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Solar Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Astranis

RF Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

Astranis builds advanced satellites for high orbits, expanding humanity's reach into the solar ... RF Design Engineer As an RF Engineer you will be responsible for design, qualification, and ...

Rasirc

Design Engineer II

San Diego, CA · On-site

... display, and solar next generation technologies. Key Responsibilities: * Design, develop ... Work with mechanical, chemical, electrical, and software engineers to ensure that system designs ...

Impulse Space

Solar Array Test Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

You'll work closely with solar array design, power electronics, systems engineering, and manufacturing teams to ensure robust, compliant, and high-performing solar hardware. Responsibilities * Define ...

Astranis

CAD Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$105K - $130K/yr

Astranis builds advanced satellites for high orbits, expanding humanity's reach into the solar ... CAD Engineer As an Astranis CAD Engineer you will design, develop, configure, and maintain ...

Trimark Associates, Inc

CAD Design Engineer

Folsom, CA · On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

Join our Engineering and Design team as a Project Design Engineer with an emphasis on SCADA to work ... solar and renewable energy, and work in collaboration with the brightest minds in renewable ...

Trimark Associates

CAD Design Engineer

Folsom, CA · On-site

... solar and renewable energy, and work in collaboration with the brightest minds in renewable ... Perform engineering calculations such as UPS and battery bank sizing, fiber optic link losses ...

Peraton

Facilities Controls Design Engineer

Monrovia, CA

$88K - $114K/yr

Responsibilities Peraton is seeking a Controls Design Engineer to join our team in Monrovia ... the solar system and the larger universe. The antennas of the Deep Space Network are the ...

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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 Jun 11, 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 often leadership roles or working in high-paying industries or companies.

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 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.

How much do solar design engineers make in the US?

Solar design engineers in the US typically earn between $70,000 and $100,000 annually, with salaries varying based on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start around $60,000, while experienced engineers with specialized skills can earn over $110,000. The role often requires knowledge of solar energy systems, CAD software, and relevant industry standards.

Is EEe a high paying job?

A Solar Design Engineer typically earns a competitive salary that varies based on experience, location, and certifications. The role often requires knowledge of electrical systems, solar energy technologies, and design software, which can influence earning potential. Overall, it is considered a well-paying profession within the renewable energy industry.

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.

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
RF Design Engineer

RF Design Engineer

Astranis

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Astranis builds advanced satellites for high orbits, expanding humanity's reach into the solar system. Today, Astranis satellites provide dedicated, secure networks to highly-sophisticated customers across the globe- large enterprises, sovereign governments, and the US military. With five satellites on orbit and many more set to launch soon, the company is servicing a backlog of more than $1 billion of commercial contracts.
Astranis is the preferred satellite communications partner for buyers with stringent requirements for uptime, data security, network visibility, and customization. Astranis has raised over $750 million from some of the world's best investors, from Andreessen Horowitz to Blackrock and Fidelity, and employs a team of 450 engineers and entrepreneurs. Astranis designs, builds, and operates its satellites out of its 153,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Northern California, USA.
RF Design Engineer
As an RF Engineer you will be responsible for design, qualification, and procurement of active RF electronics (frequency converters, SSPAs, LNAs, PLLs, etc) in the RF front end of satellite payloads. You will work closely with other mechanical, payload systems, electrical, and software engineers to achieve overall system requirements in your designs.
Role
  • Design, simulate, implement, and measure active and passive RF sub-systems at microwave frequencies, including; SSPAs, LNAs, power amplifiers, up/down converters, oscillators, filters, etc.
  • Be responsible for hardware designs from requirements definition through manufacturing, bring-up, and qualification testing
  • Integrate these systems into the spacecraft by working closely with the rest of the team
  • Specify, procure, and integrate third party vendor hardware
  • Assist in recruiting, interviewing, and hiring additional teammates to our rapidly-growing team

Requirements
  • BS in electrical engineering, physics, applied physics, or equivalent
  • Passion for hardware development, including working in a fast-paced environment and hands-on design and development
  • 1-6 years of experience
  • Deep knowledge of fundamental RF concepts, such as RF circuit analysis, noise, linearity, radio architectures, etc
  • Hands-on experience in designing, building, and testing RF hardware for microwave frequencies
  • Experience with RF simulation tools (ADS, Cadence, HFSS, etc)

Bonus
  • MS or PhD in electrical engineering, physics, applied physics, or equivalent
  • Experience with PCB design, layout and simulation (Altium or similar)
  • Experience with system in package (SiP), multi-chip modules (MCM), packaged RF hybrids, etc
  • Experience developing communications satellite payloads
  • Experience designing SSPAs or implementing SSPA-based phased arrays
  • Experience with designing high reliability electronics for harsh environments such as space or automotive
  • Antennas and Electromagnetics propagation knowledge and background
  • Experience with Software Defined Radios and associated skillset (mixed signal, high speed digital)
  • Familiarity with Python or other scripting languages used for automating test instruments

What we offer:
All our positions offer a compensation package that includes equity and robust benefits.
Base pay is just one component of Astranis's total rewards package. Your compensation also includes a significant equity package via incentive stock options, high-quality company-subsidized healthcare, disability and life insurance, 401(k) retirement planning, flexible PTO, and free on-site catered meals.
Astranis pay ranges are informed and defined through professional-grade salary surveys and compensation data sources. The actual base salary offered to a successful candidate will additionally be influenced by a variety of factors including experience, credentials & certifications, educational attainment, skill level requirements, and the level and scope of the position.
Base Salary
$120,000-$165,000 USD
U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Residency, or Refugee/Asylee Status Required
(To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States, or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3))
Our mission and our products are meant to connect the world and everyone in it, regardless of gender, race, creed, or any other distinction. We believe in a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we encourage all people to join our team and bring their unique perspective to help make us stronger.

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