Solar Array Mechanic

Standard Job Description

IAM Hourly represented employees who currently work at the main (Sunnyvale/Palo Alto) unit, Santa Cruz, Vandenburg Air Force Base or Eastern Range facilities must apply to open requisitions on LMTalent Central to be considered for the position.

This classification requires the fabrication, assembly and testing of solar array mechanisms and solar
device assemblies.

WORK PERFORMED
Determine sequence of operations, make initial parts layouts, fabricate and build completely structural
assemblies and subassemblies such as the solar array base frame assembly, mast assembly and solar
panel assembly.

Determine sequence of operations make initial layouts for and assemble and install such items as panel
assemblies, hydraulic dampers, positional drive units, valves, electrical switches and harnesses, shafts,
pins, arms, springs, pulleys, cables and electrical and mechanical actuating devices, adjust, align and
functionally check operating mechanisms as required.

Fabricate electrical and electronic plugs and harnesses as required. Replace individual solar cells and
filters which are damaged. Solder and pot as required. Make current and voltage measurements on solar
assemblies. Use test equipment to stimulate, measure and record electrical parameters.

Work from blueprints, wiring diagrams, sketches, or other authorized documents where information is not
readily available and with inadequate tooling or without the aid of tooling.

Improvise shop aids to facilitate assembly and installation as required.

Incorporate changes and perform rework wherein the operations are essentially the same as required for
the work described herein.

Work with authorized liaison personnel to determine satisfactory fabrication assembly installation and
testing sequence.

Basic Qualifications

• Apply knowledge of electrical assembly methods and materials associated with building and repair of solar
  array devices and the replacement of individual solar cells and solar panels. Apply knowledge of basic
  electrical principles and continuity and insulation resistance checks required to make current voltage
  measurements.
• Apply knowledge of solar array materials structures, fabrication and assembly practice and procedures.
• Ability to read and interpret wiring charts and diagrams, detail assembly and installation blueprints, or other
  authorized documents which are not fully detailed and where missing information must be supplied by
  worker from knowledge of typical solar array structure and best shop practice.
• Use shop mathematics, including decimals and fractions.

Desired Skills

• Prior experience assembling complex electro/mechanical assemblies and sub-assemblies
• Prior experience utilizing a Manufacturing Execution System (MES)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.)