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Solar Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

K2 Space

Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$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

$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

$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 ...

Dynasty Solar

Be Seen First

Solar Department Manager

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

Oversee daily operations for the solar division, including design, permitting, procurement, and installation. * Team Management: Recruit, manage and train office staff including project coordinators ...

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

$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 ...

Citi Staff

Be Seen First

Solar Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Design and prepare solar PV system plans and drawings * Review and stamp engineering plans as a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) * Perform system sizing, load calculations, and feasibility ...

New

Citi Staff

Be Seen First

Solar Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Design and prepare solar PV system plans and drawings * Review and stamp engineering plans as a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) * Perform system sizing, load calculations, and feasibility ...

New

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 ...

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 ...

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

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

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 ...

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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 24, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% 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

$100K - $140K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

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 
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

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