ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Solar Development Associate Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Atlas Copco Airpower N.V.

Buyer

Plymouth, MI · On-site

Will consider associates degree with work experience * Ability to analyze data and recognize cost ... Extensive opportunities for continued development * New challenges and opportunities to learn every ...

New

Corning

Manufacturing Engineering Technician

Hemlock, MI · On-site

$59K - $81K/yr

S.-made solar components. We manufacture hyper-pure polysilicon, high-quality solar wafers, and ... This role partners with Engineering, Development, and Manufacturing teams to improve process ...

glwa

Infrastructure Administrator

Detroit, MI · On-site

Development and enforcement of OT policy and Procedures. * Educate GLWA staff on cybersecurity ... Associate degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or related discipline * A minimum of ...

glwa

Infrastructure Administrator

Detroit, MI

Development and enforcement of OT policy and Procedures. * Educate GLWA staff on cybersecurity ... Associate degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or related discipline * A minimum of ...

G-TECH Services

Be Seen First

Mechanical Technician - Body & Chassis Lab

Warren, MI · On-site

$16 - $21/hr

... solar room, etc.). * Execute durability, development, and problem solving tests to support VDDV ... Associate's degree in Mechanical, Automotive, Engineering Technology, or related technical field ...

Wacker

Customer Service Representative

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$15.75 - $21.25/hr

From vegan food to resource-efficient buildings to solar cells, we develop sustainable solutions ... Associates degree required, Bachelor's degree preferred * Minimum 4 years' customer service ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSolar Development Associate JobsSolar Development Associate Jobs in Michigan

Solar Development Associate information

What is a solar development associate?

Solar Development Associates are professionals who support the planning, permitting, and development of solar energy projects. They assist with site selection, environmental assessments, regulatory compliance, and project coordination. Their work involves collaborating with engineers, landowners, government agencies, and other stakeholders to move solar projects from inception through construction. Solar Development Associates play a key role in ensuring that projects are feasible, compliant, and completed on schedule.

What are some typical challenges faced by solar development associates during the permitting and site selection process?

Solar Development Associates often encounter challenges such as navigating complex permitting regulations, securing land agreements, and addressing community concerns. Each project may involve coordinating with local authorities, utility companies, and stakeholders to ensure compliance and smooth progress. Successful associates need strong problem-solving and communication skills to manage these hurdles and keep projects on track. Being proactive and detail-oriented is crucial when dealing with evolving policies or unexpected site constraints.

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

To thrive as a Solar Development Associate, you need a solid understanding of renewable energy markets, project management, and site assessment, often backed by a degree in engineering, environmental science, or a related field. Familiarity with GIS mapping tools, permitting software, and knowledge of regulatory frameworks are typically required. Strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills help you navigate stakeholder relationships and address project challenges. These skills and qualifications are crucial to successfully initiating, evaluating, and advancing solar projects in a competitive and evolving industry.

What is the difference between Solar Development Associate vs Solar Project Coordinator?

AspectSolar Development AssociateSolar Project Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, environmental science, or related field; knowledge of solar industryBachelor's degree; project management experience; familiarity with solar projects
Work EnvironmentOffice-based with site visits; collaboration with development teamsOffice and field work; coordinating project activities
Employer & Industry UsageSolar developers, renewable energy firmsSolar project management teams, EPC contractors
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Solar Development Associate focuses on early-stage project development, including site assessment and permitting, while the Solar Project Coordinator manages project execution, scheduling, and coordination during construction. Both roles require related skills and work within the solar industry, but they differ in their primary responsibilities and project phases.

Is it hard to get a job in solar?

Getting a job as a Solar Development Associate can be competitive but is achievable with relevant skills such as project management, knowledge of solar technology, and sometimes a background in engineering or environmental science. Entry-level positions may require some experience or certifications, but the industry is growing and offers opportunities for those with the right qualifications.

What are popular job titles related to Solar Development Associate jobs in Michigan?

For Solar Development Associate jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Solar Development Associate jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Solar Development Associate jobs in Michigan are:

Solar Development Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Solar Development Associate job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Director of Procurement & Technical Sourcing

Jackson, MI

Harvest Solar
Clean Energy Semiconductors Manufacturing • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Harvest Solarexternal

