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Director Solar Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Association House of Chicago

Be Seen First

Solar PV Installation Training Facilitator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

... direct sunlight, working with trip hazards, and working at heights. Flexibility to work evening and weekends to meet program operations and needs. * Proficiency in MS Office Suite and data entry.

Randstad

Certified Solar Electrician

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$66K - $110K/yr

Industry Residential Solar | Battery Storage | Electrical Role Summary Randstad USA is seeking an experienced Certified Electrician for a direct hire field position supporting residential solar and ...

Randstad

Installation Foreman

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$64K - $110K/yr

Industry Residential Solar | Renewable Energy | Construction Role Summary Randstad USA is seeking an experienced Solar foreman for a direct hire opportunity supporting residential and small ...

Solar Landscape

Project Management Analyst

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$55K - $75K/yr

Oversee solar incentive applications and closeouts; act as the primary point of contact for all internal and external parties regarding incentive processes. * Assist the Director of Interconnection ...

Solar Landscape

Project Management Analyst

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$120K/yr

Oversee solar incentive applications and closeouts; act as the primary point of contact for all internal and external parties regarding incentive processes. * Assist the Director of Interconnection ...

Solar Landscape

Project Management Analyst

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Oversee solar incentive applications and closeouts; act as the primary point of contact for all internal and external parties regarding incentive processes. * Assist the Director of Interconnection ...

Nexamp Inc.

Senior Solar Project Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100 - $140/hr

Nexamp is seeking to hire a Senior Solar Project Engineer to join its Project Engineering team. In ... Direct cross-functional collaboration with Design, Development, Engineering, Estimation, Pre ...

Nexamp

Senior Solar Project Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$102K - $132K/yr

Nexamp is seeking to hire a Senior Solar Project Engineer to join its Project Engineering team. In ... Direct cross-functional collaboration with Design, Development, Engineering, Estimation, Pre ...

Nexamp

Senior Solar Project Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$102K - $132K/yr

Nexamp is seeking to hire a Senior Solar Project Engineer to join its Project Engineering team. In ... Direct cross-functional collaboration with Design, Development, Engineering, Estimation, Pre ...

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All JobsSolar JobsDirector Solar JobsDirector Solar Jobs in Chicago, IL

Director Solar information

What does a director solar do?

A Director of Solar is responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and management of solar energy projects within a company or organization. This role typically involves strategic planning, budgeting, team leadership, and ensuring projects meet regulatory requirements and sustainability goals. Directors of Solar often collaborate with engineers, project managers, and external stakeholders to drive the growth of solar initiatives. They also monitor industry trends and technological advancements to keep their organization's solar programs competitive and efficient.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director solar?

To thrive as a Director of Solar, you need a strong background in renewable energy management, project development, and a relevant engineering or business degree, often supplemented by significant industry experience. Familiarity with solar PV systems, project management software, and financial modeling tools, as well as certifications like NABCEP, is typically required. Leadership, strategic vision, and excellent stakeholder communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are essential for overseeing complex solar projects, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving organizational growth in the rapidly evolving solar industry.

What are some common challenges faced by a director solar, and how can they be effectively managed?

A Director of Solar often encounters challenges such as navigating evolving regulatory environments, securing project financing, and managing cross-functional teams across multiple sites. Staying updated with local and federal policies, fostering strong relationships with stakeholders, and implementing robust project management processes are key strategies for success. Additionally, balancing technical innovation with cost-effectiveness and ensuring team alignment on project goals are essential for driving project completion and company growth.

What are the most commonly searched types of Solar jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Solar jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Director Solar jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Director Solar jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Director Solar jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Solar jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Director Solar jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Director Solar job openings:

Director Solar jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Solar job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Director, Grid Strategy & Utility Planning

Solar Landscape

Chicago, IL • Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

About Us
 
Solar Landscape is the leading commercial rooftop solar developer in the U.S. Only 4% of commercial rooftops host solar today — we’re changing that, fast. Commercial rooftop solar is the fastest, smartest way to build new clean power — delivering megawatts of generation in months, not years, and powering America’s energy and future right where it’s needed most. By turning rooftops into local power plants, we’re reshaping how — and how fast — energy gets built in the U.S.
 
Recognized as the #1 Distributed Generation Developer by New Project Media, the #1 National Commercial Rooftop Solar Developer by Solar Power World, and winner of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grand Prize for Clean Energy, Solar Landscape is defining the future of energy generation in America.
 
Headquartered in Asbury Park, New Jersey, Solar Landscape has offices in Chicago, Baltimore, and New York City and operates in over a dozen states nationwide.
 
