1

Solar Development Engineer Jobs in San Leandro, CA

The Engineer, Development - WEST will be responsible for the design and engineering of utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage (BESS) projects in early-stage development ...

About The Role As the Solution Engineer, you will focus on early customer engagement and strategy, proposal development, project optimization, and growing our pipeline of solar power applications.

Solution Engineer

Oakland, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

About The Role As the Solution Engineer, you will focus on early customer engagement and strategy, proposal development, project optimization, and growing our pipeline of solar power applications.

... engineer who is self-driven, resilient and passionate about R&D work that may stretch over years ... Solar Inverters, Motor drives Established track record of innovations in enabling technical ...

Future Opportunities at Swift Solar

San Carlos, CA ยท On-site

$62.50 - $86/hr

Process Engineers: Driving the development and scale-up of thin-film processes. * R&D Scientists: Pioneering advances in the field of perovskite solar PV technology. * Software Engineers: Developing ...

Civil Engineer

Oakland, CA ยท On-site

$115 - $150/hr

... land development, or construction - preferably within the utility-scale or commercial solar ... Professional Engineering (PE) license. * Experience with 2D CAD and 3D CAD tools, such as Civil3D ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Solar Development Engineer information

See San Leandro, CA salary details

$55.4K

$108.7K

$173.5K

How much do solar development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar development engineer in San Leandro, CA is $108,688.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,900.00 and $120,400.00 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 cities near San Leandro, CA are hiring for Solar Development Engineer jobs?

Cities near San Leandro, CA with the most Solar Development Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Solar Development Engineer job openings in San Leandro, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,688 per year, or $52.3 per hour.

Development Engineer

IPL (Indiana)

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Develop preliminary plant designs, site layouts, and single-line diagrams for utility-scale solar PV and BESS projects.

  • Model energy production and battery dispatch, and support project sizing and system analysis.

  • Support the development team with technical due diligence, permit applications, and responses to offtake requests for proposals.


Job description

Are you ready to be part of a companythat'snot just talking about the future, but actively shaping it? Join The AES Corporation, the largest US-based global power company witha teamof 8,300employees across 12 countries.
AES has beenranked #1 byBloombergNEFin renewable energy sales to corporations in the US and Americas for five consecutive years, providing electricityformillions of peopleworldwide.
We are proud to foster a strong workplace culture, earning prominent positions in Great Place to Work rankings across the markets where weoperate. AES was also named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the 13th consecutive year in 2026, highlighting our dedication to integrity, transparency, and responsible business practices.

Our spirit of innovation continues to earn industry recognition. AES is the only seven-time winner of the Edison Electric Institute's Edison Awards in the twenty-first century, a distinction honoringglobal leadership in advancing the electric power industry.
Ifyou'reready to be part of a companythat'snot just adapting to change, but driving it, AES is the place for you.We'renot just building a more sustainable future,we'repowering it. Apply now and energize your career with a true leader inglobalenergy.


The Engineer, Development - WEST will be responsible for the design and engineering of utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage (BESS) projects in early-stage development within the West region. Technical responsibilities include production and dispatch modeling, facility layout, project sizing, and preliminary system analysis in support of early-stage cost estimates. They will coordinate internal resources for drafting and civil/geotechnical engineering to complete the layouts and designs. The Engineer will also support the development team to prepare responses to offtake requests for proposal (RFPs), permit applications, interconnection applications, and perform technical due diligence to optimize the facility design.

The Engineer will join a team of utility-scale development engineers reporting to the West region development engineering manager. They will support senior team members on technical and engineering matters for assigned projects and may serve as the lead project engineer at the discretion of the West region development engineering manager.

The successful candidate will have direct design experience with PV and BESS systems and battery energy storage systems. Excellent communication, task management and planning skills are required, in addition to technical breadth.

The position is at one of AES US Renewables & Power offices or remote and will include up to 10%travel to project locations and partner offices.

Key Responsibilities

Project Development

  • Develop preliminary plant designs, site layouts, and single-line diagrams working with internal CAD and interconnection teams for greenfield development, M&A, and RFP-support projects.

  • Select primary project equipment (inverters, PV modules, batteries, trackers, etc.) based on internal guidance on site conditions, utility requirements, and project schedule.

  • Model energy production (using PVsyst and/or Solar Farmer) and battery dispatch.

  • Conduct site evaluations, both remote and in-person, to assess project suitability, technical constraints, and constructability.

  • Perform technical diligence on third party-prepared production estimates, site plans, product documentation, and meteorological data.

  • Support internal estimating, development and commercial teams on project pricing and value engineering exercises.

Growth and Leadership

  • Contribute to process and design tool improvement initiatives for more accurate cost estimate and efficiently produced preliminary facility designs.

  • Identify changing trends in project development and provide feedback.

Safety

  • Attend site safety walks and identify jobsite hazards.

  • Obtain and maintain safety certifications: NFPA 70E, OSHA 10, and CPR/First Aid

  • Lead by example.

Skills and Qualifications

Primary Qualifications

  • Undergraduate degree in engineering (electrical or mechanical preferred) or equivalent technical field.

  • 3+ years professional experience in energy system design or consulting. Advanced degrees in a related field may be credited towards years of experience.

  • Proficiency with common renewable energy system modeling tools and packages including PVsyst, Solar Farmer, SAM (System Advisor Model), and AutoCAD.

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to successfully work cross-functionally across a large organization.

  • Self-starter with ability to work effectively in a remote and/or distributed team environment.

  • Ability to effectively manage third party consultants, vendors, and internal stakeholders.

  • Proficient with MS Office Suite.

Nice to have

  • Graduate degree in engineering

  • EIT or PE qualifications

  • NABCEP PV Installation Professional certification

  • Substation/high voltage design experience

  • Structural/civil/SCADA/Commissioning engineering design experience

  • Experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D

  • Experience in technologies such as wind, green hydrogen, hydroelectric, nuclear, or data centers

AES is an Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed to building strength and delivering long-term sustainability through diversity and inclusion. Respecting all backgrounds, differences and perspectives enables us to improve the lives of our people, customers, suppliers, contractors, and the communities in which we live and work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, race, national origin, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. E-Verify Notice: AES will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.The expected salary for this position, at commencement of employment, is between $94,000 and $112,625/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position also includes annual bonus. The benefits offered for this position are: medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, 401(k) eligibility, and paid time off (including vacation, sick leave time, and parental leave). Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if a candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.Apply by clicking the application link below and submitting your information. The deadline to apply for this role is