Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Professional References
Timeline
Generic
Edward Thomas

Edward Thomas

Cape Coral,US

Summary

Field Application Engineer with extensive experience in Solar PV Tracker maintenance, including troubleshooting and replacing NODE controllers, shock absorbers, actuators, and charging panels. Experienced Field Applications Engineer and Field technician with over 7.5 years in the solar PV industry, specializing in technical support, system programming, and field service coordination and site maintenance. Proven track record of resolving complex computer-level issues, implementing system improvements, and supporting large-scale tracker and SCADA systems. Recognized for strong customer relations and hands-on field expertise with references from Duke Energy, Florida Power & Light (FPL), NextEra, and Miller Bros Solar. Also skilled in MIG welding and robotic welder operations with 5 years of experience. Open to IT, programming, and technician roles within or outside the solar industry. Willing to relocate within Florida with proper notice due to family commitments.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work History

Field Application Engineer

GameChange Solar
Norwalk, CT
11.2023 - 03.2025
  • Delivered technical support for 60+ solar tracker sites nationwide, managing PCB board, Raspberry Pi, IoT device programming.
  • Facilitated remote training sessions for clients like FPL and Duke Energy.
  • Maintained remote monitoring systems and coordinated inventory and warehouse operations.
  • Delivered comprehensive technical support for 60+ solar tracker sites, enhancing system reliability and boosting client satisfaction.
  • Performed on-site demonstrations of products and services to potential customers.
  • Collaborated closely with engineering teams to develop system specifications for customized applications.
  • Provided technical support to customers for product selection, installation and troubleshooting.
  • Performed hardware and software installations at customer sites as needed.
  • Created detailed reports on product performance in the field.
  • Assisted with the testing, debugging, and evaluation of new products or modifications to existing designs.
  • Researched and resolved customer inquiries regarding product functionality and usage.
  • Provided technical guidance and mentorship to junior employees.

Field Technician Supervisor/Trainer

GameChange Solar
Lake City, FL
05.2020 - 11.2023
  • Troubleshoot, diagnose and make appropriate replacements in the field for (node controllers, charging panels, actuators failures.
  • Works closely with remote monitoring teams to diagnose SCADA alerts and implement field corrections
  • Assists with configuration, firmware updates, and diagnostics of solar inverter communication systems
  • Responds to system alarms and performs root cause diagnostics to restore generation as quickly as possible
  • Supports NERC/CIP compliance efforts by securing access, monitoring logs, and documenting field system changes
  • Trained and managed national employees and customers performing maintenance on solar PV tracking systems.
  • Oversaw scheduling, timesheet management, logistics, and equipment rentals.
  • Conducted customer-facing training on IoT systems and firmware updates.
  • Conducted testing of software and hardware to ensure quality and reliability.
  • Worked effectively in team environments to make the workplace more productive.
  • Completed routine maintenance and repair using heavy equipment and hand tools.
  • Conducted routine maintenance and repairs on mechanical systems and industrial equipment.
  • Assisted with customer requests and answered installation questions to improve satisfaction.
  • Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.
  • Evaluated employee performance through periodic reviews and documented results accordingly.
  • Directed and supervised teams of 15+ employees in daily operations.
  • Developed and implemented operational policies and procedures to ensure efficiency and accuracy of workflows.
  • Tracked progress on projects and provided timely feedback to staff members.
  • Collaborated with other departments to coordinate workflow processes between teams.
  • Performed monthly inventory checks to ensure sufficient stock levels for all products as well as annual warehouse inventory audits.
  • Maintained accurate records of service calls, repairs, and other activities performed by technicians.
  • Created and implemented procedures for testing, troubleshooting, and repairing PV Tracker systems.

Field Technician

HCS Renewable Energy LLC
Lake City, FL
04.2018 - 05.2020
  • Assisted in launching tracker systems operations department, resulting in permanent hire by GameChange Solar.
  • Performed site inspections, hardware remediation, and supported system recovery.
  • Maintained inventory of parts and supplies used for repairs and service calls.
  • Upgraded existing systems by installing new versions of operating systems or application software.
  • Trained staff members on proper use of equipment, processes and procedures.
  • Configured routers and switches for optimal network performance.
  • Conducted site surveys for new installations, including evaluation of existing infrastructure and installation requirements.
  • Performed preventative maintenance on equipment and systems to ensure optimal performance.
  • Communicated regularly with management regarding progress made on assigned projects or tasks.
  • Installed software applications according to customer specifications.
  • Resolved customer inquiries promptly while providing excellent customer service at all times.
  • Collaborated with engineering teams to develop solutions to technical challenges encountered in the field.
  • Investigated root causes of recurring problems with specific hardware or software configurations.
  • Responded quickly to emergency situations requiring immediate attention.
  • Provided technical support to customers via phone, email and in-person.

