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Solar Development Engineer Jobs in Durham, NC (NOW HIRING)

Strata Solar LLC

Civil Engineer 2

Durham, NC · On-site

Civil Engineer II is responsible for analysis, development and permitting of ground mount utility scale solar farms. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: * Develop and evaluate site constraint ...

Strata Clean Energy

Civil Engineer 2

Durham, NC · On-site

Civil Engineer II is responsible for analysis, development and permitting of ground mount utility scale solar farms. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: * Develop and evaluate site constraint ...

Strata Solar LLC

Designer 3

Durham, NC

$26 - $36/hr

... developer, EPC, and service provider for utility-scale solar and storage systems in the United States. We control and self-perform all processes from our nationwide solar and storage developments, to ...

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All JobsSolar Development Engineer JobsSolar Development Engineer Jobs in Durham, NC

Solar Development Engineer information

See Durham, NC salary details

$47.3K

$92.9K

$148.3K

How much do solar development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar development engineer in Durham, NC is $92,915.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,800.00 and $102,900.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Solar Development Engineer jobs in Durham, NC? For Solar Development Engineer jobs in Durham, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Solar Development Engineer jobs in Durham, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Solar Development Engineer jobs in Durham, NC are:
Solar Development Engineer jobs near you
Staff Solar Performance Engineer - Solar (Multiple Locations)

Staff Solar Performance Engineer - Solar (Multiple Locations)

Burns & McDonnell

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 11 days ago

Burns & McDonnell rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 79 rated construction

Job description

Description The Power global practice at Burns & McDonnell provides a comprehensive approach to power generation solutions from project siting and permitting through turnkey construction and startup and commissioning. Our experience covers the full breadth of renewable power generation technologies, including: utility-scale solar, battery storage, hydrogen, carbon capture, and nuclear plant services.
Burns & McDonnell's Power global practice is seeking to hire an experienced Solar Performance Engineer to support our collection of active utility-scale solar engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) projects through preconstruction, commissioning, testing, and project turnover. This role will focus on solar energy modeling, performance guarantee support, and performance testing for projects typically ranging from 65 MWdc to 400 MWdc.
The Solar Performance Engineer will serve as a technical resource across project phases, helping to establish expected plant performance during preconstruction and validating actual performance during commissioning and testing prior to substantial completion. The successful candidate will work closely with engineering, construction, commissioning, project management, and clients to develop site-specific performance test procedures, analyze SCADA and meteorological data, evaluate equipment performance, detect and resolve performance deficiencies, and support successful demonstration of contractual performance guarantees.
This position is suited for an individual contributor or technical lead who is comfortable operating in both office and field environments. A successful individual is one who can translate plant design assumptions and contractual obligations into executable testing and analytical methods for EPC project delivery.
Responsibilities
  • Develop and maintain project energy models for utility-scale solar projects using PVsyst to support preconstruction, proposal development, technical reviews, and performance guarantee assumptions.
  • Review design inputs and assumptions affecting modeled energy and performance, including meteorological data, equipment selection, loss assumptions, clipping, module soiling, and module degradation.
  • Support the technical review of performance guarantee exhibits, contracts, and test requirements. This includes identifying commercial and technical risks during both contract negotiations and project execution.
  • Develop capacity and availability test procedures in alignment with contract requirements, project design, and industry-accepted performance methodologies.
  • Perform capacity and availability test analyses to validate plant performance, determine pass/fail results, and write technical reports to support substantial completion.
  • Analyze SCADA, inverter, tracker, and MET station data to validate plant behavior, identify underperformance drivers, and support troubleshooting during commissioning and performance testing.
  • Validate equipment and plant-level performance by comparing measured field results to modeled expectations and design intent.
  • Coordinate with peers across the engineering, construction, startup and commissioning, and project management teams in order to prepare projects for successful performance testing and final turnover.
  • Support development of data collection requirements, instrumentation checks, and MET station validation needed for accurate performance testing.
  • Prepare technical memoranda, performance analyses, and test reports that clearly communicate assumptions, results, risks, and recommended corrective actions.
  • Perform on-site commissioning, test execution, punch list resolution, and substantial completion support.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of Burns & McDonnell's performance modeling, testing procedures, templates, and best practices across the solar EPC portfolio by staying up-to-date on industry trends, modeling methodology, and applicable codes or standards.
  • Comply with all company policies and standards, including by promoting a strong safety culture.
  • This role builds on the analytical and cross-functional foundation of Burns & McDonnell's solar engineering work while emphasizing performance validation and project closeout.
  • Support other duties as assigned to drive successful completion and closeout of EPC solar projects.
  • All other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor Degree in Electrical Engineering or related degree from an ABET accredited program.
  • 3 years of related professional electrical engineering experience, with solar EPC consulting experience preferred.
  • Experience with PVsyst for utility-scale solar energy modeling highly preferred.
  • Experience developing and/or executing capacity test and availability test procedures and analyses for solar projects is preferred.
  • Experience analyzing SCADA and MET data to evaluate plant and equipment performance, including inverters, trackers and met stations is preferred.
  • Strong knowledge in standard engineering techniques and procedures.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work methodically and analytically in a quantitative problem-solving environment and demonstrated critical thinking skills.
  • Proficient in standard engineering techniques and procedures.
  • Strong computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite)
  • Strong computer skills include AutoCAD, MicroStation, 2D and 3D rendering programs and other analysis programs.
  • Strong attention to detail, facilitation, team building, collaboration, organization and problem-solving skills.
  • Familiarity with battery energy storage systems or hybrid plant performance is a plus.
  • Engineers in Training-EIT Certification preferred.

Compensation
$110,000.00-175,000.00 Yearly
The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and eligibility to participate in our discretionary year-end incentive bonus program.
Benefits
Our extensive benefits package takes care of you so that you can focus on doing great work. From insurance and disability to time off and wellness programs, we provide the tools to meet your needs. As part of being 100% employee-owned, eligible employees participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in addition to our 401(k) retirement program. For more information, please visit the Benefits & Wellness page.
This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.
EEO/Disabled/Veterans
Job Electrical Engineering
Primary Location US-MO-Kansas City
Other Locations US-MO-Saint Louis, US-AZ-Phoenix, US-MI-Detroit, US-TX-Houston, US-NC-Raleigh, US-IL-Chicago
Schedule: Full-time
Travel: Yes, 25 % of the Time
Req ID: 262168
Job Hire Type Experienced #LI-JJ #PWR

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About Burns & McDonnell

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Burns & McDonnell assists clients of all sizes and industries by providing extensive physical services ranging from assessments, integrated security solutions, and large security architecture designs. Services we typically provide include security and safety system design, threat, risk, and vulnerability assessments, security surveys, security master planning, compliance to federal security programs, independent validation and verification of integrated security system operations, management of installation and maintenance, and staff augmentation to develop and implement facility management and protection processes.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Kansas City, MO, US

Year founded

1898

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