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Solar Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Vast

Solar Array Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

Participate in design reviews, drawing checks, and technical documentation for internal and NASA ... Senior Solar Array Engineer: $140,000 - $175,000 Pay Range: California $110,000-$175,000 USD ...

Vast

Solar Arrays Engineer l

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$84K - $108K/yr

Design, build, and test solar ground support equipment * Define requirements and trade ... Interface with systems engineering, power electronics, structures, thermal, and mission assurance ...

Qcells

Design Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Description POSITION DESCRIPTION Q CELLS Home Energy Solutions seeks a Design Engineer to generate solar blueprints with specialized expertise in the Home Energy System division. As a Design Engineer ...

Qcells

Design Engineer

Irvine, CA

$90K - $110K/yr

Description POSITION DESCRIPTION Q CELLS Home Energy Solutions seeks a Design Engineer to generate solar blueprints with specialized expertise in the Home Energy System division. As a Design Engineer ...

Maxar

Sr. Photovoltaic Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$104K - $173K/yr

Develop and maintain solar array on-orbit power predictions for spacecraft programs. * Analyze on ... Provide engineering approval for subsystem and spacecraft design reviews. * Coordinate with thermal ...

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All JobsSolar Design Engineer JobsSolar Design Engineer Jobs in California

Solar Design Engineer information

See California salary details

$35K

$61.4K

$86.4K

How much do solar design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar design engineer in California is $61,375.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,300.00 and $66,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectSolar Design EngineerSolar Project Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications like NABCEPEngineering degree, project management certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, CAD software, site assessmentsConstruction sites, project planning, coordination
Industry UsageDesign phase of solar projectsImplementation and execution of solar projects

While both roles require engineering knowledge and industry certifications, Solar Design Engineers focus on designing solar systems using CAD and technical analysis. Solar Project Engineers oversee the installation process, manage project timelines, and coordinate teams. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the solar industry.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes leadership roles or executive positions.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High-level positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and a strong track record of project management or technical expertise.

What engineers make 200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, software, and electrical engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership roles. High-paying engineering positions typically require advanced skills, a strong track record, and sometimes work in high-demand industries or locations with premium compensation packages.

What are some common challenges a Solar Design Engineer faces when working on large-scale projects?

Solar Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as optimizing system layouts for maximum efficiency within site constraints, ensuring compliance with local codes and regulations, and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams (e.g., electrical, civil, and construction). Managing timelines and adapting designs based on site-specific conditions or last-minute changes from stakeholders are also frequent hurdles. Strong problem-solving skills, clear communication, and adaptability are crucial for success in these environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Solar Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Solar Design Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical or mechanical engineering, proficiency in solar energy system design, and typically a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with design software such as AutoCAD, PVsyst, and knowledge of applicable codes and standards are crucial, and certifications like NABCEP can be advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary teams help set top performers apart. These skills are vital for creating efficient, safe, and cost-effective solar energy solutions that meet client and regulatory requirements.

How much do solar designers make?

Solar design engineers typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in regions with high solar adoption. The role often requires proficiency with design software and knowledge of solar energy systems.

What does a Solar Design Engineer do?

A Solar Design Engineer is responsible for designing solar power systems for residential, commercial, or industrial use. They assess project sites, calculate energy requirements, select appropriate solar technologies, and create detailed plans and schematics for installation. Their work involves analyzing factors like sun exposure, shading, and local regulations to ensure systems are efficient and compliant. They also often coordinate with project managers, installers, and clients to deliver effective solar solutions.
What are popular job titles related to Solar Design Engineer jobs in California? For Solar Design Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Solar Design Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Solar Design Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Solar Design Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Solar Design Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Solar Design Engineer jobs in CA? For Solar Design Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Solar Design Engineer jobs near you
Solar Array Engineer

Solar Array Engineer

Vast

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. Vast is developing next-generation space stations to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and unlocking a new space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Using an incremental, hardware-rich and low-cost approach, Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station. Haven Demo's 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Next, Haven-1 is expected to become the world's first commercial space station when it launches, followed by additional Haven modules to enable permanent human presence by 2030. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.
Vast is looking for a Solar Array Engineer, reporting to the Principal Power Systems Engineer, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.
This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.
Responsibilities:
  • Define requirements and trade architectures of solar arrays.
  • Select and qualify materials and vendors for solar arrays.
  • Develop and qualify processes for welding, adhesion, lamination of solar cells.
  • Test and qualify designs to AIAA S112 standards.
  • Interface with systems engineering, power electronics, structures, thermal, and mission assurance teams for end-to-end integration.
  • Troubleshoot issues across the product lifecycle-from design through integration and testing.
  • Participate in design reviews, drawing checks, and technical documentation for internal and NASA deliverables.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, materials engineering, or related engineering discipline.
  • Experience working with design, manufacture and verification of photovoltaics or similar composite structures.

Preferred Skills & Experience:
  • Experience in the space industry, including developing, building, and testing solar arrays.
  • Experience with space solar design and guidelines such as AIAA S111, S112.
  • Proactive problem-solving skills such as failure analysis and root cause investigation.
  • Prior experience in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.
  • Design work in recent versions of NX, Teamcenter.
  • Analysis work in recent versions of Ansys, FeMap/Nastran, Abaqus, Thermal Desktop.
  • Experience with GD&T implementation and analysis (ASME Y14.5).
  • Familiarity with spacecraft specifications such as SMC-S-016, NASA-STD-5001, and NASA-STD-5019.

Additional Requirements:
  • Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones.

Pay Range:
  • Solar Array Engineer II: $110,000 - $140,000
  • Senior Solar Array Engineer: $140,000 - $175,000

Pay Range: California
$110,000-$175,000 USD
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, generous paid time off; up to 20+ days of vacation for exempt staff and up to 10+ days of vacation for non-exempt staff with the ability to cash-out unused vacation annually, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks. We also take pride in offering exceptional food perks, with snacks, drip coffee & onsite barista, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge, and lunch subsidized as part of Vast's ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees.
U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUSThe person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a "U.S. person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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