1

Phd Solar Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Develop, maintain, validate, and document electrical models for utility-scale wind, solar, BESS ... PhD in Power Systems, Electrical Engineering, or related field. * Automation, agentic coding ...

Phd Solar Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$97.3K

$134.4K

How much do phd solar engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for phd solar engineer in Chicago, IL is $132,004.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $132,900.00 and $132,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Phd Solar Engineer vs Solar Project Engineer?

AspectPhd Solar EngineerSolar Project Engineer
Required CredentialsPhD in Renewable Energy, Solar Engineering, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, Renewable Energy, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, R&D departmentsConstruction sites, project management offices, fieldwork
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, advanced R&D divisions of solar companiesSolar installation companies, project development firms, EPC contractors

The main difference between a Phd Solar Engineer and a Solar Project Engineer lies in their focus and work environment. A Phd Solar Engineer typically engages in research, development, and advanced analysis within academic or R&D settings, requiring a doctoral degree. In contrast, a Solar Project Engineer is more involved in the planning, execution, and management of solar installation projects, often working in the field or on-site. Both roles are essential in the solar industry but serve different stages of solar technology development and deployment.

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

To thrive as a PhD Solar Engineer, you need advanced knowledge in photovoltaic systems, materials science, and energy engineering, typically supported by a doctoral degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with simulation software (like MATLAB or PVsyst), laboratory instrumentation, and data analysis tools is essential, along with published research or patents. Strong problem-solving, project management, and collaboration skills help you excel in both research and interdisciplinary team environments. These competencies enable innovation, effective project execution, and advancement in solar technology and renewable energy solutions.

What are some unique challenges faced by PhD solar engineers in research and development teams?

PhD Solar Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating cutting-edge research into practical, scalable solar technologies and balancing time between experimental work and data analysis. Collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, including material scientists and electrical engineers, is essential to address technical hurdles and optimize system performance. Additionally, these engineers must stay updated on evolving industry standards and funding opportunities while effectively communicating complex findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

What does a PhD solar engineer do?

A PhD Solar Engineer is a specialized professional who conducts advanced research and development in solar energy technologies. They work on designing, testing, and improving solar panels, photovoltaic systems, and other renewable energy solutions. Their work often involves publishing scientific papers, leading research teams, and collaborating with industry partners to innovate and implement sustainable solar solutions. With a doctoral degree, they typically focus on solving complex technical challenges and advancing the field of solar engineering.
Infographic showing various Phd Solar Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,004 per year, or $63.5 per hour.

Grid Modeling Manager

RWE

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

RWE Supply & Trading Americas, LLC,  Austin, Chicago

To start as soon as possible, full time, permanent

Functional area: Commercial / Trading 

Your future plans

RWE is seeking a technically strong, and motivated (Senior) Grid Modeling Manager to support the development, validation, and maintenance of electrical models across RWE's multi-GW renewable energy portfolio. In this highly visible role, you will support application-stage model development, validation, documentation, and technical inputs for utility-scale wind, solar, BESS, and gas projects. The role will focus on internal preparation of modeling packages and high-level design inputs, while coordinating with consultants for specialized PSCAD, TSAT, EMT, benchmarking, and model tuning work.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will lead modeling package development for ISO/RTO queue submissions, support project design and compliance activities, and work closely with Engineering, OEMs, consultants, utilities, ISOs/RTOs, and internal teams.

