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Solar Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Solar Project Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85 - $120/hr

Solar Landscape is open to providing relocation assistance for qualified candidates who are not ... Coordinate design and permitting activities with engineering team and local authorities. * Work ...

Solar Engineer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Summary Provide electrical engineering design of renewable energy projects. Design to include interconnection drawings, electrical permit/construction drawings, calculations and close‑out documents.

Solar Installer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21.50 - $28.25/hr

Cares about leading the way in construction, engineering, manufacturing and renewable energy. Cares ... The Solar Installer is accountable for solar installation, inspection, testing, troubleshooting ...

Solar Installer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21.50 - $28.25/hr

Cares about leading the way in construction, engineering, manufacturing and renewable energy. Cares ... The Solar Installer is accountable for solar installation, inspection, testing, troubleshooting ...

Solar Installer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21.50 - $28.25/hr

Cares about leading the way in construction, engineering, manufacturing and renewable energy. Cares ... The Solar Installer is accountable for solar installation, inspection, testing, troubleshooting ...

Senior Solar Project Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$102K - $132K/yr

Nexamp is seeking to hire a Senior Solar Project Engineer to join its Project Engineering team. In this role, you will lead engineering execution for complex solar and energy storage projects ...

Senior Solar Project Engineer

Chicago, IL

$102K - $132K/yr

Nexamp is seeking to hire a Senior Solar Project Engineer to join its Project Engineering team. In this role, you will lead engineering execution for complex solar and energy storage projects ...

Showing results 41-60

Solar Developer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$17

$54

$84

How much do solar developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for solar developer in Chicago, IL is $54.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.59 and $66.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a solar developer?

Solar Developers are professionals who manage the planning, development, and execution of solar energy projects. They identify suitable sites, secure permits, arrange financing, and coordinate construction to bring solar power installations online. Solar Developers work closely with landowners, government agencies, engineers, and utility companies to ensure projects are completed efficiently and in compliance with regulations. Their work is crucial for increasing the adoption of renewable energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

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

To thrive as a Solar Developer, you need expertise in renewable energy project development, strong knowledge of permitting and regulatory processes, and a background in engineering, environmental science, or related fields. Familiarity with project management software, GIS mapping tools, and financial modeling platforms is typically required, and certifications like NABCEP can be advantageous. Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills help you collaborate with stakeholders, secure land agreements, and navigate project challenges. These skills are crucial for successfully advancing solar projects from concept to completion while ensuring regulatory compliance and stakeholder satisfaction.

What are the typical challenges a solar developer faces during project development and how are they addressed?

Solar Developers often encounter challenges such as securing suitable land, navigating complex permitting processes, and managing stakeholder expectations. These obstacles are addressed by conducting thorough site assessments, building strong relationships with local authorities, and maintaining clear communication with landowners and community members. Additionally, successful Solar Developers collaborate closely with engineers, legal teams, and financiers to ensure projects remain on track and compliant with regulations, paving the way for smooth project execution.
Infographic showing various Solar Developer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,218 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

Solar Project Manager

Solar Landscape, LLC

Chicago, IL • On-site

$85 - $120/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

About The Role

We are seeking a Project Manager to oversee the full lifecycle of our solar projects. This role includes managing project planning, budgeting, procurement, construction, scheduling, reporting, and risk mitigation. The Project Manager will provide both leadership and technical guidance, collaborating across teams and with external partners to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget.

This role is based in Illinois (Greater Chicago area). Solar Landscape is open to providing relocation assistance for qualified candidates who are not currently located in Illinois.

Responsibilities
  • Plan, budget, manage, and complete PV projects of moderate complexity, or multiple projects of lesser complexity simultaneously.
  • Coordinate design and permitting activities with engineering team and local authorities.
  • Work with Safety Manager to develop Site Specific Health and Safety Plans and implement safety procedures.
  • Manage Quality Control and develop/implement Site Specific Quality Management Plan.
  • Develop construction schedules for assigned projects.
  • Solicit, negotiate, and execute subcontracts and purchase orders with timely delivery to support the project schedule.
  • Schedule and manage deliveries of materials and equipment. Maintain accurate receiving records and provide timely follow up to missing items, damaged goods, backorders, etc.
  • Plan, execute, and take responsibility for self-performed work and managing labor crews and subcontractors. Plan sequencing, crew-sizes, productivity goals, and monthly labor spend.
  • Execute work and track actual results, adjusting and refining forecasts to reflect actual production.
  • Trains Foremen on pre-planning, surveying, plan reading, productivity, efficiency, economical crew size, quality workmanship, and safety to ensure projects are expeditiously constructed.
  • Act as primary point of contact for Customers and Key Stakeholders while organizing and leading regular meetings.
  • Provide status reports to Senior Management on a regular basis, particularly regarding safety, quality, schedule, and cost forecasting.
  • Complete all job closeout procedures including AHJ inspections, interconnection, testing, documentation, Owner’s Engineer reviews, Independent Engineer reviews.
  • Manage, train, and supervise project team; act as mentor to younger employees to encourage professional growth and career development.
  • Support sales activities with estimates, contract review, and client communication.
  • Build trust and rapport with all Solar Landscape departments.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Construction Management preferred.
  • 5+ years of experience in field construction management.
  • Strong leadership abilities.
  • Proficiency in MS Office Suite, Dynamics 365 (or other construction management software), and Microsoft Project.
  • Deep understanding of rooftop, ground-mount, and carport commercial PV construction methods.
  • Knowledge of behind-the-meter and utility interconnections.
  • Familiarity with Purchase Orders, Subcontracts, PPA, EPC Contracts, and project accounting.
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills.
  • Detail-oriented and self-motivated.
  • Knowledge of construction safety requirements; OSHA 10 or 30 certification preferred.
  • Valid driver’s license with willingness to travel to various job sites.
  • Ability to climb ladders and access building roofs.
  • Authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis.

$85,000 - $120,000 a year

Salary will vary depending on your location and job‑related skills and experience. This is an incentive‑based position with the potential to earn more. For part‑time roles, your compensation will be adjusted to reflect your hours.

Benefits and Perks
  • Training / Professional development opportunities
  • 401(k) with 4% company match
  • Summer Fridays
  • Flexible remote/hybrid work options
  • Paid parental leave
  • Team lunches, events, and stocked kitchens
  • Modern, collaborative office spaces in Asbury Park, New York City, Boston, Chicago, and Baltimore
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Company‑paid life and long‑term disability insurance
ADA Accommodation Statement

Solar Landscape is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact us at hr@solarlandscape.com.

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