Manuel Rios
Roma
Summary
Unlicensed journeyman electrician with extensive experience in solar, residential, and commercial electrical systems. Eager to transition into an instructional role to share hands-on knowledge and help train the next generation of electricians. Passionate about safety, technical precision, and mentoring apprentices.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Electrical Instructor
South Texas College
Rio Grande City, TX
08.2025 - Current
- Instructed students on electrical safety practices and troubleshooting techniques, enhancing their ability to identify and resolve issues safely.
- Demonstrated use of electrical tools and equipment in hands-on labs, facilitating practical understanding and application of skills.
- Demonstrated proper electrical installation techniques, wiring methods, and troubleshooting procedures.
- Instructed students on the principles of electricity, circuit theory, digital electronics, motor controls, and other related topics
- Instructed students in PV system Design, Installation, and maintenance using NEC and industry standards.
- Trained students on systems Sizing load calculations, and inverter selection.
- Demonstrated DC and AC system connection, grounding/bonding techniques, and safe electrical practices.
- Emphasize OSHA safety standards and fall protection during rooftop installations.
- Integrated real world troubleshooting scenarios using meters and electrical testing equipment.
- Guided and instructed students to achieve success in the electrical field, fostering confidence and competence in their abilities.
- Mentored students in real-world applications of electrical concepts and systems.
- Organized workshops to promote advancements in electrical technologies and skills.
- protection course materials for electrical theory and practical applications.
Full Time Unlicensed Journeyman
OCI Contractors
Henderson, TX
02.2025 - 08.2025
- Installed and connected utility-scale solar panels, inverters, and transformers.
- Pulled and terminated wire in combiner boxes and inverters, including DC and MV cable
- Conducted testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting of AC and DC circuits
- Adhered to strict safety protocols and maintained clean, organized work environments
- Trained apprentices and ensured quality and efficiency on all job sites
- DC termination on Sungrown Inverter with 17 Circuits with knockouts of 4" pipe and Terminated LBD boxes with 4 DC cables.
- Pulled 500 sized DC cable Above Ground and Hang it on Cabline from Inverter to LBD boxes and also installed IPC's on designated circuits.
- Polarity and megging in PV, DC, MV cable.
- Utilized Seaward Solar Testers for I-V curve tracing, insulation resistance testing, and open circuit voltage verification across multiple solar arrays.
Full Time Unlicensed Journeyman
The Industrial Company (TIC)
Paris, TX
05.2024 - 01.2025
- Voc testing at the combiner box to confirm proper string voltages and ensure all PV strings are correctly connected.
- Skilled in performing MC4 connector terminations for photovoltaic (PV) systems, ensuring secure and weatherproof connections.
- Experienced in executing LR5 cable terminations with a focus on precision, safety, and compliance with industry standards.
- Pulled wire, installed inverters, combiner boxes, and performed terminations according to NEC standards.
- Conducted system testing and diagnostics to ensure operational efficiency.
- Diagnosed and repaired faults in PV modules and inverters to minimize downtime.
- Performed trenching, conduit runs, and grounding for electrical systems.
- Participated in regular safety meetings and maintained clean, organized work areas.
- Trained and supervised electrician apprentices to make them perform better.
- Tested string voltages of PV modules using Seaward equipment during solar farm commissioning to show client a better and more efficient result in the project.
Full Time Electrician Apprentice
Tesla Gigafactory
Austin, TX
11.2023 - 04.2024
- Performed precise conduit bending (1/2"-1") for commercial projects using hand benders, and hydraulic benders
- Fabricated and installed conduit for lighting
- Laid out conduit routes from prints and schematics, accounting for offsets, saddles, back-to-back 90s, and box alignments
- Measured, marked, and bent pipe to code, minimizing cuts and waste while maintaining structural and aesthetic standards
- Installed conduit through ceilings, walls, and slab, ensuring plumb and level runs using levels and laser tools
- Worked under journeyman electricians to complete rough-ins, terminations, and equipment hookups on schedule
- Followed NEC guidelines and company safety protocols during all phases of conduit installation
Full Time Electrician Apprentice
Blattner Energy
Buckholts, TX
07.2023 - 10.2023
- Installed, maintained, and troubleshot AC and DC electrical systems in large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations.
- Interpreted electrical blueprints, one-line diagrams, and site layouts to ensure accurate execution of system plans.
- Ensured all installations complied with NEC, OSHA, and company safety standards.
