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Solar Designer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Designer II - Civil

Denver, CO · On-site

$73K - $85K/yr

As a Designer II - Civil , you will join our growing civil engineering team and contribute to a ... RENEWABLES experience, specifically solar design, is preferred. * Ability to work independently on ...

As a Designer II - Civil , you will join our growing civil engineering team and contribute to a ... RENEWABLES experience, specifically solar design, is preferred. * Ability to work independently on ...

Product Designer About Us Our mission is to electrify the world's homes for healthy and sustainable ... Relevant industry experience: residential construction, electrification, HVAC, CAD, Solar, or ...

Product Designer About Us Our mission is to electrify the world's homes for healthy and sustainable ... Relevant industry experience: residential construction, electrification, HVAC, CAD, Solar, or ...

At Zero, Product Designers are individual contributors that report to a Lead Designer. You will ... Relevant industry experience: residential construction, electrification, HVAC, CAD, Solar, or ...

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Solar Designer information

See Colorado salary details

$14

$26

$40

How much do solar designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for solar designer in Colorado is $26.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.73 and $31.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Solar Designers?

Solar Designers are professionals who specialize in planning and creating solar energy systems for residential, commercial, or industrial use. They assess a site’s solar potential, design the layout for solar panel installations, and ensure the system meets both the client’s needs and regulatory standards. Their work involves using specialized software to model energy production, account for shading and orientation, and create detailed installation plans. Solar Designers play a crucial role in making sure solar projects are efficient, safe, and cost-effective.

How does a Solar Designer typically collaborate with engineers and project managers during the solar project lifecycle?

Solar Designers work closely with engineers to ensure that their system layouts are technically viable and meet safety and regulatory standards. They also collaborate with project managers to align design timelines with overall project schedules and to address site-specific challenges, such as shading or roof structure. Regular meetings and design reviews help identify potential issues early, improving project efficiency. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as changes in design can impact installation timelines and costs.

What is the difference between Solar Designer vs Solar Installer?

AspectSolar DesignerSolar Installer
CredentialsTypically requires engineering or technical certifications, design experienceRequires installation certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, CAD software, client meetingsConstruction sites, rooftops, outdoor environments
Industry UsageInvolved in planning, designing, and system layoutInvolved in physical installation and wiring

Solar Designers focus on creating system plans, layouts, and ensuring optimal performance, often working in offices with CAD tools. Solar Installers physically set up the systems on-site, handling installation, wiring, and safety. Both roles are essential in the solar industry but differ in daily tasks and required skills.

What Is a Solar Designer?

A solar designer develops an energy solution using a photovoltaic system to boost performance and improve power efficiency. In this career, you conduct an assessment of the current situation and install the cells and modules in compliance with local building codes. You then connect it to the existing equipment and test its integrity. You also seal it for peak sustainability and energy cost-savings. Many solar designers work as self-employed contractors. While you typically work on standalone projects, you may find some opportunities with solar power farms. The responsibilities are physically demanding, and adherence to safety standards to prevent falls is imperative.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Solar Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Solar Designer, you need a solid understanding of electrical and mechanical engineering principles, proficiency in solar PV system design, and typically a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with design software like AutoCAD, PVsyst, Helioscope, and relevant certifications such as NABCEP are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication make someone stand out in this role. These skills are crucial for creating efficient, safe, and code-compliant solar energy systems that meet client needs and regulatory standards.
What are popular job titles related to Solar Designer jobs in Colorado? For Solar Designer jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Solar Designer jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Solar Designer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Solar Designer jobs in CO? For Solar Designer jobs in CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Solar Designer job openings in Colorado as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $56,027 per year, or $26.9 per hour.
Civil Designer (Renewable Civil)

Civil Designer (Renewable Civil)

