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Solar Development Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Soltage

Associate of Solar Development

Jersey City, NJ · On-site

... Legal or Engineering background into a Business Development role, or from Real Estate into ... Solar experience is valuable, but no solar experience is required for this position. * Willingness ...

Solar Energy Solutions

Solar Installer

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$19.75 - $26.25/hr

Collaborate with engineers and project managers to complete installations efficiently * Perform ... Our goal is to be the defining player in all areas of solar development in Kentucky and the ...

First Solar

Development Engineer IV

Santa Clara, CA

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset ... Plan, execute, and characterize development engineering experiments in a laboratory environment ...

First Solar

Development Engineer IV

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset ... Plan, execute, and characterize development engineering experiments in a laboratory environment ...

Solar Energy Solutions

Solar Installer

Louisville, KY

$20 - $26.50/hr

Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and other technicians to complete projects ... Our goal is to be the defining player in all areas of solar development in Kentucky and the ...

Solar Energy Solutions

Solar Installer

Louisville, KY · On-site

$20 - $26.50/hr

Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and other technicians to complete projects ... Our goal is to be the defining player in all areas of solar development in Kentucky and the ...

Solar Energy Solutions

Solar Installer

Indianapolis, IN

$19.75 - $26.25/hr

Collaborate with engineers and project managers to complete installations efficiently * Perform ... Our goal is to be the defining player in all areas of solar development in Kentucky and the ...

Solar Energy Solutions

Solar Installer

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$19.75 - $26.25/hr

Collaborate with engineers and project managers to complete installations efficiently * Perform ... Our goal is to be the defining player in all areas of solar development in Kentucky and the ...

Solar Energy Solutions

Solar Installer

Louisville, KY · On-site

$20 - $26.50/hr

Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and other technicians to complete projects ... Our goal is to be the defining player in all areas of solar development in Kentucky and the ...

First Solar

Development Engineer I - R&D

Perrysburg, OH · On-site

$68K - $98K/yr

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset ... Apply statistics and engineering methods to optimize workflow and effectiveness. Education ...

Solar Energy Solutions

Solar Installer

Ashland, VA · On-site

$19.50 - $25.75/hr

Our goal is to be the defining player in all areas of solar development in Kentucky and the ... We specialize in the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of residential, commercial ...

Solar Energy Solutions

Solar Installer

Ashland, VA · On-site

$19.50 - $25.75/hr

Our goal is to be the defining player in all areas of solar development in Kentucky and the ... We specialize in the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of residential, commercial ...

First Solar

Development Engineer I

Perrysburg, OH · On-site

$68K - $98K/yr

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset ... Reports to Development Engineer or Development Manager. * May have direct reports. Travel: * 0 ...

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Solar Development Engineer information

See salary details

$49K

$96.2K

$153.5K

How much do solar development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar development engineer in the United States is $96,155.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,500.00 and $106,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical collaboration points between a Solar Development Engineer and other project stakeholders during a solar project lifecycle?

Solar Development Engineers frequently collaborate with a variety of stakeholders, including project managers, environmental consultants, utility representatives, and permitting authorities. Throughout the project lifecycle, they work closely with design teams to optimize system layouts, support permitting processes by providing technical documentation, and communicate with construction teams to address engineering challenges during installation. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as the engineer often serves as a technical liaison, ensuring that all parties are aligned on project goals, timelines, and compliance requirements.

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

To thrive as a Solar Development Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering (electrical, mechanical, or renewable energy), project management, and a thorough understanding of solar technologies, usually supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with software like AutoCAD, PVsyst, and project management tools, as well as knowledge of permitting processes and industry standards, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are important soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and stakeholders. These skills ensure successful project planning, technical accuracy, and the efficient development of solar energy projects from concept to completion.

What does a Solar Development Engineer do?

A Solar Development Engineer is responsible for designing, planning, and overseeing the development of solar energy projects. They evaluate site feasibility, select appropriate solar technologies, and ensure compliance with regulations and safety standards. Their work also involves coordinating with project managers, construction teams, and regulatory agencies to bring solar projects from conception to completion. Additionally, they analyze data on energy production and system performance to optimize efficiency. This role is essential for advancing renewable energy initiatives and supporting the transition to sustainable power sources.

What is the difference between Solar Development Engineer vs Solar Project Manager?

