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Solar Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

K2 Space

Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

As a Solar Engineer, you will contribute to the design, manufacturing, testing, and deployment of high-power solar arrays for some of the largest spacecraft ever flown. You'll work across technical ...

K2 Space

Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

As a Solar Engineer, you will contribute to the design, manufacturing, testing, and deployment of high-power solar arrays for some of the largest spacecraft ever flown. You'll work across technical ...

K2 Space

Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

As a Solar Engineer, you will contribute to the design, manufacturing, testing, and deployment of high-power solar arrays for some of the largest spacecraft ever flown. You'll work across technical ...

K2 Space

Senior Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

Design and deliver solar array electrical and mechanical subsystems, contributing to system architecture and lifecycle performance margin analysis * Develop and maintain electrical performance ...

K2 Space

Senior Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

Design and deliver solar array electrical and mechanical subsystems, contributing to system architecture and lifecycle performance margin analysis * Develop and maintain electrical performance ...

K2 Space

Senior Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

Design and deliver solar array electrical and mechanical subsystems, contributing to system architecture and lifecycle performance margin analysis * Develop and maintain electrical performance ...

K2 Space

Principal Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$175K - $200K/yr

Delivery of the solar array electrical and mechanical architecture, system design, and lifecycle performance margins. * Development of the electrical system performance degradation characterization ...

K2 Space

Principal Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$175K - $200K/yr

Delivery of the solar array electrical and mechanical architecture, system design, and lifecycle performance margins. * Development of the electrical system performance degradation characterization ...

K2 Space

Principal Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$175K - $200K/yr

Delivery of the solar array electrical and mechanical architecture, system design, and lifecycle performance margins. * Development of the electrical system performance degradation characterization ...

Cal Solar Inc

Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

Perform solar design intake, coordination markups, and draft solar shop drawings. * Lead solar drafters in providing complete and accurate code compliant plansets on time. * Coordinate site walks ...

Vast

Solar Arrays Engineer l

Long Beach, CA · On-site

Design, build, and test solar ground support equipment * Define requirements and trade architectures of solar arrays * Select and qualify materials and vendors for solar arrays * Develop and qualify ...

CalSolar Inc

Design Engineer

San Diego, CA

$85K - $120K/yr

Perform solar design intake, coordination markups, and draft solar shop drawings. * Lead solar drafters in providing complete and accurate code compliant plansets on time. * Coordinate site walks ...

CalSolar Inc

Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

Perform solar design intake, coordination markups, and draft solar shop drawings. * Lead solar drafters in providing complete and accurate code compliant plansets on time. * Coordinate site walks ...

solarXperts

Solar Sales Representative

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$250K/yr

Access the latest solar design technology at no cost. * Career growth: Develop your skills through world-class personal and leadership programs. Why SolarXperts? * We are Bay Areas #1 Solar Sales ...

solarXperts

Solar Sales Representative

Concord, CA · On-site

$250K/yr

Access the latest solar design technology at no cost. * Career growth: Develop your skills through world-class personal and leadership programs. Why SolarXperts? * We are Bay Areas #1 Solar Sales ...

solarXperts

Solar Sales Representative

Concord, CA · On-site

$250K/yr

Access the latest solar design technology at no cost. * Career growth: Develop your skills through world-class personal and leadership programs. Why SolarXperts? * We are Bay Areas #1 Solar Sales ...

solarXperts

Solar Sales Representative

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$250K/yr

Access the latest solar design technology at no cost. * Career growth: Develop your skills through world-class personal and leadership programs. Why SolarXperts? * We are Bay Areas #1 Solar Sales ...

solarXperts

Solar Sales Representative

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$250K/yr

Access the latest solar design technology at no cost. * Career growth: Develop your skills through world-class personal and leadership programs. Why SolarXperts? * We are Bay Areas #1 Solar Sales ...

solarXperts

Solar Sales Representative

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$250K/yr

Access the latest solar design technology at no cost. * Career growth: Develop your skills through world-class personal and leadership programs. Why SolarXperts? * We are Bay Areas #1 Solar Sales ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsSolar Design JobsSolar Design Jobs in California

Solar Design information

See California salary details

$35K

$61.4K

$86.4K

How much do solar design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar design 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 a Solar Design job?

A Solar Design job involves creating plans and layouts for solar energy systems in residential, commercial, or industrial settings. Solar designers assess site conditions, calculate energy needs, and use software to design efficient photovoltaic (PV) systems. They ensure compliance with local regulations, utility requirements, and industry standards. Their work helps optimize energy production while minimizing costs and environmental impact.

