Solar Energy Systems Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

We are the independent expert in assurance and risk management. Driven by our purpose, to safeguard life, property, and the environment, we empower our customers and their stakeholders with facts and reliable insights so that critical decisions can be made with confidence.

As a trusted voice for many of the world's most successful organizations, we use our knowledge to advance safety and performance, set industry benchmarks, and inspire and invent solutions to tackle global transformations.

We help customers navigate the complex transition to a decarbonized and more sustainable energy future. We do this by assuring that energy systems work safely and effectively, using solutions that are increasingly digital. We also help industries and governments to navigate the many complex, interrelated transitions taking place globally and regionally, in the energy industry.

Do you want to be a part of an innovative and high-performing team?

Do you enjoy turning complex data into decisions that shape the future of solar energy?

DNV Energy Systems' Renewables and Power Grids group is currently seeking a Senior Solar Energy Analyst to join our Solar Energy Assessments team. In this role, you will be a part of a data-driven organization, providing solar resource and energy assessment services for solar projects across North America.

Within DNV, organizational culture and how we collectively influence the world for future generations matters deeply to us. Our team works every day to increase the widespread deployment and operation of renewables to address climate change and positively impact society; endeavors to achieve our purpose through the success of our customers; and strives to be high-performing and innovative. Our approach reflects the equity, respect, and diversity we wish to see in the world.

This role is based at any of our Renewables Advisory DNV North American offices; however, candidates located in or willing to relocate to the following markets will be given preference: Portland, OR, San Diego, CA, Oakland, CA, Medford (Boston), MA, Seattle, WA, Austin, TX, Houston, TX and Oak Brook (Chicago), IL.

Further details regarding role-specific requirements will be shared during the interview process.

Keep in mind that this list is not all inclusive.

• Conduct long-term solar resource and energy production assessments for utility-scale, distributed generation, commercial & industrial, community solar, residential, and hybrid renewable energy projects. Analyze solar and climatic datasets, perform energy modeling, predict energy production, and conduct statistical uncertainty analyses.
• Analyze operational production and performance data from solar plants, evaluate resource variability, derive modeling parameters, assess system losses including degradation, and support the development of bankable energy yield assessments for project development, financing, acquisition, and operational decision-making.
• Ensure deliverable quality according to DNV's standards: As one of the Senior Solar Energy Analysts on the Solar Energy Assessment team, you will prepare technical reports, collaborate with team members on appropriate assumptions and methodologies, communicate technical findings and project outcomes to customers and other project stakeholders, and conduct technical review and quality assurance activities while contributing to the continuous improvement of DNV's solar energy assessment methodologies and deliverables.
• Be a part of a trusted and independent data-driven culture: Work with DNV's team of analysts to ensure the latest industry methods, tools, and technologies are implemented. Contribute to process improvements, support the development and maintenance of analytical tools and software workflows, and develop as a trusted expert through technical rigor, innovation, and quality execution.

• Generous paid time off (vacation, sick days, company holidays, personal days)
• Multiple Medical and Dental benefit plans to choose from, Vision benefits
• Spending accounts FSA, Dependent Care, Commuter Benefits, company-seeded HSA
• Employer-paid, therapist-led, virtual care services through Talkspace
• 401(k) with company match
• Company provided life insurance, short-term, and long-term disability benefits
• Education reimbursement program
• Flexible work schedule with hybrid opportunities
• Charitable Matched Giving and Volunteer Rewards through our Impact Program
• Volunteer time off (VTO) paid by the company
• Career advancement opportunities

Benefits vary based on position, tenure, location, and employee election

DNV provides a reasonable range of compensation for this role. The actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors, including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, and specific location. The range of starting pay for this role is $110,000 - $170,000 USD.

DNV is a proud equal-opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, or business need, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

DNV is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunity, including providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. US applicants with a physical or mental disability who require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process may contact the North America Recruitment Department (hrrecruitment.northamerica@dnv.com). Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially.

For more information https://www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal

• Bachelor's Degree in relevant engineering, atmospheric science, mathematics, environmental science, or related quantitative field.
• Minimum Five (5) years of experience performing a similar role in North America.
• Comprehensive understanding of solar resource assessment principles, solar energy production modeling, solar plant performance analysis, and photovoltaic system operation.
• Experience conducting Measure-Correlate-Predict (MCP) analyses and understanding solar resource variability and its impact on long-term energy estimates.
• Strong statistical data‑analysis skills, with proficiency in Excel, Python, or other data‑analysis software.
• Proficiency with Python data science packages (e.g., Pandas, NumPy), Jupyter notebooks, version control systems (e.g., Git), and software development workflows.
• Experience with industry-standard solar modeling software such as SolarFarmer, PlantPredict, PVcase, PVSyst, pvlib, SAM, or similar tools.
• Ability and experience using approved AI tools to accelerate data analysis, coding, quality checks, research, and technical drafting while independently validating outputs and protecting confidential information.
• Curiosity and a continuous‑improvement mindset, with the ability to identify opportunities to enhance analytical methods, automate repeatable workflows, and improve the quality and efficiency of project delivery.
• Ability to critically evaluate analytical outputs, identify inconsistencies, and investigate unexpected results
• Proficiency with MS Office applications including Word and Excel.
• Strong overall computer skills and ability to learn multiple software tools.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated excellence in written English communication and presentation abilities.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly and concisely to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Proven QHSSE mindset.
• We conduct pre-employment drug and background screening

Physical Demands and Work Environment: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Able to sit for long periods of time when working in the office.
• Repetitive tasks, typing, sitting and interacting with computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) most of the day.
• Most frequently working in an indoor, environmentally controlled environment.

• Advanced Degree in engineering, atmospheric science, data science, renewable energy, or a related field.
• At least Eight (8) years of experience performing solar energy assessments within a consulting environment or renewable energy developer organization, including direct interaction with customers, project stakeholders, and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Experience managing customer relationships and participating in customer‑facing technical discussions, presentations, and project meetings.
• Demonstrated ability to balance technical rigor, customer expectations, and commercial considerations while managing multiple projects and deadlines.

*Immigration-related employment benefits, for example visa sponsorship, are not available for this position

• Generous paid time off (vacation, sick days, company holidays, personal days)
• Multiple Medical and Dental benefit plans to choose from, Vision benefits
• Spending accounts FSA, Dependent Care, Commuter Benefits, company-seeded HSA
• Employer-paid, therapist-led, virtual care services through Talkspace
• 401(k) with company match
• Company provided life insurance, short‑term, and long‑term disability benefits
• Education reimbursement program
• Flexible work schedule with hybrid opportunities
• Charitable Matched Giving and Volunteer Rewards through our Impact Program
• Volunteer time off (VTO) paid by the company
• Career advancement opportunities

Benefits vary based on position, tenure, location, and employee election

DNV provides a reasonable range of compensation for this role. The actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors, including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, and specific location. The range of starting pay for this role is $110,000 - $170,000 USD.

DNV is a proud equal-opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, or business need, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

DNV is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunity, including providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. US applicants with a physical or mental disability who require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process may contact the North America Recruitment Department (hrrecruitment.northamerica@dnv.com). Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially.

For more information https://www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal

• Bachelor's Degree in relevant engineering, atmospheric science, mathematics, environmental science, or related quantitative field.
• Minimum Five (5) years of experience performing a similar role in North America.
• Comprehensive understanding of solar resource assessment principles, solar energy production modeling, solar plant performance analysis, and photovoltaic system operation.
• Experience conducting Measure-Correlate-Predict (MCP) analyses and understanding solar resource variability and its impact on long-term energy estimates.
• Strong statistical data‑analysis skills, with proficiency in Excel, Python, or other data‑analysis software.
• Proficiency with Python data science packages (e.g., Pandas, NumPy), Jupyter notebooks, version control systems (e.g., Git), and software development workflows.
• Experience with industry-standard solar modeling software such as SolarFarmer, PlantPredict, PVcase, PVSyst, pvlib, SAM, or similar tools.
• Ability and experience using approved AI tools to accelerate data analysis, coding, quality checks, research, and technical drafting while independently validating outputs and protecting confidential information.
• Curiosity and a continuous‑improvement mindset, with the ability to identify opportunities to enhance analytical methods, automate repeatable workflows, and improve the quality and efficiency of project delivery.
• Ability to critically evaluate analytical outputs, identify inconsistencies, and investigate unexpected results
• Proficiency with MS Office applications including Word and Excel.
• Strong overall computer skills and ability to learn multiple software tools.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated excellence in written English communication and presentation abilities.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly and concisely to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Proven QHSSE mindset.
• We conduct pre-employment drug and background screening

Physical Demands and Work Environment: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Able to sit for long periods of time when working in the office.
• Repetitive tasks, typing, sitting and interacting with computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) most of the day.
• Most frequently working in an indoor, environmentally controlled environment.

• Advanced Degree in engineering, atmospheric science, data science, renewable energy, or a related field.
• At least Eight (8) years of experience performing solar energy assessments within a consulting environment or renewable energy developer organization, including direct interaction with customers, project stakeholders, and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Experience managing customer relationships and parti