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Distributed Solar Development Jobs in Chicago, IL

Solar Landscape

Project Accountant

Chicago, IL

$62K - $82K/yr

... Distributed Generation Developer by New Project Media, the #1 National Commercial Rooftop Solar ... Strong understanding of: * Budget development and tracking * Cost forecasting (EAC/CAC ...

DST Engineers LLC

Be Seen First

Lead Electrical Engineer / Owner's Engineering Technical Lead

Oak Brook, IL · Remote

$163K - $170K/yr

Lead electrical engineering review for 3 MW to 5 MW distributed generation solar PV projects ... Support comment log development and review comment closure. * Escalate critical technical issues ...

DST Engineers LLC

Be Seen First

Lead Electrical Engineer / Owner's Engineering Technical Lead

Oak Brook, IL · Remote

$163K - $170K/yr

Lead electrical engineering review for 3 MW to 5 MW distributed generation solar PV projects ... Support comment log development and review comment closure. * Escalate critical technical issues ...

DST Engineers LLC

Be Seen First

Lead Electrical Engineer / Owner's Engineering Technical Lead

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$161K - $168K/yr

Lead electrical engineering review for 3 MW to 5 MW distributed generation solar PV projects ... Support comment log development and review comment closure. * Escalate critical technical issues ...

DST Engineers LLC

Be Seen First

Lead Electrical Engineer / Owner's Engineering Technical Lead

Oak Brook, IL · Remote

$163K - $170K/yr

Lead electrical engineering review for 3 MW to 5 MW distributed generation solar PV projects ... Support comment log development and review comment closure. * Escalate critical technical issues ...

DST Engineers LLC

Be Seen First

Lead Electrical Engineer / Owner's Engineering Technical Lead

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$161K - $168K/yr

Lead electrical engineering review for 3 MW to 5 MW distributed generation solar PV projects ... Support comment log development and review comment closure. * Escalate critical technical issues ...

DST Engineers LLC

Be Seen First

Lead Electrical Engineer / Owner's Engineering Technical Lead

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$161K - $168K/yr

Lead electrical engineering review for 3 MW to 5 MW distributed generation solar PV projects ... Support comment log development and review comment closure. * Escalate critical technical issues ...

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Distributed Solar Development information

What is the difference between Distributed Solar Development vs Solar Project Engineer?

AspectDistributed Solar DevelopmentSolar Project Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, Renewable Energy, or related field; certifications like NABCEP are commonBachelor's in Engineering, Electrical or Mechanical; certifications like NABCEP are common
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, site assessments, project planning, collaboration with developersDesign, technical analysis, project management, site inspections
Employer & Industry UsageSolar developers, renewable energy firms, project developersEngineering firms, solar installation companies, project management teams

Distributed Solar Development focuses on planning, permitting, and coordinating solar projects at various sites, often involving community or residential projects. Solar Project Engineers handle the technical design, engineering analysis, and technical problem-solving of solar projects. While both roles require similar credentials and work in the solar industry, their primary responsibilities differ: development versus engineering execution.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in distributed solar development, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in distributed solar development often encounter challenges such as navigating complex permitting requirements, securing interconnection approvals from utilities, and managing multiple stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle. These hurdles can be addressed by staying up-to-date with local regulations, fostering strong relationships with utility representatives, and employing effective project management tools. Additionally, collaborating closely with engineers, contractors, and clients helps streamline communication and ensures that projects stay on track and within budget.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Distributed Solar Development, and why are they important?

To succeed in Distributed Solar Development, you need a solid background in renewable energy systems, project management, and site assessment, often supported by a degree in engineering or environmental science. Familiarity with solar design software (like Helioscope or PVsyst), permitting processes, and relevant certifications (such as NABCEP) is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving abilities, and stakeholder management skills help differentiate top performers in this field. These competencies ensure the effective design, implementation, and management of solar projects while facilitating collaboration among technical teams, clients, and regulatory bodies.

