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Solar Development Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

First Solar

Development Engineer IV USA

Perrysburg, OH · On-site

$99K - $140K/yr

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset ... a Development Engineer III at First Solar. * Master's Degree in an engineering discipline or ...

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Solar Development Engineer information

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$49K

$96.2K

$153.5K

How much do solar development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar development engineer in the United States is $96,155.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,500.00 and $106,500.00 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.

More about Solar Development Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Solar Development Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Solar Development Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Solar Development Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Solar Development Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Solar Development Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Solar Development Engineer jobs are:
Solar Development Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Solar Development Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,155 per year, or $46.2 per hour.
Development Engineer IV - Integration USA

Development Engineer IV - Integration USA

First Solar

Perrysburg, OH • On-site

$99K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

First Solar rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 73 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

422nd of 527 rated manufacturers

Job description


First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.
Basic Job Functions:
  • Perform material and device research to enhance perovskite solar cell solar cell performance and stability and to reduce manufacturing cost.
  • Responsible for projects or functions that are highly complex, require significant innovation, and critical to department objectives.
  • Plan, execute, and characterize development engineering experiments in the laboratory and manufacturing environment with strategic foresight. Success requires iterative planning and de-risking over long periods.
  • Applies statistical and engineering methods to optimize organizational effectiveness. Core leader within the group in one or more areas.

Education/Experience:
  • Bachelor's Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 20 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer III at First Solar.
  • Master's Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 15 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer III at First Solar.
  • Ph.D. in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 10 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer III at First Solar.

Required Skills/Competencies:
  • Technical expert and innovator in one area of perovskite processes and/or equipment development.
  • Deep understanding of process/equipment interactions with the ability to develop new solutions.
  • In depth knowledge in several fields from the list of photovoltaic device theory, materials science, process engineering, characterization techniques and other fields relevant to First Solar's technology.
  • Strong sense of project ownership with hands-on and can-do attitude.
  • Strong communication skills across organizations with demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams.

Essential Responsibilities:
  • Identify opportunities for improvement in perovskite solar cell efficiency, material selection, and process/equipment design through engineering, scientific, or empirical methods.
  • Improve state of the art techniques for material analysis, statistical analysis of data, or execution planning of experiments. Develop a work plan that has unclear solution paths.
  • May be responsible to determine and evaluate material specification for improved performance. May be responsible to determine and evaluate tool/equipment specifications.
  • Effective communicator with internal and external partners and customers. Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional efforts as needed.
  • May train, mentor and manage junior and peers on specific subject matters. Specialist within the group.
  • Comply with Company's Environmental, Quality, Safety or any other policies that have been enforced. Contributes to continuous improvement of said policies.
  • Other duties as assigned.
  • Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:
  • Reports to Development Manager.
  • May have direct reports.

Travel:
  • 5% - 10%

Estimated Salary Range:
  • $99,600 - $140,000 Annually

US Physical Requirements:
  • Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to the entire duration of a shift.
  • Will climb stairs on an occasional basis.
  • Will lift, push, or pull up to 37 pounds on an occasional basis.
  • Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis.
  • 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without correction, is required.
  • Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures.
  • May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis.
  • May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis.
  • Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including but not limited to steel toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, protective jacket or apron and arm guards).
  • All associates working on the production floor may be required to wear a respirator at any given time and thus, the ability to wear a respirator is a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair).

Potential candidates will meet the education and experience requirements provided on the above job description and excel in completing the listed responsibilities for this role. All candidates receiving an offer of employment must successfully complete a background check and any other tests that may be required.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: First Solar is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our company.

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