entry to Mid-Level

Typical Entry-Level
Education and Work
Experience
Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent

Alternate Titles

Mechanic.

Brief Job Description

Marine energy array technicians install, inspect, maintain, operate, and repair machinery at marine energy arrays. They are also responsible for identifying and fixing problems in array operations as well as communicating their findings with their superiors and subordinates.

Education and Training Level Description

Marine energy array technicians must have a high school or equivalent degree. Some technicians complete a technical or associate's degree in a related field, such as marine engineering, mechanical engineering, or electrical engineering. Additional training as an electrician or mechanic can be helpful, and offshore experience is preferred.

Most positions require a year or more of on-the-job training for new marine energy array technicians. With more job experience, hydroelectric plant technicians can begin to manage other technicians.

Job Profile

Marine energy array technicians work on marine energy arrays, installing, inspecting, maintaining, operating, and repairing components to ensure the array continues to run smoothly. As most arrays are currently in testing stages, they often work with engineers and researchers to report on equipment operation and issues that arise. Technicians routinely inspect equipment and make sure that the equipment receives the maintenance needed to keep it in good working condition. When new array components need to be installed, technicians often perform or assist with the installation. These technicians also operate various systems or machinery based on instructions or specifications. This could include adjusting a valve, electrical control boards, and other array equipment either onsite at the array, or remotely from an onshore control location.

Some marine energy technicians may need to be certified commercial divers, because they may need to repair or adjust components of marine arrays that exist below the water.

Working with large and offshore machinery can be dangerous if safety protocols are not followed, so marine energy array technicians must know and abide by safety procedures. Some technicians may help develop or modify array safety regulations and procedures, run safety drills, or evaluate other technicians or drills at their plant or other plants.

Marine energy array technicians typically:

Inspect the exterior and physical integrity of marine energy arrays
Collect data on component performance for testing or research and analysis
Perform routine maintenance on marine energy array machinery
Test electrical components and systems, as well as mechanical and hydraulic systems
Troubleshoot mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical malfunctions
Service transmission systems, substations, or fiber optic sensing and control systems
Replace worn or malfunctioning components
Operate marine energy array equipment in accordance with specifications and instructions.

Job Skills

Marine energy array technicians typically need:

To be detail oriented. Technicians must be able to notice small changes in machinery to identify issues. They must also follow strict maintenance, installation, and safety protocols to maintain a safe work environment.
Physical stamina. Technicians often need to move around all day while inspecting, fixing, and maintaining components of the plant.
Physical strength. Technicians need to be strong enough to move heavy components that may weigh up to 50 pounds.
Troubleshooting skills. Technicians find, diagnose, and repair problems. For example, if a motor stops working, they perform tests to determine the cause of its failure and then, depending on the results, fix or replace the motor.

More Information, Job Opportunities, etc.

For more information on hydroelectric plant technicians, see: