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Solar Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

K2 Space

Principal Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$175K - $200K/yr

... engineering, or a related technical field * 8+ years of experience in the design, manufacture, and test of solar arrays for space applications Nice to Have * Experience architecting solar array ...

K2 Space

Principal Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$175K - $200K/yr

... engineering, or a related technical field * 8+ years of experience in the design, manufacture, and test of solar arrays for space applications Nice to Have * Experience architecting solar array ...

K2 Space

Principal Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$175K - $200K/yr

... engineering, or a related technical field * 8+ years of experience in the design, manufacture, and test of solar arrays for space applications Nice to Have * Experience architecting solar array ...

CalSolar Inc

Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

Design Engineer Supervisor:Engineering Manager Classification:Full-time, exempt Location: San Diego ... Lead solar drafters in providing complete and accurate code compliant plansets on time.

CalSolar Inc

Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

Design Engineer Supervisor: Engineering Manager Classification: Full-time, exempt Location: San ... Lead solar drafters in providing complete and accurate code compliant plansets on time.

SunEnergy1LLC

Design Engineer

Shawboro, NC · On-site

We are seeking a skilled Design Engineer to support the design and development of utility-scale ... Design utility-scale solar PV systems, including layout, structural, electrical, and civil ...

SunEnergy1LLC

Design Engineer

Jackson, OH · On-site

We are seeking a skilled Design Engineer to support the design and development of utility-scale ... Design utility-scale solar PV systems, including layout, structural, electrical, and civil ...

SunEnergy1

Design Engineer

Bethel, NC

We are seeking a skilled Design Engineer to support the design and development of utility-scale ... Design utility-scale solar PV systems, including layout, structural, electrical, and civil ...

Walbec Group

Solar Design Technician

Waukesha, WI · On-site

The Solar Design Technician will work with a project team throughout the design and construction ... Associate's degree in engineering technology or Renewable Energy Systems * Working knowledge of ...

SunEnergy1LLC

Design Engineer

Hamburg, AR · On-site

We are seeking a skilled Design Engineer to support the design and development of utility-scale ... Design utility-scale solar PV systems, including layout, structural, electrical, and civil ...

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All JobsSolar Design Engineer Jobs

Solar Design Engineer information

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$35.5K

$62.2K

$87.5K

How much do solar design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar design engineer in the United States is $62,190.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $67,000.00 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.
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What cities are hiring for Solar Design Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Solar Design Engineer job openings:
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What states have the most Solar Design Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Solar Design Engineer jobs include:
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What are popular job titles related to Solar Design Engineer jobs? For Solar Design Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Solar Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Solar Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,190 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Principal Solar Design Engineer

K2 Space

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$175K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by $450M from leading investors including Altimeter Capital, Redpoint Ventures, T. Rowe Price, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Alpine Space Ventures, and others - with an additional $500M in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers - we're mass-producing the highest-power satellite platforms ever built for missions from LEO to deep space.
The rise of heavy-lift launch vehicles is shifting the industry from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance, and we believe this new era demands a fundamentally different class of spacecraft. Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today's and tomorrow's massive rockets, K2 satellites deliver unmatched capability at constellation scale and across multiple orbits.
With multiple launches planned through 2026 and 2027, we're Building Bigger to develop the solar system and become a Kardashev Type II (K2) civilization. If you are a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and you're excited about contributing to the success of a groundbreaking Series C space startup, we'd love for you to apply.
The Role
Critical to achieving K2's vision of deploying at scale across MEO, GEO, cis-lunar, and deep space are the solar arrays. Scaling to constellations requires someone who can span technical domains from module technology and electrical power system interactions to soft goods, deployment mechanisms, structures, integration, and high-rate production.
You will define how K2 develops, designs, manufactures, tests, and deploys high-power solar arrays at production scale. The development timelines, operating environments, mission lifetimes, and cost targets we are pursuing demand meaningful innovation. You will have the resources and full support of K2 to make this possible and help raise the bar for the next generation of space technology companies.
Responsibilities
  • Delivery of the solar array electrical and mechanical architecture, system design, and lifecycle performance margins.
  • Development of the electrical system performance degradation characterization and modelling across environment variations
  • Definition and execution of assembly level acceptance and qualification testing.
  • Collaborate with avionics, structures/mechanisms, software, and production teams to define solar system requirements, integrated system qualification/acceptance testing, and on-orbit operations/data review
  • Lead design reviews, continually own system deliverables, and drive development schedules with accurate projections looking 12+ months ahead in development timeline
  • Collaborate with leadership on staffing plans, role definitions, and recruiting efforts to ensure the solar array team is appropriately staffed to meet system deliverables
  • Responsible for the evaluation and selection of manufacturing equipment for specialty processes
  • Partner with production to develop work instructions, in-process checkouts, and end-of-line tests that ensure successful builds

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in physics, materials science, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or a related technical field
  • 8+ years of experience in the design, manufacture, and test of solar arrays for space applications

Nice to Have
  • Experience architecting solar array systems for space applications; including initial requirement definition, development testing, design, manufacturing, qualification, and analysis of flight data.
  • Background working on multiple solar array systems with variations in cell, module, and system architecture technologies for high-power long-life space applications.
  • Experience with AIAA S111/S112, SMC-S-016, NASA-STD-5017, and NASA-STD-4005 for the design and qualification of solar modules, moving mechanism assemblies, and spacecraft charging effects.
  • Experience designing solar arrays for resilience to exposure to radiation environments.
  • Demonstrated understanding of structural analysis and failure modes of complex mechanical systems in space environments and operations
  • Demonstrated understanding of high voltage solar array degradation analysis and failure modes.
  • Independent and self-motivated mindset, with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills across disciplines

Compensation and Benefits:
  • Base salary range for this role is $175,000 - $200,000 + equity in the company
  • Salary and level will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level
  • Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks

If you don't meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged!
If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.
Export Compliance
As defined in the ITAR, "U.S. Persons" include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected individuals (e.g., refugees/asylees, American Samoans). Please consult with a knowledgeable advisor if you are unsure whether you are a "U.S. Person."
The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including the export control regulations outlined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). The person hired for this role must therefore either be a "U.S. person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.
Equal Opportunity
K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with K2 Space 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.

About K2 Space

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

2022

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