  • Lead and support preparation of ISO/RTO interconnection modeling packages, including application data, PSSE inputs, DYR files, single-line diagrams, equipment assumptions, and related technical documentation.
  • Have a general understanding of PSCAD, TSAT, and PSSE benchmarking terminology and workflows, with the ability to coordinate consultant-led studies, understand key deliverables, and support review of results without requiring hands-on model tuning experience.
  • Develop, maintain, validate, and document electrical models for utility-scale wind, solar, BESS, and gas projects, with a focus on PSSE models and interconnection application requirements.
  • Prepare and review basic plant representation, inverter selection and sizing assumptions, impedance calculations, transformer assumptions, collector system assumptions, and steady-state inverter modeling inputs.
  • Support short-circuit and ASPEN One-liner model development or review where applicable.
  • Review consultant outputs for reasonableness, completeness, and alignment with project assumptions, ISO/RTO requirements, and RWE's development strategy.
  • Resolve ISO/RTO modeling deficiencies and support updates related to queue applications, material modification requests, design changes, and project reconfigurations.
  • Understand, track, and interpret evolving grid code and modeling requirements, including NERC, ISO/RTO, IEEE 2800-2022, and P2800.2 requirements related to inverter-based resources.
  • Develop and improve internal modeling standards, quality-control practices, documentation
    templates, and repeatable study workflows.
  • Cross-train and mentor junior engineers and transmission team members on modeling practices, application package preparation, power system fundamentals, and ISO/RTO modeling expectations.

Your powerful skills

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
  • Minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in power systems modeling, model development, interconnection support, or grid compliance for utility-scale generation projects.
  • Proficiency with PSSE, ASPEN One-liner, and related interconnection modeling inputs.
  • Experience preparing or supporting interconnection queue application packages, including model files, single-line diagrams, application data, equipment assumptions, and deficiency responses.
  • Strong understanding of ISO/RTO modeling and interconnection requirements in MISO, PJM, SPP, NYISO, and SERC regions.
  • Experience preparing interconnection queue packages and resolving ISO/RTO modeling deficiencies.
  • Experience with utility-scale solar, wind, BESS, and gas projects, including IBR behavior, PSS/E DYR files, UDM/generic models, model validation, and dynamic, short-circuit, reactive power, EMT, and material modification studies.
  • Experience with single-line diagrams, impedance calculations, equipment assumptions, transformer assumptions, high-level design support, application data preparation, and steady-state inverter modeling.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced and challenging environment.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical modeling issues to project development, engineering, transmission, and management teams.

Advantageous, but not essential

  • Professional Engineer (PE) license in one or more states.
  • In-depth hands-on experience with PSCAD, TSAT, and PSSE benchmarking, model tuning, dynamic model validation, EMT studies, and cross-tool result comparison.
  • PhD in Power Systems, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
  • Automation, agentic coding, scripting, including Python, VBA, or similar tools.
  • Experience with additional industry tools such as PSLF, TARA, AutoCAD, or other modeling/design platforms.
  • Experience participating in ISO/RTO stakeholder processes, technical working groups, or grid code reform discussions.

What we value most is passion, willingness to learn, and a determined and resilient work ethic. So, even if you think you do not yet display all of the skills above, we would still like to hear from you.

Your benefits 

We know the work can be intense, especially during ISO deadlines, study reviews, deficiencies, and major project milestones. We truly appreciate team members who step up, stay engaged, and bring strong judgment when it matters most. At RWE Supply & Trading, you will join a collaborative, supportive, and growing team working on critical transmission, interconnection, and grid integration challenges across a multi-GW clean energy portfolio.

  • Generous paid time off and a competitive parental leave policy.
  • Opportunity to collaborate with international teams across time zones and markets.
  • An inclusive culture that values technical expertise and teamwork.
  • Opportunity to collaborate with diverse and multicultural teams across global markets while directly supporting clean energy growth and project success in a dynamic, rapidly growing business.
  • Salary range: $150,000 - $205,000

rwe.com/career

Apply now with just a few clicks: ad code 92850

Any questions? Patrycja Muszynski, patrycja.muszynski@rwe.com (Recruiting)

We look forward to meeting you!

We value diversity and therefore welcome all applications, irrespective of gender, disability, nationality, ethnic and social background, religion and beliefs, age or sexual orientation and identity. #inclusionmatters

RWE Supply & Trading is the interface between RWE and the energy markets around the world. Approximately 1,700 employees from over 50 different countries trade (renewable) electricity, (green) gas, commodities and CO2 emission allowances. The trading entity also ensures the commercial optimisation of RWE's power plant dispatch and markets electricity from renewables.