MIG Welder

Honeywell
London, Ohio
05.2015 - 06.2017
  • Readied components for fabrication by marking reference lines and measuring distances accurately with calipers, rulers or micrometers.
  • Maintained daily logs of production numbers and weld data as necessary.
  • Monitored welds for quality assurance purposes.
  • Inspected finished products to ensure accuracy in accordance with blueprints and specifications.
  • Maintained a clean workspace throughout the day.
  • Set up and operated MIG welding machines according to established safety procedures.

Landscaper

Cutting Edge Lawn Care
Spirit Lake, Iowa
01.2015 - 05.2017
  • Inspected property for signs of damage or infestation from pests or weeds.
  • Inspected truck before and after trips to ensure proper working order.
  • Loaded, secured and unloaded cargo on flatbed trailer.
  • Kept detailed logs documenting hours worked, maintenance performed.
  • Followed safety protocols when operating power tools and machinery.
  • Adjusted cutting heights on all types of mowers to meet customer requirements.
  • Created detailed reports documenting any issues found during inspections.
  • Provided snow removal services during winter months.
  • Prepared estimates for materials required to complete repair jobs.
  • Responded to service requests from tenants in a timely manner.

Production MIG Welder

Rosenboom Machine & Tool
Okoboji, Iowa
01.2015 - 05.2017
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives aimed at increasing efficiency within the production department.
  • Operate manual or semi-automatic welding equipment to fuse metal segments using processes such as gas tungsten arc, shielded metal arc and flux cored arc welding techniques.
  • Ensure that all welds meet required standards for appearance, strength and penetration.
  • Conduct regular maintenance checks on MIG welding machines to identify potential issues.
  • Conducted regular inspections on robotic welders to ensure they met safety standards.
  • Adjusted tooling parameters based on material type, thickness, shape.
  • Monitored robots during production runs to detect any problems or errors in the system.

Education

High School Diploma -

Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA
03-2025

Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering

National University
La Jolla, CA

Skills

Actuator and node controller troubleshooting
Replacement strategies
Technical problem-solving

  • Firmware programming
  • Training and mentoring
  • Network configuration
  • Hardware troubleshooting
  • Web application development
  • Professionalism and work ethic
  • End-user training
  • Application testing
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Customer support
  • Technical documentation writing
  • Applications development
  • System upgrades
  • Customer relationship management
  • Hardware repair
  • Technical analysis
  • Equipment installation
  • Safety management
  • Software support

Professional References

  • Grace Goepfert – FPL
    πŸ“§ Grace.goepfert@fpl.com | πŸ“ž (352) 233-6795
  • Tim Roberson – Miller Bros Solar
    πŸ“§ Troberson@millerbros.us | πŸ“ž (610) 585-1819
  • Nathan Kipfer – GameChange Solar
    πŸ“ž (360) 286-3086
  • Danial Williamson – GameChange Solar
    πŸ“§ Daniel.Williamson@gamechangesolar.com | πŸ“ž (863) 832-9760
  • Bryan McGowan – GameChange Solar
    πŸ“ž (863) 210-7250
  • Victor Odom – GameChange Solar
    πŸ“ž (334) 400-2548
  • William Luke – Voiced By Design Tattoos
    πŸ“ž (386) 269-2037
  • Travis Smith – Voiced By Design Tattoos
    πŸ“ž (352) 231-5385

Timeline

Field Application Engineer

GameChange Solar
11.2023 - 03.2025

Field Technician Supervisor/Trainer

GameChange Solar
05.2020 - 11.2023

Field Technician

HCS Renewable Energy LLC
04.2018 - 05.2020

MIG Welder

Honeywell
05.2015 - 06.2017

Landscaper

Cutting Edge Lawn Care
01.2015 - 05.2017

Production MIG Welder

Rosenboom Machine & Tool
01.2015 - 05.2017

High School Diploma -

Georgia State University

Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering

National University