AspectSolar Development EngineerSolar Project Manager
CredentialsBachelor's in engineering, renewable energy certificationsBachelor's in engineering, project management certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, technical analysis, site assessmentProject planning, team coordination, stakeholder communication
Industry UsageDesign and technical development of solar projectsOverseeing project execution from start to finish

While both roles are integral to solar projects, the Solar Development Engineer focuses on technical design and site analysis, whereas the Solar Project Manager oversees project execution, timelines, and stakeholder communication. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the solar industry.

More about Solar Development Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Solar Development Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Solar Development Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Solar Development Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Solar Development Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Solar Development Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Solar Development Engineer jobs are:
Solar Development Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Solar Development Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 20% Temporary. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,155 per year, or $46.2 per hour.
Solar PV Design Engineer

Solar PV Design Engineer

Eagle Creek Renewable Energy LLC

Boston, MA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

About the role: We are a rapidly growing community solar developer seeking a Solar PV Design Engineer to support the origination, development, and advancement of distributed generation and community solar projects across New York, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Maryland.
This role is focused on development-stage engineering, conceptual design, energy modeling, and project optimization. The successful candidate will work directly with development, interconnection, real estate, and project execution teams to evaluate new opportunities, maximize project value, and reduce development risk.
Unlike a traditional EPC engineering role, this position emphasizes site feasibility analysis, conceptual layouts, PVsyst modeling, utility coordination, and strategic project development support rather than detailed construction engineering.
The ideal candidate is comfortable evaluating multiple sites simultaneously, making design recommendations with limited information, and supporting investment decisions throughout the project development lifecycle.
This position is classified as remote, with candidates expected to work east coast (EST) business hours. Key Responsibilities:
Site Feasibility & Conceptual Design
  • Develop conceptual site layouts for community solar projects throughout the development process.
  • Evaluate greenfield and brownfield sites for solar development suitability.
  • Identify and quantify development constraints including environmental setbacks, wetlands, topography, floodplains, utility easements, zoning requirements, and access considerations.
  • Create optimized layouts that maximize project economics while maintaining constructability and permitting viability.
  • Support land acquisition and origination teams through rapid site assessments and technical due diligence.
Energy Modeling & Project Optimization
  • Develop and maintain bankable energy production models using PVsyst.
  • Perform sensitivity analyses evaluating equipment selection, tracker configuration, terrain impacts, row spacing, and system losses.
  • Support project financing and investment decisions through production forecasting and technical analysis.
  • Continuously optimize project designs to improve energy yield, project returns, and overall portfolio value.
Utility & Interconnection Support
  • Support utility interconnection applications and technical reviews.
  • Coordinate with utilities, consultants, and engineering partners throughout the interconnection process.
  • Maintain familiarity with community solar utility requirements and interconnection processes across major development markets including New York, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Maryland.
Development Engineering
  • Provide technical support to development teams throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Review surveys, environmental reports, geotechnical studies, and utility documentation.
  • Coordinate with civil, structural, and electrical engineering consultants as projects advance through development.
  • Support permitting efforts through preparation of technical exhibits, site plans, and engineering documentation.
  • Assist with project budgeting, preliminary engineering cost estimates, and development risk assessments.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner closely with Development, Real Estate, Interconnection, Finance, and Construction teams.
  • Present technical recommendations that support project investment decisions.
  • Support a growing pipeline of projects at varying stages of development.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of development engineering standards, tools, and workflows.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering, or related technical discipline.
  • 1-5 years of experience supporting solar PV project design or development.
  • Experience with community solar, distributed generation, or utility-scale solar projects.
  • Strong proficiency in PVsyst.
  • Working knowledge of AutoCAD.
  • Understanding of utility interconnection processes and solar development workflows.
  • Ability to evaluate sites and make design recommendations with limited information.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting projects in New York, Illinois, Massachusetts, or Maryland.
  • Experience designing AgPV projects.
  • Knowledge of NYSERDA NY-Sun, Illinois Shines, Massachusetts SMART, and Maryland Community Solar programs.
  • Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification.
Why Join Us:
This role provides a unique opportunity to influence project development decisions from the earliest stages of project origination through construction. The successful candidate will play a critical role in shaping a growing portfolio of community solar assets while working alongside experienced development professionals in one of the fastest-growing segments of the renewable energy industry.

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