$150K - $180K/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

APPLICANTS ONLY - NO RECRUITERS PLEASE
Harvest Solar, an equal opportunity employer, is a Michigan-based company that provides cost-effective renewable energy for agriculture, commercial, and utility customers yielding more energy independence by utilizing solar energy. With in-house design, engineering, installation, and manufacturing, Harvest Solar is a pivotal turnkey operation that believes in expanding energy independence today to achieve a sustainable future for tomorrow. We believe in energy independence and a sustainable future for our children and grandchildren. Our purpose is to empower people to create and use renewable energy by providing them with the best‐in‐class service, products, and experience.
Salary
The salary range for this role is $150,000.00 to $180,000.00 USD, salary commensurate with experience. An Annual Bonus Target representing 10% of your annual base salary/annual wages is paid based on meeting both organizational and individual targets.
Purpose of Position
Under the direction of the Chief Operating Officer and in full compliance with the associate handbook and all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, the Director of Procurement amp; Technical Sourcing will lead the procurement of equipment, materials, subcontracted services, and other critical goods and services required for Harvest Solar's construction and operating activities. This position combines strong commercial and negotiating skills with sufficient engineering and technical knowledge to evaluate product specifications, construction requirements, supplier capabilities, proposed substitutions, and total cost of ownership. The Director will work closely with Engineering, Estimating, Project Management, Construction, and Accounting to ensure purchasing decisions meet project requirements for quality, performance, schedule, risk, and cost. The position will also manage procurement personnel, key supplier relationships, inventory strategy, and subcontractor sourcing.
Major Responsibilities of Position
  • Lead procurement strategy and execution for assigned categories of equipment, materials, services, subcontractors, and capital expenditures.
  • Meet the company's requirements for quality, compliance, volume, availability, schedule, risk, and pricing with respect to purchased goods and services.
  • Develop sourcing strategies and present recommendations to leadership for major purchases, supplier relationships, and supply-chain risks.
  • Lead negotiations of procurement and subcontract agreements within established approval authority and coordinate with executive leadership and legal counsel on material commercial and contractual risks.
  • Review and interpret engineering drawings, bills of material, scopes of work, equipment data sheets, technical specifications, and applicable project requirements to support accurate purchasing decisions.
  • Lead the technical and commercial evaluation of major equipment, material, and subcontractor bids, including identification of scope gaps, exclusions, qualifications, incompatibilities, and lifecycle risks.
  • Accurately normalize and compare complex bids to evaluate specifications, scope, exclusions, schedule, warranty, commercial terms, and total installed cost.
  • Vet and select subcontractors, in partnership with the Project Management team, primarily in the civil, mechanical and electrical trades, through a competitive bidding process that evaluates technical qualifications, scope completeness, safety performance, schedule capability, commercial terms, and overall value.
  • Work with Engineering and Construction to evaluate proposed products, approved equals, alternates, and substitutions before purchase.
  • Develop and maintain familiarity with the technical, installation, performance, warranty, and supply-chain characteristics of solar modules, inverters, racking systems, electrical equipment, energy-storage equipment, and other products used by Harvest Solar.
  • Evaluate suppliers based on technical capability, manufacturing quality, product reliability, warranty support, lead time, financial stability, and total cost - not purchase price alone.
  • Manage key suppliers and subcontractors and hold them accountable for quality, documentation, delivery, responsiveness, and contractual commitments.
  • Identify long-lead and technically critical equipment early and develop sourcing strategies that protect project schedules.
  • Continuously research qualified alternative products, vendors, and subcontractors to reduce costs, mitigate risk, and establish appropriate dual-source options.
  • Support the Estimating team with vendor development, current pricing, technical comparisons, construction budget feedback, and procurement lead-time assumptions.
  • Incorporate lessons learned from installation, commissioning, warranty claims, and field performance into future sourcing decisions.
  • Research cost-reduction opportunities and implement practical measures that preserve required quality and technical performance.
  • Oversee inventory strategy and maintain appropriate stocking levels for critical and frequently used goods.
  • Ensure accurate tracking of material quantities and locations through departmental resources and internal software systems.
  • Work with Accounting to maintain the accuracy of inventory, bills of material, cost of goods sold, month-end counts, purchasing commitments, and associated costs.
  • Work with Project Management and Construction to support timely, complete, and on-budget delivery of goods and services.
  • Work with Engineering to ensure relevant technical specifications and project requirements are accurately incorporated into purchase orders and subcontracts.
  • Maintain visibility into material supplier and subcontract commitments and elevate significant commercial, schedule, warranty, and performance risks to leadership.
  • Maintain and improve practical procurement procedures, controls, approval workflows, and reporting appropriate for the company's operations.
  • Work closely with the Supply Chain Manager on day-to-day material planning, receipt, storage, transfer, and tracking.
  • Manage, develop, and provide direction to departmental personnel.
  • Travel as needed to vendor locations, manufacturing facilities, construction sites, company locations, and industry events, including occasional travel outside normal workday hours.
  • Professionally represent Harvest Solar and support the company's vision and goals.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK PERFORMED BY INDIVIDUALS ASSIGNED TO THIS POSITION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES AND REQUIREMENTS.
Personal Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Attributes)
  • Strong technical judgment and the ability to identify when additional input from Engineering, Construction, Legal, Accounting, or executive leadership is required.
  • Ability to interpret technical specifications, drawings, bills of material, scopes of work, and vendor documentation.
  • Ability to analyze complex bid packages and normalize competing proposals for differences in specifications, scope, exclusions, schedule, warranty, and commercial risk.
  • Strong commercial negotiation, vendor-management, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to balance technical performance, project schedule, supplier risk, and total installed cost when making sourcing recommendations.
  • Strong organizational, planning, prioritization, and follow-through skills, with the ability to manage multiple active procurements and deadlines.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and constructively with internal disciplines, vendors, subcontractors, and leadership, both verbally and in writing.
  • Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel, and the ability to effectively use and learn ERP, purchasing, inventory, and project-management software.
  • High expectation of confidentiality and professional judgment.
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
  • Commitment to continued technical and professional development.
Educational and Certification Background
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, engineering technology, supply chain management, or a related technical discipline. Substantial directly relevant technical, construction, or procurement experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • Seven or more years of progressively responsible experience in technical procurement, construction procurement, engineering, project management, estimating, supply chain, or a related field.
  • Demonstrated ability to interpret technical specifications, drawings, bills of material, scopes of work, and vendor documentation and translate them into accurate purchasing requirements..
  • Experience procuring electrical equipment, mechanical systems, renewable-energy equipment, construction materials, or subcontracted construction services.
    Working knowledge of commercial electrical construction, solar PV systems, energy-storage systems, or comparable technically complex infrastructure.
  • Valid State Driver's License.
Work Environment
  • Primarily an office environment with frequent interruptions and multitasking required; standard office equipment and Microsoft Office are available. This is an in-person role, and Harvest Solar does not have a work-from-home policy. Paid Time Off (PTO) is available to assist with managing time away from the office.
  • Periodic work at construction sites, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and vendor locations, including exposure to construction terrain, weather fluctuations, and construction-site hazards.
  • Occasional overnight travel to support procurement activities, satellite offices, suppliers, projects, or industry-related events. Transportation costs are covered for approved business travel.

Apply