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Solar Development Engineer Jobs in Santa Ana, CA

K2 Space

Senior Solar Process Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

Responsible for the development, qualification, and production-scale optimization of K2 solar array processes - including solar module interconnects, bonding, sintering, lamination, deposition ...

K2 Space

Principal Solar Process Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$175K - $200K/yr

Responsible for the development, qualification, and production-scale optimization of K2's solar ... Mentor engineers and establish institutional process knowledge and best practices for solar array ...

K2 Space

Senior Solar Process Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$112K - $144K/yr

Responsible for the development, qualification, and production-scale optimization of K2 solar array processes -- including solar module interconnects, bonding, sintering, lamination, deposition ...

K2 Space

Senior Solar Process Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$112K - $144K/yr

Responsible for the development, qualification, and production-scale optimization of K2 solar array processes - including solar module interconnects, bonding, sintering, lamination, deposition ...

K2 Space

Senior Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

... solar arrays. Scaling to constellations requires engineers who can span technical domains from ... The development timelines, operating environments, mission lifetimes, and cost targets we are ...

K2 Space

Principal Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$175K - $200K/yr

Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today's and ... The development timelines, operating environments, mission lifetimes, and cost targets we are ...

K2 Space

Senior Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

... solar arrays. Scaling to constellations requires engineers who can span technical domains from ... The development timelines, operating environments, mission lifetimes, and cost targets we are ...

K2 Space

Senior Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$140K - $175K/yr

... solar arrays. Scaling to constellations requires engineers who can span technical domains from ... The development timelines, operating environments, mission lifetimes, and cost targets we are ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsSolar Development Engineer JobsSolar Development Engineer Jobs in Santa Ana, CA

Solar Development Engineer information

See Santa Ana, CA salary details

$51K

$100.1K

$159.7K

How much do solar development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar development engineer in Santa Ana, CA is $100,057.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,700.00 and $110,800.00 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 Santa Ana, CA?

For Solar Development Engineer jobs in Santa Ana, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Santa Ana, CA are hiring for Solar Development Engineer jobs?

Cities near Santa Ana, CA with the most Solar Development Engineer job openings:

Solar Development Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Solar Development Engineer job openings in Santa Ana, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,057 per year, or $48.1 per hour.

Supplier Development Engineer, Mechanical

K2 Space

Los Angeles, CA

$110K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by $450M from leading investors including Altimeter Capital, Redpoint Ventures, T. Rowe Price, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Alpine Space Ventures, and others – with an additional $500M in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers – we're mass-producing the highest-power satellite platforms ever built for missions from LEO to deep space.

The rise of heavy-lift launch vehicles is shifting the industry from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance, and we believe this new era demands a fundamentally different class of spacecraft. Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today's and tomorrow's massive rockets, K2 satellites deliver unmatched capability at constellation scale and across multiple orbits.

With multiple launches planned through 2026 and 2027, we're Building Bigger to develop the solar system and become a Kardashev Type II (K2) civilization. If you are a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and you're excited about contributing to the success of a groundbreaking Series C space startup, we'd love for you to apply.

The Role

As the Supplier Development Engineer, Mechanical within the Supply Chain organization at K2 Space, you will be responsible for defining and implementing supplier development strategies for the company. In this role, work closely with engineering, manufacturing, and procurement teams to grow and mature suppliers into strategic partners in support of company critical missions. You will own the continuous evaluation of suppliers, working with them to develop their process and improving their ability to support the company's needs. This role will have high visibility and impact across the organization. Success in this role requires the use of strong communication skills and commodity management experience to systematically grow and mature K2 Space's supply chain.

Responsibilities

  • Assess supplier capabilities, technologies, and their ability to successfully execute manufacturing requirements.
  • Manage Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), rate, and reliability campaigns to enable production.
  • Lead containments, issue ticket resolution, and supplier corrective action efforts.
  • Evaluate supplier quality performance and drive improvements, using scorecards and audits, to ensure compliance to quality standards.
  • Provide program leadership necessary inputs to ensure that product quality, delivery, and cost achieve business and customer expectations.
  • Interface with responsible engineering, production teams, and procurement to define production roadmaps aligned with company goals.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
  • 3+ years in a quality, reliability, supply chain, or engineering role
  • Strong understanding of quality standards and tools (ISO 9001, AS9100, PPAP)
  • Experience managing vendors, suppliers, and strategic technical partners
  • Ability to travel up 25-50% of the time

Nice to Have

  • Expert level knowledge in mechanical commodities such as machined parts, mechanisms, and composites
  • Knowledge of Lean concepts
  • Experience in a new product introduction environment
  • Experience in root cause and corrective action activities
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Experience with data analytics and SQL

Compensation and Benefits

  • Base salary range for this role is $110,000 - $145,000 + equity in the company
  • Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level
  • Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks

If you don't meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged!

If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

Export Compliance

As defined in the ITAR, "U.S. Persons" include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected individuals (e.g., refugees/asylees, American Samoans). Please consult with a knowledgeable advisor if you are unsure whether you are a "U.S. Person."

The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including the export control regulations outlined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). The person hired for this role must therefore either be a "U.S. person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.

Equal Opportunity

K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with K2 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.

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About K2 Space

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

2022

View All K2 Space Jobs