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Junior Solar Engineer Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Development Engineer II

Perrysburg, OH · On-site

$80K - $115K/yr

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset ... May train, mentor and manage junior associates. * Complies with Company's Environmental, Quality ...

Development Engineer II

Perrysburg, OH · On-site

$80K - $115K/yr

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset ... May train, mentor and manage junior associates. * Complies with Company's Environmental, Quality ...

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset ... Mentor junior engineers and scientists in experimental rigor, data analysis, and problemsolving ...

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Showing results 1-20

Junior Solar Engineer information

See Ohio salary details

$31.8K

$68.3K

$104.1K

How much do junior solar engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior solar engineer in Ohio is $68,259.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,100.00 and $76,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a junior solar engineer do?

A Junior Solar Engineer assists in the design, installation, and maintenance of solar power systems, working under the supervision of senior engineers. Their duties often include site assessments, creating technical drawings, preparing cost estimates, and ensuring compliance with safety and industry standards. They may also help troubleshoot issues, monitor system performance, and support project documentation. This role serves as an entry point into the renewable energy field, providing hands-on experience with solar technology and project management.

What are some typical projects a junior solar engineer might work on during their first year?

As a Junior Solar Engineer, you can expect to be involved in a variety of projects such as assisting with site assessments, supporting the design and layout of solar panel systems, and helping to prepare technical documentation. You'll likely work closely with senior engineers and project managers, gaining hands-on experience with solar software and industry standards. Collaborating with installation teams and participating in client meetings are also common, giving you broad exposure to both technical and practical aspects of solar energy projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior solar engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior Solar Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or mechanical engineering, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's degree and foundational knowledge of solar energy systems. Familiarity with solar design software (such as PVsyst or AutoCAD), site assessment tools, and industry standards like NEC or IEC is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills help distinguish high-performing candidates in this role. These skills and qualities ensure accurate system design, seamless project collaboration, and successful implementation of solar energy solutions.

What is the difference between Junior Solar Engineer vs Solar Technician?

AspectJunior Solar EngineerSolar Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's in Engineering, renewable energy certificationsHigh school diploma, technical certifications in solar installation
Work EnvironmentDesign, planning, project management, site assessmentsInstallation, maintenance, troubleshooting on solar sites
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, renewable energy companies, project developersSolar installation companies, maintenance service providers

The Junior Solar Engineer typically focuses on designing and planning solar projects, requiring engineering credentials and working in office or site assessment environments. In contrast, Solar Technicians mainly handle installation and maintenance tasks, often with technical certifications and hands-on work at solar sites. Both roles are essential in the solar industry but differ in responsibilities and required qualifications.

What cities in Ohio are hiring for Junior Solar Engineer jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Junior Solar Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Junior Solar Engineer job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,259 per year, or $32.8 per hour.

Development Engineer IV - Integration USA

First Solar

Perrysburg, OH • On-site

$99K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


First Solar rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 74 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

458th of 536 rated manufacturers


Job description

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.

Basic Job Functions:

  • Perform material and device research to enhance perovskite solar cell solar cell performance and stability and to reduce manufacturing cost.
  • Responsible for projects or functions that are highly complex, require significant innovation, and critical to department objectives.
  • Plan, execute, and characterize development engineering experiments in the laboratory and manufacturing environment with strategic foresight. Success requires iterative planning and de-risking over long periods.
  • Applies statistical and engineering methods to optimize organizational effectiveness. Core leader within the group in one or more areas.

Education/Experience:

  • Bachelor's Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 20 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer III at First Solar.
  • Master's Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 15 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer III at First Solar.
  • Ph.D. in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 10 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer III at First Solar.

Required Skills/Competencies:

  • Technical expert and innovator in one area of perovskite processes and/or equipment development.

  • Deep understanding of process/equipment interactions with the ability to develop new solutions.

  • In depth knowledge in several fields from the list of photovoltaic device theory, materials science, process engineering, characterization techniques and other fields relevant to First Solar's technology.

  • Strong sense of project ownership with hands-on and can-do attitude.

  • Strong communication skills across organizations with demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams.

Essential Responsibilities:

  • Identify opportunities for improvement in perovskite solar cell efficiency, material selection, and process/equipment design through engineering, scientific, or empirical methods.
  • Improve state of the art techniques for material analysis, statistical analysis of data, or execution planning of experiments. Develop a work plan that has unclear solution paths.
  • May be responsible to determine and evaluate material specification for improved performance. May be responsible to determine and evaluate tool/equipment specifications.
  • Effective communicator with internal and external partners and customers. Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional efforts as needed.
  • May train, mentor and manage junior and peers on specific subject matters. Specialist within the group.
  • Comply with Company's Environmental, Quality, Safety or any other policies that have been enforced.  Contributes to continuous improvement of said policies.
  • Other duties as assigned.
  • Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:

  • Reports to Development Manager.

  • May have direct reports.

Travel:

  • 5% - 10%

Estimated Salary Range:

  • $99,600 - $140,000 Annually

US Physical Requirements:

  • Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to the entire duration of a shift.

  • Will climb stairs on an occasional basis.

  • Will lift, push, or pull up to 37 pounds on an occasional basis.

  • Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis.

  • 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without correction, is required.

  • Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures.

  • May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis.

  • May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis.

  • Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including but not limited to steel toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, protective jacket or apron and arm guards).

  • All associates working on the production floor may be required to wear a respirator at any given time and thus, the ability to wear a respirator is a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair).

Potential candidates will meet the education and experience requirements provided on the above job description and excel in completing the listed responsibilities for this role.  All candidates receiving an offer of employment must successfully complete a background check and any other tests that may be required.   

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: First Solar is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce.  It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.  We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our company.


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