NEI Electric Power Engineering, Inc

Lakewood, CO • On-site, Remote

$32 - $47/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Civil Designer - Renewable Civil
Mid-Level
About the Position
As a mid-level Civil Designer in the Renewable Civil group, you will be responsible for the Civil design of utility-scale solar projects, wind turbine projects, substations site plans, and battery energy storage systems nationwide. This position is primarily responsible for activities related to the site design projects including site planning, grading, erosion control design, hydrology, development of SWPPPs, BMP's, and site permitting. This individual serves as a member of an integrated design team and is responsible for coordinating Civil Design alongside other disciplines to meet project schedules and deliverables.
This opportunity is available to both local / in-office (Lakewood, Colorado) and full-time remote candidates in the state of Colorado.
Essential Responsibilities
  • Performs detailed design of including site plans, grading plan, stormwater modeling, erosion control design, hydrology analysis, development of SWPPPs, BMP's, site permitting, and stormwater reports
  • Produces full design packages including site layouts, gradings plans, drainage design, plan and profile drawings, and construction details
  • Drafts and designs with AutoCAD Civil 3D i.e., mass grading, road corridors, volume earthwork comparisons, surface creation with feature lines and grading objects, etc.
  • Design site infrastructure for renewable energy facilities, including roads, utility layouts, grading and drainage design, and stormwater management.
  • Learn and successfully apply company, client, and project drafting standards.
  • Knowledge in the theory and practices of civil discipline; competent in the fundamental concepts of other disciplines as they relate to Civil Design.
  • Assists with preparation of design documents for Solar Civil Design
  • Reviews of submittals for conformance with specifications and design
  • Checks the work of other designers, drafters, and field service personnel for general quality and accuracy as required
  • Understanding of applicable Codes and Standards
  • Other job-related duties as assigned
Must Have
  • Education: Associates degree in related field preferred
  • Experience: 2 - 5+ years of drafting, design, engineering, or related experience
  • Proficiency with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and Microsoft Office Suite required
  • A strong command of the English language
  • Possesses effective written and oral communications skills
  • Good interpersonal and people skills
  • Must be able to legally work in the United States
Nice to Have
  • Proficiency with GIS would be a plus
Working Conditions
Work Environment:
Work is performed in an office setting and some field work may be required
Travel:
Minimal: 0 - 10%
Physical Activities:
Managerial Responsibility:

Must be able to lift 25lbs.
Team Member is responsible for managing their own work schedule with input from their supervisor and completing assigned tasks.
Team Member should identify discrepancies in assigned work and bring to attention of supervisor or engineer responsible for the project in a timely manner. Team Member's work product should be self-checked in a manner that is suitable for review by the supervisor or engineer responsible for the project.
About NEI Electric Power Engineering
Serving Others. Enriching Environment. Improving Continually. Quality Results. Voted as a top workplace by the Denver Post for four straight years (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024), our values have been woven into the fabric of who we are since 1982, guiding our decision making throughout the years. As an engineering services firm, NEI's mission is to create a great organization that serves people and solves problems.
Since NEI's founding, we have developed a culture of collaboration and accountability across our teams and departments, and externally with our clients across the United States. We believe in two core ideas: hiring great people and celebrating our team members diverse background and unique experiences; bringing in new, unique, and exciting perspectives that can only strengthen NEI as we chart out path into the future.
We are a proud equal opportunity employer and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or genetic information.
Team Member Benefits
We believe that taking care of our team members is of the utmost importance. We strive to foster a community of belonging, professional development, and industry involvement; providing our team with the benefits, tools, and support systems to excel in their roles. Out comprehensive benefits package includes:
  • 100% Employer paid team member premiums for Medical, Dental, Vision, Basic Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability
  • Voluntary Life Insurance
  • 401(k) with employer matching; 100% immediate vesting
  • Annual & discretionary bonus programs
  • Paid vacation and sick time
  • Employer paid licensure (FE/PE), certifications, seminars, & conferences
  • Paid parental leave
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Eight (8) paid holidays including a floating holiday to use at your discretion
  • Annual Team Building
  • Hybrid work environment with remote flexibility
  • Career development, training, and coaching opportunities
  • Pet insurance

NEI Electric Power Engineering participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your completed Form I-9 to confirm your work authorization in the United States.