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Solar Commissioning Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Sr. BESS Operations Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Validate system behavior post-maintenance and during commissioning burn-in periods. * Coordinate ... Strong technical foundation in the energy industry, particularly across solar, microgrid, and ...

Construction Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

... Solar Micro-grids, Energy storage, Hydroponic farming and Rain Water/Grey Water collection systems ... Construction, installation, and commissioning of charging systems * Ongoing maintenance ...

Experience with battery energy storage systems (BESS) and solar plus BESS projects. * BESS commissioning and testing experience preferred. * An excellent working knowledge of Excel, Word, PowerPoint ...

BESS Services Project Manager

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

$123K/yr

... commissioning, and project closeout/turnover) related to Battery Energy Storage System projects ... solar, wind, thermal, etc.), BESS for data center development, etc. Candidates are expected to ...

BESS Field Technician

Rialto, CA · On-site

$19.75 - $27/hr

Support commissioning, recommissioning, functional testing, point-to-point verification, system ... Strata Solar is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Strata Solar is an equal ...

Showing results 41-54

Solar Commissioning information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$73.5K

$141.2K

$197.2K

How much do solar commissioning jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar commissioning in Riverside, CA is $141,227.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,800.00 and $184,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is solar commissioning?

Solar commissioning is the process of inspecting, testing, and verifying that a newly installed solar power system operates according to its design specifications. This includes checking equipment installation, ensuring electrical connections are correct, testing system performance, and confirming safety standards are met. The commissioning process helps identify and resolve any issues before the system becomes fully operational, ensuring optimal efficiency and reliability. It's an essential step for both residential and commercial solar projects, often required for warranty validation and regulatory compliance.

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

To thrive as a Solar Commissioning Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, solar PV system design, and troubleshooting, usually backed by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with solar monitoring platforms, electrical testing equipment, and industry standards like NEC and IEC is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help ensure projects run smoothly and meet safety and performance standards. These skills are crucial to guarantee solar installations are safe, efficient, and compliant with regulatory requirements.

What are some common challenges faced during the solar commissioning process, and how can they be addressed?

One common challenge in solar commissioning is coordinating between multiple teams, such as installation crews, electrical engineers, and utility representatives, to ensure all systems are properly integrated and functional. Technical issues, like inverter configuration or communication faults, can also arise and require troubleshooting. Effective documentation, clear communication, and thorough pre-commissioning checks help minimize delays and ensure a smooth process. Staying up-to-date with evolving industry standards and local regulations is also crucial for successful project completion.

What is the difference between Solar Commissioning vs Solar Installation Technician?

AspectSolar CommissioningSolar Installation Technician
CertificationsPV system certifications, safety trainingElectrical, safety, and installation certifications
Work EnvironmentTesting, system validation, troubleshootingOn-site installation, wiring, mounting
Job FocusEnsuring system performance and safetyAssembling and installing solar panels and equipment
Industry UsagePost-installation phase, quality assuranceInitial installation phase, setup

Solar commissioning involves testing and validating solar systems to ensure optimal performance and safety, while solar installation technicians focus on the physical setup and installation of solar panels. Both roles are essential in the solar industry but differ mainly in their focus and stage of project involvement.

What are popular job titles related to Solar Commissioning jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Solar Commissioning jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Solar Commissioning jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Solar Commissioning jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Solar Commissioning jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Solar Commissioning job openings:

Infographic showing various Solar Commissioning job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,227 per year, or $67.9 per hour.

Sr. BESS Operations Engineer

Qcells

Irvine, CA • On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Qcells rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
We are seeking a Senior BESS Operations Engineer to lead the end-to-end performance, reliability, and optimization of a distributed fleet of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Operating at the intersection of software, controls, hardware, and operations, this role ensures that fleet assets perform safely, efficiently, and in alignment with program requirements and revenue objectives.
The successful candidate will serve as a key technical bridge between Asset Management, Engineering, Product, and external partners - owning complex technical issues, driving root-cause resolution, and scaling operational processes through automation and modern tooling. This is a hands-on role for an engineer who is energized by solving real problems at fleet scale and shaping how BESS operations evolve over the next decade. The candidate will be based out of our Teaneck, New Jersey .
RESPONSIBILITIES
Fleet Operations & Performance
  • Perform daily fleet health checks, tariff updates, and dispatch optimization validation.
  • Diagnose and resolve performance gaps, including issues related to forecasting, tariff configuration, and control logic.
  • Lead capacity testing, Measurement & Verification (M&V), and program compliance reporting (e.g., SGIP, SMART).
  • Conduct root-cause analysis for hardware and software issues across the BESS stack, including PCS, BMS, DC-DC converters, transformers, and controls.
  • Troubleshoot communications and telemetry issues across Modbus, DNP3, edge gateways, and cloud ingestion pipelines.
  • Validate system behavior post-maintenance and during commissioning burn-in periods.
  • Coordinate with OEMs and vendors to escalate, track, and resolve high-impact issues with clear accountability and timely remediation.
  • Monitor and maintain technical performance across a portfolio of grid-connected BESS sites participating in programs such as VDER, SGIP, SMART, CT ESS, and DSGS.