- Conducted trenching, conduit bending, and cable pulling for underground and overhead electrical systems.
- Performed torque checks, insulation resistance testing, and commissioning support on solar arrays.
- Wire management with 12AWG through array and connected with T body 8 AWG to Combiner Box
- Assisted in DC terminations in inverter and Combiner Box.
- 120V terminations, 480V terminations, Alarm
- Polarity and Megging in PV,DC, MV cable.
Full Time Electrician Apprentice
The Industrial Company (TIC)
Angleton, TX
02.2023 - 06.2023
- Precisely managing and securing PV module wiring, using zip ties to maintain organization and compliance with technical specifications, thereby ensuring both efficiency and safety in electrical connections.
- Conducted VOC and current (amperage) testing on solar modules and strings to ensure optimal system output and identify performance issues.
- Utilized multimeters and clamp meters to carry out VOC and amperage measurements, supporting troubleshooting and system commissioning.
- Supported senior electricians with equipment setup and system commissioning.
- Gained hands-on experience with utility interconnection and grounding systems.
- Assisted in the installation and wiring of solar combiner boxes, ensuring safe and efficient electrical connections in accordance with industry standards and project specifications.
- Identified open circuits and placed red zip ties to prevent other employees from connecting the connectors.
- Proficient in terminating photovoltaic (PV) string wires using MC4 connectors for secure, reliable electrical connections in solar installations.
Part Time Electrician Apprentice
Hometown Contractor
Roma, TX
06.2021 - 12.2022
- Assisted licensed electricians in installing, repairing, and maintaining wiring, lighting, and electrical systems in residential properties.
- Pulled wire, installed outlet and switch boxes, mounted fixtures, and supported panel upgrades.
- Performed service calls to troubleshoot and repair faulty wiring, outlets, and lighting.
- Worked with contractors and homeowners to execute remodeling projects.
- Pulled NM (Romex) cable for receptacles, lights, and appliances in new residential construction.
- Installed 200A main service panels and sub-panels with full circuit labeling.
- Wired and installed GFCI and AFCI breakers per NEC 210.8 & 210.12.
- Rewired homes during remodels, including kitchen and bathroom upgrades.
- Mounted and wired ceiling fans, chandeliers, and recessed lighting.
- Installed and configured smart home devices like Ring doorbells, Nest thermostats, and smart switches.
- Installed dedicated circuits for HVAC units, water heaters, and EV chargers.
- Conducted routine maintenance on solar energy systems to ensure efficiency.
- Diagnosed issues with solar equipment and implemented effective solutions.
- Installed solar panels safely in extreme hot and cold weather, in confined crawl spaces and on roofs of multi-story buildings.
- Tested connections between components for proper functionality after installation was complete.
Education
ASSOCIATES IN APPLIED SCIENCE - ELECTRICIAN TECHNOLOGY
SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE
01-2022
Skills
- Conduit bending
- Wiring
- Lighting
- Electrical panels
- Hand tools
- Power tools
- Job site safety
- Cleanliness
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Overtime
- Various environment
- Low Voltage
- Climbing
- WORD
- Blueprint reading
- Electrical systems
- Electrical wiring
- EXCEL
- NEC
- Industrial electrician experience
- High voltage
- Schematics
- Quality control
- Blueprint Reading
- POWERPOINT
- Roofing
- MICROSOFT OFFICE
- Electrical Experience
- Troubleshooting
- Bilingual
- Public speaking
- Attention to detail
- Quick Learner
Timeline
Electrical Instructor
South Texas College
08.2025 - Current
Full Time Unlicensed Journeyman
OCI Contractors
02.2025 - 08.2025
Full Time Unlicensed Journeyman
The Industrial Company (TIC)
05.2024 - 01.2025
Full Time Electrician Apprentice
Tesla Gigafactory
11.2023 - 04.2024
Full Time Electrician Apprentice
Blattner Energy
07.2023 - 10.2023
Full Time Electrician Apprentice
The Industrial Company (TIC)
02.2023 - 06.2023
Part Time Electrician Apprentice
Hometown Contractor
06.2021 - 12.2022
ASSOCIATES IN APPLIED SCIENCE - ELECTRICIAN TECHNOLOGY
SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE
Certifications
- NFPA 70E
- Osha10
- Osha30
- TWIC
- TDLR
- Electrician NCCER
- NCCER Certified Instructor