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Solar Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Solar Array Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

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

Solar Array Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

Participate in design reviews, drawing checks, and technical documentation for internal and NASA ... Experience with space solar design and guidelines such as AIAA S111, S112. * Proactive problem ...

Civil Project Engineer

Oakland, CA · On-site

$115K - $150K/yr

You will support solar site design, specifically focused on the civil discipline, while balancing optimization of energy production, schedule, and labor and material costs. This role is a key ...

Civil Engineer

Oakland, CA · On-site

$115 - $150/hr

You will support solar site design, specifically focused on the civil discipline, while balancing optimization of energy production, schedule, and labor and material costs. This role is a key ...

New

Civil Project Engineer

Oakland, CA · On-site

$115K - $150K/yr

You will support solar site design, specifically focused on the civil discipline, while balancing optimization of energy production, schedule, and labor and material costs. This role is a key ...

Solar Installer

Grass Valley, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Install residential and/or commercial solar PV systems according to design plans and local codes * Mount racking systems on rooftops or ground-mounted structures * Secure and install solar panels ...

Utilize solar design tools such as Aurora to build an accurate solar proposal that meets the qualifications of the state's subsidized program * Manage a pipeline of customers through a CRM, tracking ...

Showing results 21-40

Solar Design information

See California salary details

$35K

$61.4K

$86.4K

How much do solar design jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 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?

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in solar design, 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 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.

Is working in solar design a good career path?

Solar design is a growing field that involves creating system layouts for solar energy installations, requiring skills in electrical design and knowledge of solar technology. It offers opportunities in renewable energy industries, often with a need for certifications and proficiency in design software. The career can be stable and rewarding as demand for solar energy increases globally.

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:

Infographic showing various Solar Design job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,375 per year, or $29.5 per hour.

Design Engineer

CalSolar Inc

San Diego, CA • On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Design Engineer
Supervisor: Engineering Manager
Classification: Full-time, exempt
Location: San Diego, CA. Office
The Design Engineer is responsible for the design coordination, planset production, and permitting of an energy project. For new construction projects, the design engineer works closely with the building AOR, SEOR, and EEOR, ensuring that the building infrastructure can support the energy system architecturally, structurally, and electrically. Internally, the design engineer must work closely with the Engineering Managers, Superintendents, and Project Managers, to tap into decades of solar expertise -- setting up the project for future construction success. The design engineer should have a firm grasp of the state and local building and electrical codes, have excellent time management, organizational and communication skills, all to deliver a fully coordinated, permitted, and buildable planset, on time and on budget. You must currently reside in San Diego or Riverside Counties. This is not a remote position.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES
  • Follow company and department standards/SOPs.
  • Ensure full coordination with building AOR, EEOR, SEOR, EOR, on key coordination points.
  • Successfully communicate with all project stakeholders.
  • 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 with superintendents.
  • Coordinate carport structural sheets and calculations with carport mfg.
  • Coordinate carport lighting and photometrics with lighting mfg.
  • Coordinate with interconnection department on IX applications.
  • Review & QC solar plansets, obtain shop drawing approvals from AOR/GC.
  • Coordinate EE & SE Review/Calcs/Stamp.
  • Submit, track closely, & follow-up on projects through AHJ plan - check.
  • Track and constantly update project process/activity through Scoop platform.
  • Track project time and costs through Miter platform.
  • Ensure accurate inputs within Scoop platform.
  • Maintain sense of urgency with clients and ensure timely deliver of permitted plansets.

TEAM BUILDING & CULTURE
  • Embody and promote the Cal Solar "GRIPT" core values and demonstrate those values in interactions with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Foster open communication, team building, and sharing of best practices amongst all employees, to help create a continuous learning environment that drives team knowledge & preparedness.
  • Encourage employees to take an active role and be accountable for their career growth.
  • Oversee the training and development of all direct reports through the performance planning process and maintaining 1:1 meetings/check-ins, and coordinating with HR to help identify available programs and training that may assist in their professional and personal development.

Required Skills/Abilities:
  • Minimum 2 years of commercial solar design and engineering.
  • A minimum of 50 designed & engineered commercial solar systems projects.
  • Be a current resident in San Diego or Riverside Counties.
  • 2 years of coordinating solar carport designs desired.
  • Full competence in solar and battery design.
  • Proficiency with 208V and 480V 3 Phase electrical architecture.
  • Time management - sense of urgency, ability to pull - plan a critical path schedule.
  • Effective & efficient communication both internally and externally.
  • Project management and organizational skills.
  • High reading comprehension and writing proficiency.
  • Resourcefulness, able to do research on products and code, self starter.
  • Knowledge of state and local codes as it pertains to Solar Energy.
  • General architectural, electrical, and structural competence.
  • Ability to comprehend and create construction plansets and electrical SLD.
  • Ability to QC Solar PV System construction plansets.
  • Ability to coordinate Electrical Tie-ins with EEOR.
  • Experience with project management software such as Scoop.
  • Ability to navigate multiple AHJ plancheck and permit issuance processes.
  • AutoCAD and BlueBeam Competency.

The starting annual base pay for this role is between USD $85K - $120K. The actual base is dependent upon many factors, such as: location, training, transferable skills, work experience, business needs and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.
Benefits:
  • Competitive salaries
  • Health/vision/dental insurance
  • 401(k) plan with 6% match
  • Paid holidays
  • Flexible PTO

About Cal Solar, Inc.:
Passionate About Renewable Energy? Then we're looking for you!
For more than 10 years, California Solar Integrators, Inc. (Cal Solar, Inc.) has developed multi-family and commercial solar projects throughout California. Our systems reliably deliver low-cost solar energy to businesses and multi-family housing communities. We are revitalizing the solar industry with the help of Utility Incentive Programs as well as supporting the state and federal legislative push towards renewable energy. Our experienced sales and estimating teams, engineers and installers, combined with our post-installation system support, provide complete turn-key solutions for new construction and retrofit properties. Service streams include Solar Photovoltaic, Solar Hot Water, EV Chargers, and Energy Storage.
We are always seeking talented individuals! Join a focused and motivated team. Cal Solar, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer (EEO) committed to a culture based on respect and performance.
Cal Solar, Inc is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.