We move fast, solve hard problems, and take our work seriously — but never ourselves. We value clear thinking, accountability, and execution. At the same time, we’re collaborative by default, and believe the best work happens when people enjoy working together. Our team is made up of smart, grounded people who show up for each other — whether that’s troubleshooting a system design or catching up over lunch.
 
If you’re looking to do meaningful work in a high-performance environment — and be part of the team reshaping how energy gets built in the U.S. — we’d love to meet you.
 
About The Role

Solar Landscape is building the next phase of distributed energy, and the grid needs to evolve to support it.
We are seeking a senior power systems professional with deep experience in utility transmission and distribution planning, grid modernization, and distributed energy resource integration to lead the company’s grid strategy efforts.
Reporting to the Director of Interconnection, this role will evaluate how utility planning frameworks, infrastructure investments, and evolving grid constraints affect distributed solar and battery energy storage deployment across U.S. markets. The position will work directly with utilities and internal teams to unlock hosting capacity, advance DER integration strategies, and develop pilot initiatives such as DERMS, dynamic hosting capacity, flexible interconnection, and non-wire alternatives.
Key Responsibilities
  • Engage utility planning and engineering teams to identify and advance opportunities to increase hosting capacity on constrained circuits.
  • Build strong relationships across utility planning, asset management, engineering, operations, regulatory, and innovation teams.
  • Develop technically credible, data-driven proposals that align distributed energy deployment with utility reliability and planning objectives.
  • Identify, develop, and advance DERMS, dynamic hosting capacity, flexible interconnection, non-wire alternative, and other grid-modernization pilot opportunities.
  • Analyze hosting-capacity maps, load forecasts, infrastructure plans, capital programs, and system-planning studies to inform market and siting strategy.
  • Interpret integrated distribution plans, integrated resource plans, long-range transmission plans, and other utility planning filings.
  • Monitor feeder and substation constraints, system-upgrade programs, load growth, electrification trends, and planned utility investments.
  • Identify circuits and substations where targeted operational changes, grid technologies, or infrastructure investments could unlock additional DER capacity.
  • Provide strategic guidance on integrating distributed solar and battery energy storage systems within utility distribution networks.
  • Evaluate how operating requirements, export controls, tariffs, system limitations, and utility planning assumptions affect DER deployment.
  • Support interpretation of feasibility studies, system-impact studies, facility studies, and related utility planning data.
  • Provide input on point-of-interconnection strategy and system-integration considerations.
  • Track emerging grid technologies, including ADMS, DERMS, advanced inverters, digital twins, VPPs, microgrids, and grid-enhancing technologies.
  • Participate in utility working groups, regulatory forums, industry organizations, and technical conferences related to grid modernization and DER integration.
  • Support development, interconnection, policy, and New Markets teams with early-stage grid intelligence and utility-planning insight.
  • Translate utility planning information into clear recommendations for leadership and cross-functional teams.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, or a related field.
  • 10+ years of experience in electric utility planning, transmission or distribution engineering, grid modernization, or DER integration.
  • Deep understanding of utility planning methodologies, system constraints, reliability, infrastructure development, and capital planning.
  • Experience with distributed energy resources, renewable energy, battery energy storage, or advanced grid technologies.
  • Strong familiarity with utility planning studies, hosting-capacity analysis, interconnection impacts, and grid-modernization initiatives.
  • Demonstrated ability to influence utility stakeholders and advance new technical or operational approaches.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex grid issues into actionable business recommendations.
  • Experience within a major electric utility, ISO/RTO, grid consulting firm, or adjacent energy organization strongly preferred.
  • Familiarity with PJM, NYISO, CAISO, ERCOT, MISO, or other major U.S. power markets preferred.
  • Experience advancing DERMS, dynamic hosting capacity, flexible interconnection, non-wire alternatives, or related pilots preferred.
  • Professional Engineer license or an advanced degree in power systems, energy policy, or a related discipline preferred.
Salary will vary depending on your location and job-related skills and experience. This is an incentive-based position with the potential to earn more. For part-time roles, your compensation will be adjusted to reflect your hours.
Benefits and Perks
 
We offer competitive compensation and benefits designed to support you inside and outside of work:
 
·       Training / Professional development opportunities
·       401(k) with 4% company match
·       Summer Fridays
·       Flexible remote/hybrid work options
·       Paid parental leave
·       Team lunches, events, and stocked kitchens
·       Modern, collaborative office spaces in Asbury Park, New York City, Boston, Chicago, and Baltimore
·       Medical, dental, and vision coverage
·       Company-paid life and long-term disability insurance
 
 
 
ADA Accommodation Statement
 
Solar Landscape is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact us at hr@solarlandscape.com.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.