ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Solar Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Standard Solar

Project Engineer - IPT

Rockville, MD · On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

The Solar PV Project Engineer provides management & oversight to the engineering processes required to advance commercial scale projects from the Preliminary Design phase through the construction ...

Standard Solar

Project Manager (IPT)

Rockville, MD · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

Document meetings with developers, contractors, and internal stakeholders. * Construction Oversight * Manage multiple solar construction projects at various stages. * Oversee EPC relationships ...

Standard Solar

Project Manager (IPT)

Rockville, MD · On-site

Document meetings with developers, contractors, and internal stakeholders. * Construction Oversight * Manage multiple solar construction projects at various stages. * Oversee EPC relationships ...

Standard Solar

Structured Finance Manager

Rockville, MD · On-site

... a developer of, renewable energy projects. Experience in DG solar preferred. * Fluency in financial modeling and familiarity with tax equity and debt structures. * Entrepreneurial mindset with a ...

Standard Solar

Structured Finance Manager

Rockville, MD · On-site

$150K - $160K/yr

... a developer of, renewable energy projects. Experience in DG solar preferred. * Fluency in financial modeling and familiarity with tax equity and debt structures. * Entrepreneurial mindset with a ...

Nexamp

Senior Interconnection Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$118K - $162K/yr

What you'll bring: * 3+ years of relevant experience with a utility, solar developer, Regional Transmission Organization, or consultancy, focusing on technical aspects of interconnection or ...

Nexamp

Senior Interconnection Engineer

Washington, DC

$118K - $162K/yr

What you'll bring: * 3+ years of relevant experience with a utility, solar developer, Regional Transmission Organization, or consultancy, focusing on technical aspects of interconnection or ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSolar Engineer JobsSolar Engineer Jobs in Washington

Solar Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$55.5K

$116.6K

$184K

How much do solar engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar engineer in Washington is $116,605.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $160,300.00 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.

More about Solar Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Solar Engineer jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Solar Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Solar Engineer jobs in Washington? For Solar Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Solar Engineer jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Solar Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Solar Engineer jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Solar Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Solar Engineer jobs in WA? For Solar Engineer jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Solar Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Solar Engineer job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,605 per year, or $56.1 per hour.
Project Engineer - IPT

Project Engineer - IPT

Standard Solar

Rockville, MD • On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Other

PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Standard Solar rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

The Solar PV Project Engineer provides management & oversight to the engineering processes required to advance commercial scale projects from the Preliminary Design phase through the construction process. They manage and coordinate all internal & external engineering design efforts, manage the design process, interact with AHJ & utility needed to support both permitting and interconnection efforts. The Project Engineer is also the primary party responsible for coordination with the Independent Engineer at the end of the project to obtain necessary documentation to close project financing.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Coordinate with structural, electrical, geotechnical, environmental, and civil Professional Engineers during design process to assure the design meets technical and code requirements. Manage professional engineer review process to obtain engineering deliverables.
  • Work closely with and manage 3rd party professional surveyors to document existing site conditions, local and federal codes, underground utility locations and requirements for construction.
  • Participate in meetings and technical presentations to customers, investors, and PV technical community.
  • Provide engineering/technical input and direction to site evaluation and characterization, permitting, power purchase agreements, interconnect agreements, financial modeling, and other project development aspects.
  • provide technical support and management of the interconnection process to place the system in service (receiving PTO)
  • Review specifications for purchases of materials or equipment. Manage and work closely with equipment vendors to identify technical challenges and create innovative solutions.
  • Identify appropriate equipment for use in PV systems and perform technical qualification of vendors.
  • Inspect completed installations and observe operations to ensure conformance to design and equipment specifications and compliance with NEC, operational, and safety standards.
  • Provide on-going technical support to project construction team during construction of PV systems.
  • Maintain constant communication with key members of Sales and other departments as needed to ensure optimal system design, including design workload reporting for forecasting and scheduling.
  • Provide engineering and/or technical input and direction relevant to site evaluation and characterization, permitting, Power Purchase Agreements, Interconnection Agreements, financial modeling, and related project development tasks.
  • Perform electricity tariff analysis, electricity bill analysis, and load versus energy generation analysis.
  • Perform site visits and inspect solar PV systems under construction to confirm they are being built according to the plans and in compliance with all codes, standards, and SSI specifications.
  • Inspect completed installations and observe operations to ensure conformance to design and equipment specifications and compliance with NEC, operational, and safety standards.
  • Review and respond to submittals and RFIs from subcontractors and EPC partners.
  • Provide support to other engineering roles (Development, Design, or Project) and other departments within SSI as directed.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • BS or MS degree in an engineering discipline from an ABET Accredited institution, (i.e., BSEE, BSME, BSCE, BSChE) - Electrical Engineering, Energy Engineering, or Renewable Energy Engineering degrees are preferred.
  • 2-5 years minimum engineering experience; minimum of one year of large-scale solar PV engineering experience.
  • NABCEP PV Installation Professional (PVIP) or PV Design Specialist (PVDS) Certification (PVIP is preferred)
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills are required.
  • Organized with the ability to simultaneously manage multiple design projects.
  • Expert level of proficiency working with current AutoCAD, PVsyst, HelioScope, Google Sketch-up, PVcase and Microsoft Excel software versions, as well as MS Office suite.

POSITION ROUTINELY INTERFACES WITH:
  • Customers and the general public
  • Engineering team
  • Sales and Business development team
  • Construction and estimating department
  • All employees, including Senior and Executive Management

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Conducts work in both a field-type environment and in a professional office setting with local travel to jobsites to conduct inspections.
Physical working conditions may involve the following:
  • Lifting up-to 50 pounds.
  • Extended periods of sitting, walking, standing, reaching, and/or bending.
  • Extended periods of reading fine print on a computer or in paper-based format.

NON-PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Routine aspects of this position may require the following non-physical demands:
  • Analytical and logical reasoning.
  • Problem solving and researching skills.
  • Time management and organizational skills. Self-driven and able to work independently with guidance.
  • Communication skill within office and remote co-workers
  • Full time in-office
  • Professional decorum in a diverse, inclusive environment working environment.

POTENTIAL HAZARDS:
Routine aspects of this position may place the incumbent in situations where they may be susceptible to potential hazards from the following:
  • Trips, slips and/or falls while on customer property.
  • Chemical abrasives used in office and kitchen cleaning.
  • Lifting items up to 50 pounds in weight.
  • Other hazardous conditions on customer premises, not otherwise defined here.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

What Standard Solar employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply