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Solar Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

The Electrical Engineering Manager is responsible for providing technical engineering information ... Our Renewables expertise includes solar, wind, energy storage, aftermarket services, substations ...

The Electrical Engineering Manager is responsible for providing technical engineering information ... Our Renewables expertise includes solar, wind, energy storage, aftermarket services, substations ...

Quality Manager Works closely with: QA/QC Inspectors, Project Engineers, Project Managers, Lead ... Help manage the Quality program for solar energy projects, including roads, foundations, high ...

Quality Manager Works closely with: QA/QC Inspectors, Project Engineers, Project Managers, Lead ... Help manage the Quality program for solar energy projects, including roads, foundations, high ...

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Solar Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$46K

$96.7K

$152.6K

How much do solar engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar engineer in Iowa is $96,701.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,400.00 and $132,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Solar Engineer do?

A Solar Engineer designs, develops, and oversees the installation and maintenance of solar energy systems, such as solar panels and photovoltaic cells. They work to optimize the efficiency and reliability of these systems for residential, commercial, or industrial use. Solar Engineers also assess project sites, perform technical analyses, and ensure compliance with regulations and safety standards. Their work helps advance the adoption of renewable energy and reduce environmental impact.

How much money do solar engineers make?

Solar engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Senior or specialized solar engineers can earn higher salaries, especially when working on large-scale projects or in regions with high demand for renewable energy expertise.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

A senior or specialized engineer, such as a petroleum engineer, aerospace engineer, or software engineer in high-paying industries, can earn $500,000 or more annually. These roles often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes leadership or executive responsibilities.

What do you do as a solar engineer?

A solar engineer designs, develops, and tests solar energy systems, including photovoltaic panels and solar thermal collectors. They analyze site conditions, create system layouts, and ensure installations meet safety and efficiency standards, often using tools like CAD software and requiring technical certifications. Their work supports the deployment of renewable energy solutions in various environments.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and relevant certifications. Roles in management or with significant technical expertise and leadership responsibilities can also reach this salary level.

What are some common challenges Solar Engineers face when working on large-scale solar projects?

Solar Engineers working on large-scale projects often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, managing project timelines, and addressing site-specific constraints like land availability or local weather conditions. Ensuring regulatory compliance and grid connectivity can also be complex due to varying regional requirements. Effective communication and adaptability are essential, as engineers frequently collaborate with construction teams, suppliers, and local authorities to keep projects on track.

What is the difference between Solar Engineer vs Solar Technician?

AspectSolar EngineerSolar Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; certifications like NABCEP (optional)High school diploma or technical training; NABCEP certification preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign, planning, project management, and system analysisInstallation, maintenance, troubleshooting on-site
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, solar companies, project developersInstallation companies, maintenance service providers

Solar Engineers focus on designing and planning solar power systems, ensuring optimal performance and compliance. Solar Technicians handle the hands-on installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of solar panels. Both roles are essential in the solar industry but differ in responsibilities and required qualifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Solar Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Solar Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or mechanical engineering, with expertise in solar energy systems and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with PV system design software (like PVsyst), CAD tools, and industry certifications such as NABCEP are highly valuable. Strong problem-solving abilities, project management skills, and effective communication set outstanding professionals apart. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and innovative solar solutions that meet both technical and client requirements in a rapidly growing industry.

What Is a Solar Engineer?

Solar engineers plan, design, and execute solar energy projects, from the installation of new solar energy panels on a home to the building of a new solar power plant. Typically, one engineer is required for solar panel installation on a single rooftop. Larger projects, such as new power plants or large panel installations, need multiple solar engineers to handle the logistics. As a solar engineer, you visit the installation site and meet with customers to discuss and resolve any budgetary, feasibility, and design issues. Before any construction begins, you work with designers and engineers to determine the appropriate arrangement of solar panels to maximize efficiency. With the plan in place, you coordinate the teams that are working on the project and procure materials and equipment, create contracts with electrical and building contractors, and communicate with OEM companies to ensure that the parts for the facility are made to the proper specifications. You provide timely written and verbal updates throughout the construction process to the clients. Once the project is complete, you work with the client or the facility’s managers and maintenance personnel to ensure that the site is in good working order and all designs and specifications are available for continued site maintenance.

What are popular job titles related to Solar Engineer jobs in Iowa? For Solar Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Solar Engineer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Solar Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Solar Engineer jobs in IA? For Solar Engineer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Solar Engineer job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,701 per year, or $46.5 per hour.
Assistant Project Manager (Nationwide Travel)

Assistant Project Manager (Nationwide Travel)

Qcells

Ankeny, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Qcells rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description

Assistant Project Manager: 100% Nationwide Travel 

Join Hanwha Qcells USA Corp and support the build of utility-scale solar and energy storage projects across the U.S. This is an evergreen posting for current and future project needs across our solar and BESS EPC portfolio. We are actively building a pipeline of qualified Assistant Project Managers to support upcoming work. 

IMPORTANT: Travel & Relocation Requirement 

  • 100% nationwide travel is required  
  • You will relocate to project sites for 8–12 months at a time  
  • This is a fully on-site, field-based role  
  • Candidates must be comfortable with a project-to-project travel lifestyle 

SUMMARY 

This is an opportunity supporting upcoming solar and BESS EPC projects across the U.S. Assistant Project Managers are placed on project sites for the duration of the build (typically 8–12 months) and then transition to the next project.  

This is onsite, working on the project site, working hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm local time or other working hours the site may establish. Overtime and weekend working hours will be required as needed.  

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITIES   

  • Support Project Managers in the execution of project deliverables, schedules, and timelines
  • Lead procurement processes and coordinate engineering solutions in collaboration with project personnel
  • Acquire and sustain all necessary permits and ensure rigorous adherence to project specifications
  • Track project progress, reporting, and key performance metrics
  • Maintain project documentation and ensure alignment with project specifications
  • Support cost tracking, resource planning, and overall project controls
  • Demonstrate leadership in safety, initiating job hazard analyses, and advocating for safe work practices throughout the project duration

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS  

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or related field with 2+ years of construction experience, or equivalent experience (5+ years in a related field)
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
  • Experience with construction scheduling, CPM logic, and industry best practices
  • Willingness to travel full-time (100% nationwide)
  • Fluent in written and spoken English

BENEFITS 

  • 100% Employer Paid premiums for medical, dental and vision  
  • 100% Employer Paid life, disability, community service leave and more 
  • 401k with company match 
  • Paid time off, holidays and other paid leave 
  • Education Reimbursement 
  • Cell Phone Reimbursement

EXAMPLE OF PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

  • Able to climb and maintain balance on ladders, scaffolding, stairways, etc.  
  • Stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, or work at elevated heights as well as in confined spaces (towers, vessels, excavations, etc.)   
  • Able to walk or move continuously while carrying 50 lbs. of tools and/or materials. It is recommended to get assistance to lift items over 50 lbs
  • Must be able to stand or walk for long periods of time 

Hanwha Qcells is proud to be an at-will Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status and any other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law.  This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. 

It is important to note that the job descriptions provided by Qcells USA Corp are not intended to be comprehensive lists of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the positions. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice, reflecting our dynamic and evolving work environment. 

We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals.  As part of this commitment, Hanwha Qcells will provide reasonable accommodations to all qualified individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and/or receive other benefits and privileges of employment.  Please contact us to request accommodations at hr-usa@qcells.com. 


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