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Solar Development Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Infinity Solar

Software Developer Team Lead

Vancouver, WA

$121K - $152K/yr

The Software Developer Team Lead oversees the development team in all aspects of the software development life cycle, including design, development, coding, testing, and debugging, to deliver high ...

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All JobsSolar Development Engineer JobsSolar Development Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR

Solar Development Engineer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$52K

$102K

$162.8K

How much do solar development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar development engineer in Portland, OR is $101,972.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,300.00 and $112,900.00 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 Portland, OR? For Solar Development Engineer jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Solar Development Engineer jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Solar Development Engineer jobs in Portland, OR are:
Solar Development Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Solar Development Engineer job openings in Portland, OR as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,972 per year, or $49 per hour.
Environmental Project Manager - Permitting & Client Development (Vancouver, WA | Seattle, WA | Po...

Environmental Project Manager - Permitting & Client Development (Vancouver, WA | Seattle, WA | Po...

Burns & McDonnell

Portland, OR • On-site

$130K - $235K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 8 days ago

Burns & McDonnell rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 78 rated construction

Job description

Description
Burns & McDonnell is seeking an Environmental Project Manager with strong business development capabilities to support electric and natural gas utilities; renewable energy projects including solar, battery storage, and wind; data center siting and permitting throughout the Pacific Northwest.
This role combines leadership of complex environmental permitting projects (approximately 70%) with strategic client development and market growth responsibilities (approximately 30%). The successful candidate will manage multidisciplinary project teams while expanding client relationships and identifying new opportunities across the region.
Position Overview
The Environmental Project Manager will lead permitting and compliance efforts for utility and renewable infrastructure projects, while also serving as a trusted advisor to clients and a growth leader within the Pacific Northwest market.
This position requires deep knowledge of federal, state, and local permitting requirements, strong regulatory agency relationships, and demonstrated success managing projects from early planning through construction. The role also requires the ability to identify, shape, and help close new work within existing and emerging client accounts. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of working with multiple clients as a seller-doer with strong current client relationships.
Key Responsibilities
Project Leadership & Delivery
  • Lead environmental permitting projects from planning through approval for a variety of industries, but focused on delivery of electric transmission, distribution, generation, substations, and renewable projects. Experience with midstream natural gas projects is desirable.
  • Manage scope, schedule, and budget to ensure high-quality, on-time, and profitable delivery.
  • Develop permitting strategies and regulatory pathways tailored to project risk and client objectives.
  • Oversee preparation of permit applications, environmental documentation, technical studies, and compliance plans.
  • Serve as primary point of contact with federal, state, and local agencies.
  • Coordinate multidisciplinary teams including natural resources, cultural resources, NEPA/SEPA specialists, and engineering disciplines.
  • Advise clients on regulatory risk, schedule implications, and mitigation strategies.
  • Other duties, as assigned.

Business Development & Client Growth
  • Support and help execute a regional growth strategy for environmental services within the Pacific Northwest utility and renewables markets.
  • Identify and develop new opportunities within existing client relationships and targeted accounts.
  • Participate in proposal development, cost estimating, and client presentations.
  • Build and maintain executive and project-level client relationships.
  • Monitor regulatory, infrastructure investment, and market trends to inform growth strategy.
  • Collaborate across practices and offices to expand integrated service offerings.

Market Focus
Primary focus areas include:
  • Electric utilities (transmission, distribution, substations, generation)
  • Renewable energy developers (wind, solar, battery storage)
  • Infrastructure projects requiring complex environmental permitting within Washington, Oregon, and surrounding Pacific Northwest states
  • Midstream natural gas pipelines and facilities

What Success Looks Like
  • Successful delivery of complex permitting projects for utility and renewable clients
  • Expansion of key client relationships and repeat business
  • Measurable contribution to regional revenue growth
  • Strong collaboration across technical disciplines and offices
  • Recognition as a trusted advisor within the Pacific Northwest market

Qualifications
  • B.S. or M.S. in environmental science, environmental planning, environmental/civil engineering, or related field from an accredited program.
  • Minimum 7 years (10 years preferred) of experience managing environmental permitting projects, preferably within the Pacific Northwest.
  • Demonstrated expertise in federal, state, and local permitting processes, including NEPA and/or SEPA, USACE, state energy facility siting processes, wetlands, threatened and endangered species, stormwater, and related regulations.
  • Experience supporting electric utility and/or renewable energy projects strongly preferred.
  • Proven ability to manage multidisciplinary teams and deliver projects within scope, schedule, and budget.
  • Experience participating in business development, proposal preparation, and client relationship management.
  • Strong communication, negotiation, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to travel within the Pacific Northwest as project and client needs require.

Compensation
$130,000.00-235,000.00 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 Environmental
Primary Location US-WA-Vancouver
Other Locations US-WA-Seattle, US-OR-OR FIELD EMP - Portland
Schedule: Full-time
Travel: Yes, 25 % of the Time
Req ID: 262159
Job Hire Type Experienced #LI-GS #ENS N/A

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About Burns & McDonnell

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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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