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Remote Solar Design Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Senior Controls Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site +1

$111K - $147K/yr

S. remote-based candidates, preferably located in the Pacific (PST) time zone. Key Responsibilities ... Design, develop, andmaintainplant-level control logic for utility-scale solar PV and BESS ...

Project Developer

Arlington, VA · On-site +1

$85K - $115K/yr

Providing key support for battery supply and EPC partners from project design to contract ... We will consider remote employment for well qualified candidates and as long as there is overlap ...

Project Manager

Arlington, VA · On-site +1

$80K - $160K/yr

... design, financing, construction, ownership and operations of utility-scale energy storage projects ... solar production. Located in Arlington, VA, Lightshift Energy works with utilities and large ...

Remote Solar Design information

See Virginia salary details

$35.2K

$61.7K

$86.7K

How much do remote solar design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote solar design in Virginia is $61,656.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,500.00 and $66,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a remote solar design?

A Remote Solar Design job involves creating solar panel system layouts and proposals using specialized software, satellite imagery, and customer requirements. Designers assess factors like roof space, shading, and energy needs to develop efficient solar solutions. This role typically requires knowledge of solar technology, electrical design, and industry standards. It is performed remotely, allowing professionals to work from anywhere while collaborating with teams and clients online.

What are the typical daily responsibilities for someone working in remote solar design?

As a professional in Remote Solar Design, your days typically involve reviewing site data, creating and updating solar system layouts, performing energy production simulations, and ensuring designs meet local codes and utility requirements. You may work closely with sales teams, project managers, and installation crews to provide technical support and clarify design details. Communication with clients or colleagues is frequently handled through email, video calls, and project management platforms to maintain project timelines and accuracy. This role often requires staying up-to-date on the latest solar technologies and best practices to deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions for residential or commercial projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in remote solar design?

To thrive in Remote Solar Design, you need a solid understanding of electrical engineering or renewable energy principles, experience with solar PV system design, and relevant educational background. Proficiency using design platforms such as AutoCAD, PVsyst, Helioscope, or Aurora Solar, as well as knowledge of NEC codes and solar certification (like NABCEP), is often required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective remote communication are important soft skills for collaborating with both clients and internal teams. These strengths are vital because they ensure the accurate, efficient, and code-compliant design of solar systems in a virtual work environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Solar Design jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Solar Design jobs in Virginia are:
What job categories do people searching Remote Solar Design jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Remote Solar Design jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Remote Solar Design jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Remote Solar Design job openings:
Infographic showing various Remote Solar Design job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, and 23% Contract. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,656 per year, or $29.6 per hour.

Solar and BESS Director of Engineering and Preconstruction

McKinstry

Richmond, VA • On-site, Remote

$165K - $252K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


McKinstry rating

9.7

Company rating: 9.7 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Build the future, spark innovation and align your career with purpose. 

McKinstry is innovating the waste and climate harm out of the built environment and creating lasting impact. Together, we're building a thriving planet. 

Buildings are a leading contributor to the climate crisis, generating nearly 40% of total global energy-related carbon emissions. We're making a lasting impact on our industry and within our communities by addressing the climate, affordability and equity crises through: 

  • renewables and energy services 
  • engineering and design 
  • construction and facility services 

To get where we're going, we need big thinkers, problem solvers and collaborative mindsets. Does that sound like you? 

The Opportunity with McKinstry 

We are adding aDirector of Engineering and Preconstruction to our growing Distributed Energy Resources division on the east coast. The Director of Engineering and Preconstruction (East) leads a team of engineers and pre-construction managers across the full project lifecycle, from initial feasibility and engineering through pricing and construction team handoff. This role directs McKinstry's renewable energy design and pre-construction operations in the Eastern division, ensuring projects are delivered in a timely, effective, and profitable manner. The Director collaborates closely with business development and construction teams to secure new work and deliver high-quality designs aligned with customer requirements.Additionally, some responsibilities you will have include: 

  • Direct and manage engineers and pre-construction managers through project feasibility, engineering, pricing, and construction handoff for solar PV, BESS, microgrid/resiliency, and EV infrastructure projects.

  • Collaborate with business development and sales teams to influence pursuit strategy, ensuring alignment between project delivery capabilities and client requirements.

  • Oversee risk management for project development, including pricing, scope definition, contractual risk, and third-party engineer/consultant contracting and management.

  • Recruit, train, mentor, and manage team leaders and members across sales engineering, development engineering, pre-construction, and development project management groups.

  • Partner with the Construction team to ensure seamless project handoffs and drive continuous improvement in business processes, team performance, and financial outcomes.

What You Need to Succeed at McKinstry 

  • 7-10 years of management experience leading engineering teams in renewable energy (solar PV, battery energy storage, EV infrastructure).

  • Proficient in PV, energy storage, and EV project engineering principles and tools: AutoCAD, PVsyst, Helioscope, and related industry software.

  • Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Visio); working knowledge of SharePoint preferred.

  • Proficient in industry scheduling software such as Microsoft Project, Primavera, and/or SureTrak.

  • Strong knowledge of project costing models and estimating processes; skill in creating and interpreting pro formas, budgets, and revenue forecasts.

  • Proficient in reading and negotiating customer contracts and subcontracts.

  • Broad knowledge of major equipment supplier technology offerings and use cases across solar, BESS, and EV.

  • Working knowledge of utility interconnection processes and requirements in core Eastern markets (MA, NY, PA, NJ, MD, IL).

  • Intermediate knowledge of pre-construction and costing processes; team management experience in pre-construction preferred.

  • Four-year college degree in architecture, architectural engineering, mechanical/electrical engineering, or related field - or equivalent professional experience required

PeopleFirst Benefits 

When it comes to the basics, we have you covered: 

  • Competitive pay 
  • 401(k) with employer match and profit-sharing plan 
  • Paid time off and holidays 
  • Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision with low or zero deductible options and low out of pocket maximums 

People come first at McKinstry, and we go beyond the basic benefits with: 

  • Family formation benefits, including adoption and IVF assistance 
  • Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave 
  • Transgender inclusive benefits 
  • Commuter benefits 
  • Pet insurance 
  • "Building Good" paid community service time 
  • Learning and advancement opportunities via McKinstry University 
  • McKinstry Moves onsite gyms or reimbursement for remote workers 

See benefit plan documents for complete details. 

If you're driven by our vision to build a thriving planet together, McKinstry is the place to build your career. 

The pay range for this position is $165,800 - $252,100 per year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Base pay information is based on market location. A bonus may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. 

The McKinstry group of companies are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, race, color, creed, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other basis protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to employment, advancement, assignment, and training. This commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity is made equally as a social responsibility and as an economic and business necessity. 

McKinstry is a drug-free workplace. Employment iscontingent upon successfully passing a pre-employment drug and alcohol test, complying with the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act and a Confidentiality Agreement, in addition to successful outcomes of background and reference checks. 

Applicants for this role will only be considered if they possess current US Work Authorization, and do not require employer-sponsored VISA support to begin or remain in this role. 

 #LI-NM1


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