What is distributed solar development?

Distributed solar development refers to the planning, installation, and management of solar power systems that are located close to where the energy will be used, such as on residential or commercial rooftops. Unlike large, centralized solar farms, distributed solar projects are smaller in scale and often connected directly to local power grids or used to offset on-site electricity consumption. Professionals in this field handle project design, permitting, financing, and coordination with utilities to ensure efficient and reliable solar energy generation. This approach helps reduce energy transmission losses, supports grid resilience, and can lower energy costs for users.
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Distributed Solar Development jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Distributed Solar Development job openings:
Distributed Solar Development jobs near you
Project Accountant

Project Accountant

Solar Landscape

Chicago, IL

$62K - $82K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 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 seeking a Project Accountant to be responsible for financial oversight at the project level, with primary ownership of forecasted cost at completion (CAC/EAC) and budget integrity across assigned projects. This role partners directly with Project Managers (PMs) to develop, validate, and monitor cost forecasts on a monthly basis, while also acting as a financial control checkpoint to ensure disciplined budget adherence.

The position sits at the intersection of project execution and finance, providing structured cost visibility, enforcing budget controls, and improving project-level financial predictability.

Responsibilities

1. Cost at Completion (EAC/CAC) Ownership

  • Own and maintain monthly Estimated/Anticipated Cost at Completion at the project level.
  • Partner with Project Managers to:
    • Review committed costs, actuals, and pending exposures.
    • Identify forecast variances and risk areas.
    • Update cost projections based on scope changes and field intelligence.
  • Ensure forecast integrity through documented assumptions and variance explanations.
  • Escalate material risks or budget overruns with recommended mitigation strategies.

2. Budget Management & Entry

  • Support project budget setup and changes within financial systems.
  • Validate that budgets are properly structured (cost codes, categories, contingencies).
  • Monitor budget vs. actual vs. committed spend.
  • Identify discrepancies and coordinate corrective action with PMs and Finance.
  • Maintain clean budget hygiene and audit-ready documentation.

3. Budget Adherence & PM Support

  • Serve as a financial partner to the PM team to maintain cost discipline.
  • Provide structured reporting on budgets vs actuals, committed costs, forecast variances.
  • Flag early warning indicators of budget overrun.
  • Support PMs in corrective planning (reallocations, contingency usage, cost mitigation strategies).

4. Project Purchase Order Management

  • Monitor PO issuance against approved budgets.
  • Ensure POs align to approved cost codes and budget limits, and that proper documentation and approvals are in place.
  • Identify and resolve open or stale commitments to maintain accurate committed cost reporting.
  • Partner with Procurement and PMs to improve PO discipline.
  • Monitor the aging of customer billings and follow up as required. Submit monthly reports on Accounts Receivable (A/R) Aging to management.
  • Review project Accounts Payable (A/P) to ensure correct coding and entry.
  • Process change orders, contracts, release of liens and subcontractor payment applications.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Construction Management, or related field.
  • 3–7+ years of experience in project accounting, cost management, construction finance, or project controls.
  • Strong understanding of:
    • Budget development and tracking
    • Cost forecasting (EAC/CAC methodologies)
    • Commitment accounting
    • PO lifecycle management
  • Advanced Excel proficiency; ERP/project accounting system experience preferred.
  • Ability to work cross-functionally with project teams and finance.
  • Strong analytical, documentation, and process discipline skills.

Key Competencies

  • Forecasting rigor
  • Financial controls orientation
  • Detail oriented
  • Risk identification and mitigation
  • Cross-functional collaboration
  • Project costing & accounting best practices

Performance Outcomes

Success in this role will be measured by:

  • Accuracy and reliability of monthly cost-at-completion forecasts.
  • Reduction in budget overruns due to improved early detection.
  • Clean PO lifecycle management (minimal stale commitments).
  • Improved adherence to budget approval controls.
  • Increased financial visibility for PM leadership and Finance.
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


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.