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Solar Development Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Impulse Space

Solar Array Test Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Description As a Solar Array Test Engineer at Impulse, you will play a critical role in designing ... This role owns test development from requirements through data review, focusing on electrical ...

Mundi

Head of Solar

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$200 - $250/hr

Getting that right, at scale, is one of the most consequential engineering challenges in the company. As Head of Solar, you'll own it entirely. From early-stage technology development and module ...

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All JobsSolar Development Engineer JobsSolar Development Engineer Jobs in California

Solar Development Engineer information

See California salary details

$48.4K

$94.9K

$151.5K

How much do solar development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar development engineer in California is $94,895.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,500.00 and $105,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Solar Development Engineer jobs in California?

For Solar Development Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Solar Development Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Solar Development Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Solar Development Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Solar Development Engineer job openings:

Solar Development Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Solar Development Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,895 per year, or $45.6 per hour.

Solar Array Test Engineer

Impulse Space

Redondo Beach, CA • On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Description
As a Solar Array Test Engineer at Impulse, you will play a critical role in designing, planning, and executing testing of solar array systems and subassemblies. This role owns test development from requirements through data review, focusing on electrical performance, mechanical integrity, environmental durability, and flight readiness. You’ll work closely with solar array design, power electronics, systems engineering, and manufacturing teams to ensure robust, compliant, and high-performing solar hardware.

Responsibilities
  • Define and execute electrical performance tests for solar arrays, including I-V characterization and efficiency measurements
  • Plan and run environmental and durability tests such as thermal cycling, UV exposure, vibration, or shock as applicable
  • Develop test plans and procedures from system and component requirements, including acceptance criteria
  • Design, build, and validate test fixtures, harnessing, and high-power setups
  • Partner with design, manufacturing, and suppliers to close test gaps and improve reliability and performance
  • Participate in anomaly troubleshooting, root-cause investigations, and re-test plans


Minimum Qualifications
  • B.S. in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
  • 3+ years of direct experience in hardware test engineering
  • Working knowledge of photovoltaic behavior, electroluminescence, and solar array performance drivers
  • Experience with electrical and thermal instrumentation and DAQ systems
  • Familiarity with environmental and mechanical test methods and lab safety practices
  • Strong data reduction and analysis skills in Python, MATLAB, or similar
  • Clear communicator with solid technical documentation skills


Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline
  • Direct experience testing solar arrays or photovoltaic hardware
  • Familiarity with PV and aerospace qualification standards relevant to solar array testing, including IEC, UL, MIL-STD, NASA, and ECSS standards
  • Experience with thermal-vacuum testing, radiation or UV degradation testing, or arc-fault characterization
  • Demonstrated ability to drive cross-functional closure of test anomalies and design improvements

Additional Information:
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
Impulse Space’s spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies. Learn more about the ITAR here.  
Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.