EMS, Controls & Optimization
  • Analyze and improve dispatch strategies, tariff logic, and forecasting performance across the fleet.
  • Support rollout of new EMS features, firmware updates, and platform releases, including regression validation and post-deployment monitoring.
  • Partner with controls and software engineering teams to refine the site-level control hierarchy for reliability and performance at scale.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Collaborate closely with Product, Software Engineering, and Field Service teams to ensure operational requirements are reflected in product roadmaps.
  • Provide clear technical insights and performance narratives to internal stakeholders, customers, and external partners.
  • Train and enable internal teams to expand self-service troubleshooting and operational capabilities.

Process Improvement & Scalability
  • Identify and implement process improvements that reduce manual operations and increase fleet reliability.
  • Develop and maintain operational documentation, including commissioning guides, troubleshooting playbooks, and Confluence-based knowledge bases.
  • Drive initiatives to enhance alerting, monitoring, and operational visibility as the fleet scales.
  • Perform other duties as assigned
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Renewable Energy, or a related technical discipline.
  • 5+ years of relevant experience in BESS, renewable energy, or grid operations.
  • Strong technical foundation in the energy industry, particularly across solar, microgrid, and energy storage sectors.
  • Working knowledge of power systems and electrical engineering principles, with the ability to interpret single-line diagrams and coordinate technical reviews with engineering teams.
  • Hands-on familiarity with industrial communication protocols (Modbus, CANbus, DNP3, TCP/IP).
  • Foundational IT and networking skills, including Linux CLI and SSH.
  • Demonstrated ability to apply AI tools and modern automation frameworks (e.g., LLMs, ML-based anomaly detection, agentic workflows) to design and deploy scalable, production-grade solutions that reduce manual effort and enhance fleet-level visibility.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical issues for diverse audiences.
  • Proven ability to collaborate effectively across functional teams in a fast-paced environment, building strong working relationships across stakeholders.
  • Familiarity with configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible) and Linux package managers
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Working understanding of electrical grid and smart-grid concepts, utility rate structures, and wholesale energy markets.
  • Hands-on experience with SCADA systems, control platforms, instrumentation, and systems integration.
  • Experience with EMS platforms and major BESS OEM ecosystems (PCS, DC-DC converter, and battery vendors).
  • Proficiency in Python for data analytics, automation, and operational tooling.
  • Project management and customer-facing coordination experience.
  • Background in cleantech, IoT, smart grid, or distributed energy resources.
  • Awareness of software and network security best practices.

Hanwha Q CELLS America Inc. ("HQCA") is a Qcells company, one of the world's largest manufacturers and providers of solar photovoltaic (PV) products and solutions. Headquartered in Irvine, California, HQCA has been rapidly expanding its business in North America through the expansion of products and solutions, including distributed energy solutions, direct-to-homeowner solar sales and financing, and EPC services. We provide an opportunity to be part of an exciting and growing world-class global business in an interesting and expanding industry of the future.
PHYSICAL, MENTAL & ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:
To comply with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 the essential physical, mental and environmental requirements for this job are listed below. These are requirements normally expected to perform regular job duties. Incumbent must be able to successfully perform all of the functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
Mobility
Standing
20% of time
Sitting
70% of time
Walking
10% of time
Strength
Pulling
up to 10 Pounds
Pushing
up to 10 Pounds
Carrying
up to 10 Pounds
Lifting
up to 10 Pounds
Dexterity (F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, N = Never)
Typing
F
Handling
F
Reaching
F
Agility (F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, N = Never)
Turning
F
Twisting
F
Bending
O
Crouching
O
Balancing
N
Climbing
N
Crawling
N
Kneeling
N
The salary range is required by the California Pay Transparency Act and may differ depending on the location of those candidates hired nationwide. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to, skill set, education, licenses and certifications, essential job duties and requirements, and the necessary experience relative to the job's minimum qualifications.
*This target salary range is for CA positions only and should not be interpreted as an offer of compensation.
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