How much do solar designers make?

Solar designers typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with design software skills and industry certifications can earn higher salaries. Salaries can also vary based on the complexity of projects and company size.

What are some common challenges faced by Solar Design professionals on the job?

Solar Design professionals often encounter the challenge of adapting system designs to complex site conditions, such as shading, roof layouts, or local regulations. Coordinating with multiple project stakeholders—including engineers, installation crews, and permitting authorities—can also require strong organizational and communication skills. Additionally, staying updated on evolving technologies and incentive programs is essential for creating cost-effective and compliant designs. These challenges make the work dynamic and rewarding for those who enjoy problem-solving and continuous learning.

What is the highest paid design job?

In the field of solar design, senior roles such as Solar Design Manager or Lead Solar Designer tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $80,000 to $100,000 annually depending on experience and location. Advanced certifications, technical skills, and project management experience can further increase earning potential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Solar Design position, and why are they important?

To excel in Solar Design, you typically need a background in engineering or renewable energy, strong mathematical skills, and experience with photovoltaic (PV) system design. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, PV*SOL, or Helioscope, as well as knowledge of relevant safety codes and certifications like NABCEP, is often required. Strong attention to detail, creative problem-solving, and clear communication help you effectively collaborate with clients, contractors, and team members. These skills and qualities ensure efficient, compliant, and innovative solar energy solutions tailored to client needs and project specifications.

What does a solar designer do?

A solar designer plans and creates solar energy systems for residential, commercial, or industrial projects. They analyze site conditions, select appropriate equipment, and develop detailed system layouts using design software. Knowledge of electrical systems, building codes, and certifications like NABCEP can be important in this role.

What solar jobs pay the most?

Senior solar project managers, electrical engineers, and solar design engineers tend to earn the highest salaries in the solar industry. These roles often require specialized skills, certifications, and experience, and they typically involve overseeing large projects or complex system designs. Salaries for these positions can exceed $100,000 annually depending on location and level of expertise.
What are the most commonly searched types of Solar Design jobs in California? The most popular types of Solar Design jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Solar Design jobs in California? For Solar Design jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Solar Design jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Solar Design jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Solar Design jobs? Cities in California with the most Solar Design job openings:
Solar Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Solar Design job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 6% Temporary, and 45% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,375 per year, or $29.5 per hour.
Solar Design Engineer

Solar Design Engineer

K2 Space

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 5 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. As a Solar Engineer, you will contribute to the design, manufacturing, testing, and deployment of high-power solar arrays for some of the largest spacecraft ever flown. You'll work across technical domains; from module technology and electrical power systems to deployment mechanisms, structures, and production — learning from experienced engineers while taking on meaningful ownership of hardware from day one.

First 6 months: Support solar array subsystem development through analysis, component-level testing, and manufacturing process documentation.

First year: Own specific build and test activities for flight hardware, from assembly through acceptance testing.

First two years: Contribute to full lifecycle solar array development across multiple vehicle builds, developing expertise in both design and production.

Responsibilities

  • Support the design and analysis of solar array electrical and mechanical subsystems
  • Assist in the development and maintenance of electrical performance degradation models across environment variations
  • Execute assembly-level acceptance and qualification test procedures and document results
  • Collaborate with avionics, structures/mechanisms, software, and production teams on integration activities and test campaigns
  • Support design reviews with analysis products and test data
  • Contribute to manufacturing processes for in-house fabrication and assembly, including work instructions, in-process checkouts, and end-of-line testing
  • Participate in on-orbit data review and anomaly investigation efforts

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in physics, materials science, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or a related technical field
  • Internship in at least one of: photovoltaics, power systems, or materials characterization
  • Hands-on hardware experience through internships, research, design competitions, or extracurricular projects

Nice to Have

  • Internship or research experience with solar arrays or power systems for space applications
  • Exposure to solar cell or module characterization techniques (IV curves, electroluminescence, flash testing)
  • Familiarity with structural analysis tools (Nastran, ANSYS, or equivalent) or thermal analysis tools
  • Familiarity with space environment effects on materials, including radiation, thermal cycling, and atomic oxygen
  • Experience with CAD software (NX, CATIA, SolidWorks) and practical GD&T application
  • Exposure to manufacturing processes such as soldering, layup, or electromechanical assembly
  • Python or MATLAB proficiency for data analysis
  • Independent and self-motivated mindset with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills

Compensation and Benefits:

  • Base salary range for this role is $100,000 - $140,000 + 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.

K2 Space logo

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

View All K2 Space Jobs